Geology Department
Robert S. Darling, chair
Bowers Hall, Room 342
(607) 753-2815
Fax: (607) 753-4973

Adolescence Education: Science
Rena Janke, co-coordinator
(607) 753-2907
Angela Pagano, co-coordinator
(607) 753-2309

Overview

As an undergraduate majoring in geology or a closely related field, you developed and expanded your knowledge of the way Earth’s systems work. Your study of the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere merged to increase your appreciation of the world around you and fuel your interest in teaching. The M.A.T. in adolescence education: Earth science (7-12) will broaden and deepen your knowledge of the geosciences and help you develop the skills you need to teach Earth science in middle and high school.

Program Highlights

Enhance your knowledge of geology as you immerse yourself in learning about successful classroom teaching. You’ll explore the nature of the adolescent learner in your introduction to adolescence education and advanced developmental psychology classes. Through courses in literacy development, language acquisition and science teaching methodology, you’ll develop teaching strategies that work best with students whose ability, motivation and interests differ widely. In your field experiences and student teaching, you’ll work in public school science classrooms with veteran teachers who support your integration of educational theory with the best teaching practices. 

Culminating Experience

In addition to fulfilling specific requirements for the degree and for New York state teaching certification, you’ll complete a culminating master’s project. 

Environmental Facilities

The Brauer Education Center, SUNY Cortland’s field station near Albany, offers you exceptional opportunities for environmental fieldwork, collaboration with faculty on research projects and weekend outings.

Career Potential

When you earn the M.A.T. in adolescence education: Earth science (7-12), you will have fulfilled the New York State Education Department’s requirements for initial certification in Earth science for grades 7-12. 

 Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program as stated in this catalog, the applicant for enrollment in the program leading to the M.A.T. in adolescence earth science should present the following:

1. Evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree in geology or functionally related area
2. At least 30 credit hours of course work in geology/earth science, including a course in meteorology
3. Eight credit hours in chemistry
4. Three credit hours in astronomy
5. At least eight credit hours of introductory biology plus four credit hours of introductory physics or eight credit hours of introductory physics and four credit hours of introductory biology
6. An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average in the major of at least 2.5
7. Three letters of recommendation from former professors or  professional colleagues who can speak to the candidate’s preparation and competence for teaching science in grades 7-12
8. An interview with the coordinator of adolescence education: science (7-12)
9. Application to the SUNY Cortland Teacher Education Program

Apply for the M.A.T. in adolescence education: Earth science (7-12).