Geology Department
David Barclay, 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.
Graduate Admissions
Evaluation Policy
At the State University of New York College at Cortland we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of
age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.
Required Materials
- Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office indicating a major in geology or functionally related area.
Note: Candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor’s degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
- 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 (submitted online with the application)
Admissions Criteria
Preference will be given to candidates with the following:
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale in all courses, in the major, and in related areas of science and mathematics
- At least 30 credit hours of course 2. work in geology/earth science, including a course in meteorology
- At least eight credit hours of course work in chemistry
- Three credit hours of astronomy
- 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
Deadlines
Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1
Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (607) 753-4800 to check on availability.
