MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES 

The MAT program is designed for individuals—including career changers—who already possess a bachelor’s degree and who wish to teach social studies, but who do not have teacher certification.

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have either an undergraduate degree in history or a degree in one of the social sciences listed under admissions requirements (below) with a history minor or the equivalent (18 credits). Prospective applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered for admission upon completion of a supplementary course of study equivalent to a Stony Brook major in history before a decision can be made on their application.

Admissions requirements

• An undergraduate degree in history or one of the social sciences along with an 18 credit history minor. Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Africana Studies are acceptable majors. Psychology, linguistics, criminal justice, communications, business are among other majors excluded. (Contact the Program Director before applying if there are questions about the acceptability of your major for this program).
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 (both overall and in the major).
• A completed application and letters of recommendation.

The application deadlines are May 15th (for the Fall Semester and October 15th (for the Spring Semester). Application deadlines for the summer session are: Summer 1, April 15th, Summer II, May 15th. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to submit completed applications well in advance of the stated deadlines since space in courses may be limited.

All applications must be submitted online

For further information or to set up an appointment, please email Prof. Charles Backfish.

Program Requirements

Program requirements include 5 graduate history courses, 6 pedagogy courses (plus state-mandated field experience), and student teaching, which is full-time, 15-week practicum. In addition, students must also satisfy the required areas of study in history and the social sciences. This requirement may be met through prior undergraduate coursework and courses taken as part of the MAT curriculum, though many students must take a small number of additional courses. For more detail, please download the MAT advising worksheet. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the program director.

Tuition and Financial Information

Tuition and fee information can be found on the Bursar's website.

Stony Brook recognizes the need for helping students manage the expenses of higher education. To this end, the University offers a Time Option Payment Plan (TOPP), a program that allows students to make equal and consecutive payments throughout the year.

For information on financial aid options, contact the Stony Brook Office of Financial Aid at 631-632-6840, or visit the Financial Aid website.