Master of Arts in Teaching

51�� offers a socially and critically engaged Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree for candidates interested in teaching childhood education or secondary education in English language arts (ELA), math, science, or social studies. Our program aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, diverse student cohorts, and an engaging interdisciplinary curriculum.

MAT Program Vision

The program was founded on the premise that as a prospective teacher, students will need a socially critical liberal education, thorough knowledge of your chosen discipline, knowledge of educational theory and practice, and a complex understanding of social institutions. Students will also need habits of mind that include life-loving spirit, a willingness to move beyond personal comfort, and a desire to be challenged in all aspects of learning.

MAT Program Overview

The MAT program challenges students with advanced coursework in a selected discipline and in educational studies, working toward secondary school teaching certification. The program offers certification in the following areas:

Childhood education
Secondary education
- English
- Mathematics
- History
- Natural science (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics)

To earn an MAT degree from 51��, students complete:

Three or more courses in:
- Liberal arts for childhood education
- Your chosen discipline for secondary education
Between four and eight courses in educational studies (depending on previous experience and coursework)
Fulfill foreign language requirement
A special project or thesis
Student teaching in a local or regional classroom
Students will accumulate 100 hours of classroom observations before student teaching.
Complete all New York State Department of Education teacher certification requirements.

Learn more about our teacher certification program

Admission

Graduates of recognized colleges and universities are eligible to apply for admission to the MAT program. The program is extremely competitive and and has limited spots available. Admission requirements include:

(pdf format)
Resume.
Personal statement that includes a discussion of your past experience and your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study at 51��.
Sample of written academic work such as a research paper.
$50 non-refundable application fee mailed to the Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator (this fee does not apply to current and former 51�� undergraduates). Checks made out to 51��.
Transcripts of your academic record can be mailed to Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator.
Two letters of recommendation from professors with whom you have studied and one letter of recommendation from a professional who has observed you working with children or adolescents in a learning environment. The Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator will use the email addresses you provide on the application form to request these letters.

Financial Assistance

51�� contributes 80 percent of the tuition for MAT students as part of its commitment to support quality public education. Students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to qualify for additional financial assistance. For more questions about financial aid for the MAT program please email finaid@colgate.edu.

Our department also offers Graduate Assistantship opportunities for MAT students in the program. It pays a maximum of 10 hours and at an hourly rate set by the 51�� Student Employment Office and requires student employment paperwork to be completed. Work usually pertains to supporting the Teacher Preparation Program in various ways.

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