School for Graduate Studies

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M.A.T. Program Tracks

There are two tracks within the MAT program: The Transitional B Certification track and the Residency track. Students in both tracks complete the same first year course work.

Transitional B Certification Track

In the first year, students enroll on a part-time basis, completing 15 credits of graduate course work and 50 hours of field experience (15 of which must be in Special Education). Upon successful completion of the first year of courses, meeting New York State (NYS) Education Department requirements and obtaining a qualifying teaching position, students may apply for a transitional B teaching certificate. While employed as an entry-level teacher, MAT degree candidates complete 15 credits in year two of the program and 12 credits in year three. During this period, a mentor teacher in the school setting and an Empire State College faculty member provide instructional support. Successful completion of years two and three of the program result in the award of the MAT degree. Once the graduates successfully pass the final New York State teacher certification exam, they apply for the New York State initial teaching certificate. After one additional year of successful teaching, graduates of the MAT program are eligible for professional certification.

Enrollment Sequence

The enrollment sequence is as follows:

Year One - Introductory Year (15 cr.)*

  • Fall -Effective Urban Schools, 3 cr.; Child and Adolescent Development, 3 cr.
  • Spring - Teaching and Learning, 3 cr.; Exceptionalities, 3 cr.
  • Summer - Teaching Diverse Learners, 3 cr.

Year Two - First In-service Year (15 cr.)

  • Fall - Teaching and Curriculum 3 cr.; Mentored Teaching 1, 3 cr.
  • Spring - Educational Evaluation 3 cr.; Mentored Teaching 2, 3 cr.
  • Summer - Content Area Study, 3 cr.

Year Three - Second In-service Year (12 cr.)**

  • Fall - Literacy, 3 cr.; Mentored Teaching 3, 3 cr.
  • Spring - Literacy Across the Curriculum, 3 cr.; Mentored Teaching: Teaching Portfolio, 3 cr.***

* Each course in year one integrates structured field experiences in schools. Successful completion of year one in combination with the meeting of NYS Education Department requirements, leads to the NYS transitional B teaching certificate.

** Successful completion of M.A.T. program, in combination with the meeting of NYS Education Department requirements, leads to the NYS initial teaching certificate.

*** Meets Empire State College’s M.A.T. project requirement.

Clinically-Rich Residency Track

The Master of Arts in Teaching Clinically Rich Residency Program uses a blended model of delivery, with online, face-to-face and clinically based instructional modes. After completing the first year of the MAT program, you will begin a year-long placement in a 7-12 classroom with a critic teacher certified in the resident's content area. As a resident, you will assume more responsibility incrementally for the classroom, culminating in the complete assumption of the critic teacher's classes for eight weeks during the spring term.

During the year-long residency, you will complete additional course work that links theory to classroom practice. You also will receive intensive mentoring by faculty members and supervisors. The program concludes with the teaching portfolio, the capstone project within the MAT program. Upon graduation, you will be recommended for initial and professional certification.

Enrollment Sequence

The enrollment sequence is as follows:

First Year

  • Fall - Effective Urban Schools, 3 cr.; Child and Adolescent Development, 3 cr.
  • Spring - Teaching and Learning, 3 cr.; Exceptionalities: Individualizing Learning, 3 cr.
  • Summer - Teaching Diverse Learners, 3 cr.; Content Area Study, 3 cr.

Second Year (Residency Year)

  • Fall - Teaching and Curriculum, 3 cr.; Literacy, 3 cr.; Residency Seminar 1, 6 cr.
  • Spring - Educational Evaluation, 3 cr.; Literacy Across the Curriculum, 3 cr.; Residency Seminar 2, 3 cr.
  • Summer - Teaching Portfolio, 3 cr.