The Adolescence Education Program for teaching science is designed in accordance with the New York State Education Department’s certification regulations, the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) standards, and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards, along with Advisory Board recommendations and alumni feedback. The program leads to Initial/Professional certification in Adolescence Education, Science (biology, chemistry, earth science or physics).

Requirements for Admission

General Graduate Admission Requirements  Additional Admission Requirements  

1. This program is intended for candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate and who seek to earn certification for teaching Science in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12). Candidates will undergo a transcript review in order to determine the completion of prerequisites.
2. An undergraduate major comparable to a SUNY Potsdam undergraduate major in biology, chemistry, geology or physics, as well as six hours of a foreign language, is required for admission. A review of the candidate’s transcript will determine the need for completion of any content core courses.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0) in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
4. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the science major.
5. Submission of an official GRE exam (other standardized exams may be accepted on a case by case basis).
6. Submission of three professional letters of recommendation with cover sheets from persons who can provide information about the academic and teaching potential of the applicant (e.g., former or current professors, school administrator, or other professional references).

A student who does not satisfy one or more of the above may, in some cases, be conditionally admitted.

Additional Degree Information

All degree candidates are required to successfully complete a Culminating Experience in the School of Education and Professional Studies designed to synthesize their academic experiences.

Candidates are required to complete all New York State teaching requirements to earn certification. This will include completion of @HLTH 530 - School Health (CA, SAVE, DASA)  (3 credits) and passing all applicable New York State Teacher Certification Exams. These are subject to change.

Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the program based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions. Students are provided with information on program expectations in their first semester. Students not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their adviser and may be dropped from the program.