Required application materials

Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Graduate Catalog and the information below for more information about the application process.

Please note this program currently follows a summer start date for full-time students as well as a fall semester start date option.

Applicants also no longer are required to submit scores for entrance exams such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application | Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office, indicating a major in a liberal arts area
   Note: Candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. Letter of introduction (writing sample) that includes a self-description, background of experience and goals 
4. Resume 
5. Two letters of recommendation

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. A strong academic record, demonstrated by an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale
2. Approved major or concentration of at least 30 credit hours in a liberal arts area
3. At least two undergraduate courses in each of the following areas: English, mathematics, science, and social studies (history, geography, economics, political science, sociology)
4. One foundations of education course
5. One health education course that fulfills state mandates for teacher knowledge of drug studies and alcohol/tobacco use prevention strategies such as the following Cortland course: HLH 265 or HLH 199

Complete our pre-check form to see whether you have met all the admissions criteria: Check Now

Application Deadlines

This program currently follows a summer and fall semester start for full-time students as well as a fall and spring semester start with part-time options.

• SPRING 2025 start: December 1st (Part-time)
• SUMMER 2025 start: April 1st (Accelerated/Part-time)
• FALL 2025 start: July 1st (Full-time/Part-time)

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis. Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check availability.

Accepted students in the M.S.T. in childhood education program will be allowed to defer their admission for only up to one year. Accepted students who do not begin the program within a year of their acceptance will need to reapply to the program and pay any associated application fees.