Master of Arts in Teaching Graduate Program

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Colgate offers a socially and critically engaged Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with three New York State certification pathways: Childhood Education (grades 1–6); Inclusive Childhood Education (Childhood Education grades 1–6 and Special Education PreK–12); and Adolescence Education (grades 7–12) in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies. The program is designed to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment, cultivate diverse student cohorts, and deliver a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum.

To teach and educate is to broaden horizons and to make school walls more permeable; to use the practice of making meaning (as learned in a study of text and language) as a way to recreate selves and society.

Jennifer McDowall ’14

MAT Program Vision

June Young Teaching

The program was founded on the premise that as a prospective teacher, students will need a socially critical liberal education, thorough knowledge of your chosen discipline, knowledge of educational theory and practice, and a complex understanding of social institutions. Students will also need habits of mind that include life-loving spirit, a willingness to move beyond personal comfort, and a desire to be challenged in all aspects of learning.

MAT Program Overview

The MAT program challenges students with advanced coursework in a selected discipline and in educational studies, working toward secondary school teaching certification. The program offers certification in the following areas:

  • Childhood education
  • Inclusive Childhood Education
  • Secondary education
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • History
    • Natural science (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics)

 

For more information on coursework for each certification pathway, see our Academic Program in the University Catalog.

 

Learn more about our teacher certification program 

Colgate student works with child student

Admission

Graduates of recognized colleges and universities are eligible to apply for admission to the MAT program. The program is extremely competitive and and has limited spots available. Admission requirements include:

  • Application form completed and signed (pdf format)
  • Resume. 
  • Personal statement that includes a discussion of your past experience and your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study at Colgate. 
  • Sample of written academic work such as a research paper. 
  • A $50 non-refundable application fee must be mailed to the Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator, McGregory Hall, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA. Checks should be made payable to Colgate University. No fee waivers or exceptions are available for this program, including for international applicants mailing from abroad or those demonstrating financial hardship. This fee does not apply to current or former Colgate undergraduates.
  • Official Transcripts of your academic record (authorized academic records bearing the institution’s seal, stamp, or registrar signature plus the classes with grades) sent from the institution to the Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator (mail or email- contact information on this page).
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors with whom you have studied and one letter of recommendation from a professional who has observed you working with children or adolescents in a learning environment. The Educational Studies Academic Division Coordinator will use the email addresses you provide on the application form to request these letters.
  • All items listed above are required for the review of your application. Please do not email requesting a preliminary review of application materials or an assessment of eligibility. If admitted, any missing academic coursework will be incorporated into your Colgate coursework.
  • A strong academic background in at least one area of certification, usually the equivalent of an undergraduate major concentration

 

The program accepts students for both fall and spring cohorts:

  • Fall cohort application due date: Feb. 1
  • Spring cohort application due date: Oct. 1

All application materials must be in by this due date to be considered. 

 

Costs & Financial Assistance

  • Tuition & Fees
  • For questions about financial aid for the MAT program please email finaid@colgate.edu.

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

The Masters of Arts in Teaching at Colgate University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Teacher Preparation Program at Colgate University has received accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards with a successful Quality Assurance Review in Spring 2022.

Colgate's 2025 AAQEP Annual Report

Colgate's 2024 AAQEP Annual Report

Colgate's 2023 AAQEP Annual Report

AAQEP logo