06/09/2026
SUNY Cortland’s latest online master’s program makes earning teacher certification easier than ever. For those with a bachelor’s degree in a content area, it’s designed to be an accessible career path to teach at the middle or high school levels.
The online M.S.T. in Adolescence Education, Grades 7-12, provides a centralized path to earn initial New York state certification in four different tracks: English, math, science and social studies. Within the science track, students can pursue certification in one of four areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics. In addition, the M.S.T. fulfills one of the requirements for professional certification.
The program should appeal to two groups, according to Bruce Mattingly, dean of the school of arts and sciences:
- Undergraduate students nearing graduation who hadn’t initially considered a career in education.
- Adults past the traditional college age that are considering a career change.
Partial funding to create the new master’s was obtained by Carol Van Der Karr, vice provost for academic affairs, and Andrea Lachance, dean of the school of education, provided through SUNY’s Transformation Fund, which is designed to improve student success, support innovation and help meet future workforce needs.
While there are multiple paths within adolescence education, the program was designed so that about 80% of the coursework is common to all certification areas. Mattingly believes the math and science paths may have extra appeal to future educators, as New York state has listed STEM as a high-needs area in teaching.
Fall semester applications are due by July 1, with spring semester applications due Dec. 1. There are 27 credit hours of required coursework, along with a 13-credit full-semester student teaching experience. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as space remains available.
All coursework is offered fully online, with required field experience and student teaching offered in a New York state school district within driving distance of an enrollee’s residence.
“We’re excited about the interest we’ve seen so far and are looking forward to welcoming even more students here,” Mattingly said.
- Applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in the program and submit the following materials:
- A completed online Graduate School Application.
- Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
- A personal writing sample that describes background experience and career goals.
- Resume.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s suitability for a career in teaching.
Each track of the program has slightly different admissions criteria, so applicants are encouraged to check with the Graduate Admissions Office or program coordinators for content areas:
English: Geoff Bender
Mathematics: David Dickerson and Jolie Roat
Science: Sean Nolan and Katie Laux
Social Studies: Tyson Luneau
Applicants who do not meet all stated requirements will be considered on an individual basis.
“I know they’re going to get a great education from our faculty,” Mattingly said. “I hope they see the possibilities for their own career when they experience this program.”