English Department
Matthew Lessig, chair
Laura Davies, graduate coordinator
Old Main, Room 112
607-753-4307
Fax: 607-753-5978

Overview

Do you love Shakespeare, Stieg Larsson or Stephenie Meyer? Are you intrigued about examining Diane Ravitch's educational theories, Doris Kearns Goodwin's historical perspectives or John Irving's latest literary masterpiece? Then take the next step to expand on your initial teaching certificate in secondary English. Pursue the master's degree necessary for permanent teaching certification in New York state by studying for the M.S.Ed in adolescence education: English (7-12) at SUNY Cortland.

Program Highlights

Through advanced course work, you'll explore all facets of English and the language arts, teaching methods for literature and critical literacy, language development, composition, American literature and British literature, as well as global and multicultural perspectives. 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. Compilation of a required teaching portfolio allows you to document reflective teaching and learning processes.

Small Classes, Strong Mentors 

In our small classes, you'll benefit from the positive mentor relationship and lifelong learning friendships you develop with enthusiastic faculty members who love to teach and actively conduct research. These outstanding professionals invite you into a vibrant intellectual community committed to balancing a well-rounded liberal arts education with exceptional career preparation.

Flexible Completion Options 

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

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)
4. Documentation of initial certification must be submitted with the application.
5. New York State mandates that all SUNY teacher preparation programs adopt college entrance assessments for admissions consideration.  Effective August 31, 2015 - anyone submitting an application for admission is required to submit scores for either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

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.