English Department

Matthew Lessig, chair
Debra Brown, 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.

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

1. Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office, indicating a major in a liberal arts area Note: candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. Two letters of reference from undergraduate professors teaching in English, composition or comparative literature courses (submitted online with the application)

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale
2. An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 in English courses, composition or comparative literature courses
3. A minimum of 33 credit hours of approved undergraduate courses in English,composition or comparative literature
4. A foreign language is desirable at the time of admission, but the requirement may be met concurrently with graduate study. Competency in a foreign language is defined as the skill level attained by one year of college-level study or the equivalent of a language other than English.

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 availability.