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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why should I choose a program with a year-long internship over one with a more traditional, shorter internship?
A: A year-long internship does prepares future teachers much better to manage their own classrooms. You will experience, firsthand, the cadence of the school year—from the excitement in September through the restlessness of March and the pressure of final exams. Because the internship ends in June, you are available to fill teacher vacancies that open in September. That’s a critical advantage over year and a half programs that conclude in January.
Q: How does the cost of the Union Graduate College MAT program compare with that of similar programs?
A: Tuition for our MAT program is comparable to that of MAT programs at other private institutions, but on a per-credit basis, the Union Graduate College MAT program is a much better value. Because our program is more rigorous, it requires you to complete more courses. You will graduate with 53 credits instead of the 42 that’s typical of other programs. To help keep our program affordable, we do not charge for 4 of the 16 required courses. That mean you earn 53 credits, but only pay for 40. Incidentally, many school districts pay their faculty for the number of graduate units they have in addition to the degrees they have.
Q: Are scholarships or financial assistance available?
A: Yes, we offer a limited number of merit and need-based awards. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships that waive the cost of one or more courses. All students who complete the FAFSA are considered for need-based tuition waiver.
Q: May I apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program if I have a liberal arts undergraduate degree and no prior teaching experience?
A: Yes. The MAT is designed expressly for individuals with a B.A. or B.S. with no prior teaching certification who are committed to becoming secondary teachers. Applicants must have completed a B.S. or B.A. from an accredited institution with the equivalent of 30 semester hours in the liberal arts major area for which they seek certification.
Q: How long does it take to complete the MAT on a full-time basis?
A: On a full-time basis the MAT program takes one calendar year to complete (June to June). During that time, the student completes 53 credits of course work and a year- long internship.
Q: Can I complete the MAT on a part-time basis?
A: Yes. You can begin coursework on a part-time basis for the first year and enter the internship in year two. The intern is assigned to a middle school or high school classroom for one academic year.
Q: What subject areas are available?
A: Graduate students can seek initial teaching certification in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Social Studies, French, Spanish, German, or Technology
Q: Do you have a degree for science and mathematics teachers?
A: Yes. We offer a one-year part-time MS program for working science and mathematics teachers seeking an advanced degree and a wider range of effective approaches to teaching their particular topics.
Q: Must the Master of Science for Teachers be completed in one year?
A: There is an option to complete the MS for Teachers in three years.
Q: When should I apply to the MAT or MST program?
A: Full-time, one-year, students will begin the program in early summer and must submit their application materials by March 1st of the preceding spring. However, since the program has a rolling admissions procedure, it is to a student's advantage to apply early to ensure (upon acceptance) placement in the summer program and the next graduating class. We also have a part-time program for students who plan to complete the course work and internship over a two- or three-year period (or longer). Part-time students may apply at any time in the academic year, but must apply prior to March 1st of the year they anticipate completing the intensive summer program.
Q: What is the application process?
A: The application process includes completing an application form, submitting a minimum of three references, all previous academic transcripts, and completion of a 1-2 page essay describing your decision making process in considering a teaching career and applying for the program, including any factors and past experience that influenced that decision. The application can be completed on-line.
Q: Will I need specific pre-requisites to apply?
A: The pre-requisites below should be completed prior to beginning the summer term program. Please contact Chris Angley if you have questions about pre-requisites:
- an undergraduate educational psychology course or equivalent,
- two weeks of structured field experiences, one in a high school and one in a middle school,
- one year of college-level foreign language or its equivalent.
Q: What are the English requirements for international students?
A: Official TOEFL scores are required unless the applicant has studied or worked in an English speaking school or business for a minimum of two years. A verbal interview may be requested.
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© 2011 Union Graduate College,
Full, part time and accelerated Graduate Masters Degree Study Programs.
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Union Graduate College
80 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308 US
Phone: (518) 631-9900 Fax: (518) 631-9901
