New Paltz revises and reinstates master’s programs in adolescence education

College accepting applications for fall 2011

NEW PALTZ – The State University of New York at New Paltz is again accepting applications for fall 2011 for its revised Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs in Adolescence Education. These programs are for students seeking a quality graduate education within a programmatic framework more responsive to their needs. The redesigned programs provide more flexibility to candidates, and in the case of the MAT, allow them to meet degree requirements with a significantly reduced number of credits.

Candidates for the MAT and the MSEd may choose from among eight academic areas when they apply: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, French, Mathematics, Spanish, or Social Studies. The MAT leads to initial and professional certification, and applicants with a bachelor’s degree in one of these disciplines or in a related area may apply. The MSEd is open to candidates who hold an initial teaching certification and are working toward professional certification within their master’s degree.

The streamlined MAT requires teacher candidates to complete 45 to 48 credits (down from 56 credits), and can be completed in three semesters of full-time study, with an option to study part time over a longer period. New enrollment in some strands of both programs was suspended in fall 2009. Faculty took the opportunity to review and strengthen all graduate programs in Adolescent Education at New Paltz.

Faculty in the Department of Secondary Education and Interim Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Stella Deen, said they know that prospective students want to come to New Paltz, which enjoys a long history of affordable and high-quality teacher education programs, but that some decided not to apply because the MAT took a long time to complete.“The redesigned programs maintain the strong disciplinary preparation that has contributed to the quality reputation New Paltz enjoys and that the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education applauded in its recent re-accreditation of New Paltz teacher-education programs,” Deen said.

Applicants will find application information and forms at http://www.newpaltz.edu/graduate/steps.html. Review of applications begins March 1.