The School for Graduate Studies offers a variety of master’s degrees focusing on topics in teaching and learning. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is an innovative, clinically-rich approved teacher education program consisting of multiple tracks designed to meet students’ diverse needs and experiences. The M.A.T. program leads to Adolescent (grades 7-12) and Middle Childhood (grades 5-9) NYS Initial Certification in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English Language Arts, Spanish, Mathematics, Physics and Social Studies. Coursework is online with in-person requirements.

SUNY Empire State College offers two graduate programs in Special Education that prepare teacher candidates for collaboration and co-teaching in the inclusive middle and high school classroom. The MAT in Special Education program is available to individuals located in the Buffalo, Syracuse, Latham, and New York City areas who are new to teaching and are seeking an Initial Certificate. Coursework is online with in-person requirements.

SUNY Empire offers combined BA or BS/MAT programs as well. The M.Ed in Special Education program is geared toward experienced educators looking to supplement their base content certificate with an additional certification in Students with Disabilities 7-12. Coursework is fully online, but clinical work in a New York State classroom is required.

Scholarships and tuition assistance available include:

Empire State Foundation scholarships
TEACH grant
Veteran’s Tuition Award
SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program
Federal loans

Advising

Each teacher candidate is assigned an academic advisor at the point of admission. This advisor is a faculty member in the Education division. The academic advisor is there to assist the teacher candidate with questions about the program or courses, and to discuss plans and progress toward degree completion. The School for Graduate Studies has a student and academic services group that is there to assist with non-academic matters and to help teacher candidates navigate policies/processes so that they can move successfully toward degree completion. They also have additional resources such as clinical and certification support through the Office of Teacher Education.

Support for Teachers of Color

We offer two clinically rich residency pathways which provide sustained support to our teacher candidates; in designated geographic areas, there are stipends available. Our program mentors and instructors are very diverse with over 50% identifying as being of color.

Partnerships

We partner with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and the Teacher Immersion Fellows Program.