English Department

Matthew Lessig, chair
Karen Stearns, graduate coordinator
Old Main, Room 112

(607) 753-4307

Fax: (607) 753-5978

Overview

Whether you enjoy immersing yourself in fascinating books like Dracula and The Diary of a Young Girl, the Twilight saga and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or you love to share your perspectives online through tweets and mash-ups, you want to spark a love of learning, literature and life in middle school and high school students. Now that you have your bachelor’s degree in hand, you’re ready to seek a certificate in teaching English in secondary schools by studying for the M.A.T. in adolescence education: English (7-12) at SUNY Cortland. 

Program Highlights

As you study for the M.A.T., you’ll choose course topics that range from Arthurian literature and global multicultural literature to teaching methods, language development and composition. Your fieldwork and student teaching experiences will help you obtain the initial certificate that qualifies you to teach in the public schools of New York state. If you have not already met the language requirement for a year of college-level study or the equivalent in a language other than English, you may take language courses during your graduate study. The M.A.T. Portfolio you compile as you progress through the program will be an asset when you apply for teaching positions.

Small Classes, Strong Mentors 

In our small classes and graduate seminars, you’ll develop lifelong learning friendships with professors who are passionate about teaching and research. Serving as your mentors, these outstanding professionals invite you into a vibrant intellectual community of shared knowledge that’s committed to balancing a well-rounded liberal arts education with excellent preparation for the career path of your choice. 

Flexible Completion Options 

As a full-time student taking 12 or more credit hours per semester, you would be able to complete the program in a year and a half. Our flexible scheduling also offers the option of pursuing the M.A.T. in adolescence education: English (7-12) over multiple years and on a part-time basis.

The M.A.T. is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are seeking a teaching certificate in adolescence education: English (7-12). It is not open to students who already have initial certification in secondary English. The program provides

• the pedagogical course work, practica and student teaching experiences necessary for the initial certificate that qualifies individuals to teach in the public schools in New York State;
• the opportunity for advanced study in English and the language arts; and
• the master’s degree necessary for the professional certificate in adolescence education: English (7‑12).

A minimum of 46-51 credit hours of approved graduate study as described hereafter is required for the M.A.T. A minimum of nine credit hours must be taken at the 600-level.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment in the program leading to an M.A.T. in adolescence education: English (7-12):

1. At least a B average in undergraduate courses in English, composition or comparative literature.
2. A grade point average of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate courses.
3. One year of college‑level study or the equivalent of a language other than English. If this requirement has not already been met, you may take language courses concurrently with graduate study.
4. Two letters of reference. Letters from undergraduate professors teaching in the subject areas identified in number one are required.
5. A minimum of 33 hours of approved undergraduate courses in English, composition or comparative literature.

Other requirements for the award of the degree may be determined by the English Department and must be ascertained by you in consultation with a departmental graduate advisor.

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