Graduate Comprehensive Exam
The graduate comprehensive exam is usually given twice a year: at the end of summer session, and at the end of the fall semester.
For more information, please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Professor Pitman, at damien.pitman@cortland.edu.
Graduate Assistantships
The mathematics department has two graduate assistantships for 2012-13, for one semester each. Responsibilities include tutoring students in upper level mathematics courses. The salary for each assistantship will be six credits of tuition support for one semester. For the announcement please click here: graduate assistantship announcement (PDF format). For the application please click here: graduate assistantship application (PDF format). The deadline for applications is April 13, 2012.
Adolescence Education: Mathematics (7-12) [AEM] M.A.T. (Graduate)
Overview
If you are seeking initial certification to teach mathematics in grades 7-12 in New York state, the M.A.T. in adolescence education: mathematics is designed for you. This program provides a pedagogical foundation that complements a solid mathematical background.
Program Highlights
SUNY Cortland will prepare you for initial certification as you earn a master of arts degree. In the M.A.T. in adolescence education: mathematics, you will develop proficiency in your mathematical content knowledge, assessment of student learning and problem-solving ability. You'll also learn about inclusive and effective pedagogy and how to critically reflect upon and explain teaching practices.
The mathematical core begins with course work in fundamental mathematical concepts and progresses through non-Euclidean geometry, number theory, cryptography, fractals, real analysis and the foundations of calculus, rings, and fields. You will develop a mastery of mathematics upon which you can build a curriculum for adolescents.
The professional core is devoted to the development of expert teaching practices. Courses include topics in classroom technology, teaching adolescence mathematics, language development, literacy and advanced psychology. Special emphasis is given to working with students who have difficulties learning mathematics, serving diverse student populations, using technology to promote active learning and developing skills in assessing student learning.
Finally you will spend a full semester student teaching in grades 7-12.
Culminating Experiences
When you complete this New York state-approved teacher preparation program, you are eligible for your initial and professional teaching certification for mathematics in grades 7-12. You are required to submit a professional portfolio and to pass a comprehensive examination.
Assistantship Opportunity
A limited number of graduate assistantships is available.
Career Potential
With an M.A.T. in adolescence education: mathematics (7-12) from SUNY Cortland, you are well prepared to teach middle and high school students or at a two-year college or to work as a curriculum coordinator or educational administrator. If you pursue an M.A., M.S., Ph.D. or Ed.D. in mathematics or math education, a career in higher education, business, industry or government employment also is an option.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment in the program leading to a M.A.T. adolescence education: mathematics (7-12):
- Official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of approved mathematics courses including the following: a) at least 12 credit hours of calculus, analysis or differential equations, b) at least three credit hours each in the following six areas: mathematical reasoning and proof, linear algebra, abstract algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and history of mathematics.
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or professional colleagues that address the prospective students' suitability for adolescence school teaching.
- Application to the SUNY Cortland Teacher Education Program.
- Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to successful completion of the second semester (102) of a college-level foreign language sequence.
- An undergraduate course in either educational psychology or adolescent psychology, such as PSY 232 or 332.
- A health education course that fulfills NYSED mandates for teacher education programs — currently approved courses include HLH 110, 199 or 510.
Adolescence Education: Mathematics (7-12) [AEM] M.S.Ed. (Graduate)
Overview
If you have initial New York state teaching certification to teach mathematics in grades 7-12, the M.S.Ed. program is designed to help you earn your professional certificate and allows you the option of extending your certification to teach mathematics in grades 5 and 6. This degree balances advanced mathematics with educational theory and practice.
Program Highlights
While earning a master of science degree, you will enhance your content knowledge as you develop proficiency in assessment of student learning, problem solving, inclusive and effective pedagogy and the ability to critically reflect on and explain teaching practices.
The mathematical core begins with course work in fundamental mathematical concepts and progresses through non-Euclidean geometry, number theory, cryptography, fractals, real analysis and the foundations of calculus, rings, and fields. You will develop a mastery of mathematics upon which you can build a curriculum for adolescents.
The professional core is devoted to the development of expert teaching practices. Courses include topics in classroom technology, teaching adolescence mathematics, foundations of education and advanced psychology. Special emphasis is given to working with students who have difficulties learning mathematics, serving diverse student populations, using technology to promote active learning and developing skills in assessing student learning.
Further enrichment is achieved through electives in complex analysis, chaos theory, topology, statistics or courses in education or psychology.
Culminating Experience
You are required to pass a comprehensive examination and will be eligible for New York state professional teaching certification in mathematics for grades 7-12.
Assistantship Opportunity
A limited number of graduate assistantships is available.
Career Potential
With an M.S.Ed. in adolescence education: mathematics (7-12) from SUNY Cortland, you are well prepared to teach middle and high school students or at a two-year college or to work as a curriculum coordinator or educational administrator. If you pursue an M.A., M.S., Ph.D. or Ed.D. in mathematics or math education, a career in higher education, business, industry or government employment also is an option.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment in the program leading to a Master of Science in Education in Adolescence Education: Mathematics (7-12):
- Documentation of an initial certificate or a certificate of qualification for initial certification in adolescence/secondary mathematics education issued by the New York State Education Department.
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 in mathematics.
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or professional colleagues that address the prospective students' suitability for adolescence school teaching.
