Major Adviser: Linda Hanrahan, Chair of Graduate Programs in Education, lhanrahan@ithaca.edu

The School of Humanities and Sciences offers two graduate degrees: a master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) degree and a master of science (M.S.) degree in childhood education. The M.A.T. program prepares liberal arts graduates for teaching careers in adolescence education, grades 7-12, in the following subject areas: biology, English, French, chemistry, mathematics, physics, social studies, and Spanish. The M.S. in childhood education prepares liberal arts graduates for teaching careers in elementary education, grades 1-6.

The M.A.T. program in adolescence education and the M.S. program in childhood education are registered with and approved by the New York State Education Department. Graduates of the M.A.T. and M.S. programs are fully eligible for initial teaching certification in adolescence education (grades 7-12) and childhood education (grades 1-6), respectively, in New York State, which also has interstate reciprocity agreements with more than 30 other states and jurisdictions.

The design of the M.A.T. curriculum combines an introduction to the field of education with continued study of the student’s academic discipline. M.A.T. students complete 21 graduate credits in education and 12 credits of coursework in the discipline. The full-time, 12-month program begins in the summer each year.

The childhood education graduate program, which was designed in collaboration with local-area public school personnel, begins in late May each year, continues through the summer, fall, and spring semesters, and concludes in late June of the following year. The 13-month program is intensive and academically rigorous; graduate students in the childhood education program take coursework in curriculum and instruction, while participating in field experiences in school and community settings.

Core components of the education programs include

• The integration of theory and practice in coursework and field experience
• Opportunities to observe, tutor, and teach in multiple and diverse settings, including Ithaca-area schools and the Frederick Douglass Academy in New York City’s Harlem community
• An emphasis on culturally responsive teaching that supports the personal and academic achievement of all learners
• Collaboration with local community agencies and organizations to enhance school and classroom effectiveness
• Commitment to and ongoing participation in the processes of reflective practice and action research

Completion of either the M.A.T. or the M.S. program requires (1) the preparation and oral defense of a professional portfolio, and (2) a paper and poster presentation documenting a classroom-based action research project.

Application Procedures

In addition to the regular application procedures for admission to graduate study at Ithaca College, applicants to the graduate program in adolescence education or childhood education must also submit an essay. The topic for the essay is included within the online application. Finalists for admission to the adolescence education program participate in a campus interview with M.A.T. faculty, while finalists for admission to the childhood education program participate in a campus interview with childhood education faculty.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and are awarded to students with strong academic records and the ability to assist program-area faculty with research and development efforts, especially those connected with the College’s school and community partnerships. Applicants interested in applying for graduate assistantships should refer to the additional information provided in the Financial Aid section.

Financial Aid