15-month M.A. for science teachers launched

Fredonia, N.Y. — July 15, 2008 — Becoming a science teacher just got a whole lot easier at SUNY Fredonia.

A landmark new graduate program will now allow students with a bachelor’s degree in a natural science area of study to more quickly complete requirements for both the initial and professional teaching certifications needed to teach within New York State public schools.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in Adolescence Science Education is a 15-month program designed to prepare science graduates to teach in secondary schools. The program encompasses four tracks: biology, chemistry, physics and geosciences. Content courses in each track will allow students to hone their science skills while engaging in the latest teacher training and research courses offered through Fredonia’s College of Education.

“This master’s program combines science content and teacher training, enabling our students to achieve their career objective in a timely manner,” said SUNY Fredonia President Dennis L. Hefner following the program’s approval by the New York State Department of Education.

Previously, students had to complete a second bachelor’s degree before even becoming eligible for admission to a master’s program that would lead to professional certification. The process involved two offices and took up to three years to complete.

“This new program embraces our philosophy of one-stop service for those interested in pursuing graduate studies at SUNY Fredonia,” said Dr. Kevin P. Kearns, Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies & Research. “Our students have made it clear that, at the graduate school stage, they are eager to get on with their lives, and we’re listening to that feedback.”

Best of all, because of the pressing need for science teachers in New York, financial aid is available to qualified candidates. The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, provides up to $7,500 annually in support of mathematics and science majors in return for a short-term commitment to teach in a high-needs school district. Similarly, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year for graduate students who intend to teach full-time for at least four years in high-need subject areas and at schools serving low-income families.

SUNY Fredonia’s Science Education Partnership sponsored the program in collaboration with its College of Education and College of Natural and Social Sciences. Dr. Roger Byrne, Director of the Science Education Partnership added, “We hope this time-compressed program will be attractive to both recent college graduates as well as more experienced professionals looking for a career change in teaching.”

The MAT in Adolescence Science Education program accepted its first students this summer. The application deadline for fall admission to the program is August 8.

Information on the program is available from the SUNY Fredonia Graduate Studies Office, 716-673-3808, and on its website, www.fredonia.edu/gradstudies.