School for Graduate Studies

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Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Empire State College's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for career changers seeking certification to teach in schools at the middle-school and high-school levels in math, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, Spanish, French, English and social studies. The general science 5-9 extension certification is available to science students meeting additional criteria.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is an innovative, fast track to the classroom giving students the opportunity to begin teaching full time in just one year. The program is designed for career changers seeking certification to teach at either the middle or high school level.

This three-year program provides the opportunity for the student to become eligible for the New York State Education Department Transitional B teaching certificate after successfully completing just one year of part-time study. Transitional B certification allows students to be employed as a teacher after the first year, while supporting his or her ongoing intellectual and professional development through online courses and face-to-face meetings.

The MAT certification areas are:

  • Middle Childhood Education - Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English; Language other than English (French), Language other than English (Spanish), Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies
  • Adolescence Education - Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Language other than English (French), Language other than English (Spanish), Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies

Program Design

This is a 42 credit, three-year program, of part-time study taught through onsite and online resources. It provides mentoring and other forms of professional development throughout the program including the first two years of teaching.

Upon admission to the MAT program, you are assigned a faculty advisor located in your region of the state. Your faculty advisor, who may or may not be in your content area, will guide you through the program.

First Year

  • Effective Urban Schools
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Exceptionalities: Individualizing Learning
  • Teaching Diverse Learners

Second Year (in-classroom experience)

  • Teaching and Curriculum
  • Mentored Teaching 1
  • Educational Evaluation
  • Mentored Teaching 2
  • Content Area Study

Third Year (in-classroom experience)

  • Literacy
  • Mentored Teaching 3
  • Literacy Across the Curriculum
  • Mentored Teaching: Teaching Portfolio

Transitional B Teaching Certificate Requirements

To qualify for the Transitional B teaching certificate the student must:

  • successfully complete the first year of the MAT program, which incorporates the introductory requirements for the Transitional B certificate
  • complete 50 hours of field experience (including 15 hours in special education settings)
  • obtain passing scores on the LAST and CST and other NYSED certification requirements; (see additional information about upcoming changes to NYS certification examinations at the NYSED website)
  • receive New York state fingerprint clearance
  • complete all required workshops
  • fulfill all content and general-education requirements
  • secure a qualifying teaching position in a New York state approved school

NYS Initial Teaching Certificate Requirements

To qualify for the New York state initial teaching certificate, the candidate must:

  • complete all degree requirements, including two years of successful mentored teaching under the Transitional B certificate
  • pass the required NYS Teacher Certification Examination written assessment of teaching skills test (ATS-W).

MAT Courses for Nondegree Students

If you are a teacher seeking professional development or a motivated adult seeking certification outside a traditional program, consider taking our online and blended courses as a nondegree student. Courses are offered by term.

More Information 

For more details, explore this website, attend an information session or submit a request for information.

Contact Information

If you would like to receive an admissions application packet for this program please contact the School for Graduate Studies grad@esc.edu. An online application is available www.esc.edu/gradapply

Apply for Admission 

To apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching, review the admissions requirements and submit an online application.