The MAT program at Clarkson is a 38-credit-hour program. This coursework will be focused around teaching and can be tailored to your subject of interest. Students can complete the program in as little as one year, or spread their studies out. Students who begin in the summer term (third week of June), should complete the degree within 12 months. Students starting in the spring semester (second week of January), should complete the degree within 18 months. Those who start the program in the fall semester (last week of August), should complete the degree in 22 months.

Prerequisites:

• ED 500: Field Experience – Four days of structured observations in secondary schools. The Department of Education can help organize this. 
• The equivalent of an undergraduate major in the discipline the candidate would like to teach.
• Undergraduate liberal arts core including courses in humanities/arts, writing/communication, social sciences, STEM and one semester of foreign language. 
• Educational Psychology (an undergraduate course, or independent study with Clarkson’s CRC Department of Education exam). 

Required Core Courses (9 Courses/29 credits):

Research Project (3 Credits):

• ED 580 MAT Project (in the discipline in which the student will become certified)

Subject Area Courses (6 Credits):

Students complete two electives in the subject area in which they will be obtaining certification (six credits). Subject areas include:

The Clarkson Teaching Residency:

MAT graduate candidates complete a half-day, year-long residency in a secondary school, taking full responsibility for at least two classes. Students will be interviewed at the site(s) where they expect to intern. Entrance into the teaching residency portion of the program is contingent upon completion of Psychology of Teaching and the appropriate Curriculum and Methods course with minimum grades of “B” and with permission of the Chair.

Clarkson and the government offer grants and scholarships to help you pay for school. There is even a specific grant for prospective teachers.

Articulation Agreements

Students from select undergraduate institutions may be eligible for scholarships. Students generally need a GPA of 3.2 or higher to qualify. Please inquire with the Department of Education at 518-631-9870 for a list of partner schools and details.

Black Educators Initiative

Clarkson’s Master of Arts in Teaching full-year residency program supports Black teacher candidates with Black Educator Initiative scholarships (based on eligibility), mentoring, living stipends (between $3,000-$5,000 based on eligibility), affinity groups, emergency funds (to help with certification exams, an interview suit, car repairs…), and tutors. Grant recipients also earn the title of Fellow in the Black Educator Initiative program.

Clinically Rich – Intensive Teacher Institute TESOL Grant

The New York State Education Department has awarded the Department of Education at Clarkson University, the Clinically Rich – Intensive Teacher Institute TESOL Grant. This grant provides a $4,500 scholarship for up to 20 candidates per year in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Clarkson’s Education department may award additional funds to applicants who are eligible for additional grants and scholarships as matching funds.

Early Decision Scholarship

Scholarships are available for applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching program who apply and are accepted early. Applicants intending to start in the Fall or Summer semester must have committed to attend by the end of the previous calendar year. Applicants intending to start in the Spring semester must have committed to attend by July 1st. Students will be eligible to receive the ‘Commit to MAT’ Education Scholarship. This award varies in value between $2,500 and $6,000 based upon the student’s application portfolio.

Education Department Scholarship

The Education Department Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award in the Department of Education at Clarkson University. Students’ applications are automatically reviewed for merit scholarship based on previous coursework and the rigor of their undergraduate portfolio

Emma Willard Fellowship

Clarkson University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program offers this fellowship in conjunction with the Emma Willard School, an all-girls boarding high school in Troy, NY. The fellowship awards a full-tuition scholarship, as well as a stipend, and room and board at Emma Willard, where the fellows live and teach a reduced course load. Fellows complete the Master of Arts in Teaching over two years, receiving the fellowship each year, and then are provided assistance with their career search.

Need-Based Scholarships

Clarkson University provides need-based tuition assistance to a limited number of students. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA, as well as a need-based scholarship application.

Si Wai Teaching Fellowship

The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) is seeking candidates from Clarkson’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to serve as teachers. The English-speaking school, which was founded in 1990, educates more than 400 students (preschool through grade seven) from 21 different countries. Teachers do not need to speak Chinese to be considered for the fellowship.

Special Scholarship Opportunities

Clarkson University is fortunate to receive unique scholarships from generous donors. There are also scholarships designed to support students who grew up in Schenectady or the Capital Region. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about other current opportunities.

STEM Up NY Noyce Scholarship

Clarkson’s STEM Up NY program provides up to 20 scholarships to aspiring teachers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects to help address the shortage of secondary teachers for those subjects in high-need schools. Scholarship recipients receive $20,000 for their undergraduate senior year, $20,000 for the year it takes to complete their Master of Arts in Teaching and extensive support in preparing for and securing their first teaching positions.

Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) Grant

The New York State Education Department has awarded the Department of Education at Clarkson University, the Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) grant. This grant provides a $5,400 scholarship for qualified candidates from historically underrepresented groups. This award recognizes the quality of Clarkson University’s MAT program, as only 8 of the over 200 teacher education programs in New York State received this funding.

The Dean’s Scholarship

The Dean’s Scholarships are the most prestigious merit awards in the Department of Education at Clarkson University. Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on previous coursework and the rigor of their undergraduate portfolios.

The Schenectady Foundation Scholarship

The Schenectady Foundation Scholarship is awarded to one student every year. The successful candidate will have graduated from Schenectady High School or a high school in Schenectady County. The candidate will complete the full-year teaching residency at Schenectady High School and must express intention to pursue a teaching position in the district or in a high need setting. The scholarship awardee receives $7,500 in tuition support from the Schenectady Foundation which is matched by Clarkson University.

Williams Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Harriet and Roscoe L. Williams, whose lives of dedication and service enriched schools and communities in the Dutchess County, Adirondack and Capital District regions of New York. The Williams family provides scholarship assistance to highly qualified MAT graduate students who are preparing for careers in classroom teaching and educational administration in New York state.

Waivers

In addition to scholarship, students may be eligible to receive transfer credit or course waivers for previous study. Course waivers and transfer credit reduce the cost of earning a degree at Clarkson University.

Other Scholarships

The Williams Scholarship, Bauhofer Scholarship and the Allen Scholarship celebrate the dedication of individuals preparing for careers in the classroom.