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 an undergraduate degree in education.

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 with a history minor (18 credits). Prospective applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered for admission. However, they must complete a supplementary course of study equivalent to a Stony Brook major in history before a decision can be made on their applications.

Admissions requirements

• An undergraduate degree in history or one of the social sciences (excluding psychology, linguistics, criminal justice, and communications) with an 18-credit history minor.
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 (both overall and in the major).
• Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE; general test, not subject test); successful applicants generally have verbal scores in the 50-80th percentiles, writing scores in the
40-80th percentiles, and quantitative scores in the 20–60th percentiles.
• A completed application and letters of recommendation.

The application deadlines are March 31 (for the summer and fall semesters) and October 31 (for the spring semester). 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.