» Master of Arts in Teaching
» Master of Arts in Biology
» MA/MAT in Biology
» Graduate Student Support
Master of Arts in Teaching
Students may pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with an emphasis in Biology. The MAT program is designed to assist liberal arts graduates to become teachers proficient in subject content, as part of the requirements for permanent certification in New York State. Please see the School of Education's webpage on the MAT for details
Master of Arts in Biology
Students may pursue the Master of Arts degree in biology as preparation for future doctoral studies or to gain additional background and training to enter applied fields in biology. Students holding provisional certification as high school biology teachers may also use the program to complete requirements for permanent certification.
The Department of Biology offers two types of MA degrees: (1) a thesis MA and (2) a non-thesis MA. The non-thesis option requires the student to take more formal course work than the thesis MA and to display competence in several areas of biology on a written comprehensive examination.
The thesis MA option, with its emphasis on research continues to serve those students who intend to go on for the Ph.D. or for a career in research upon completion of the MA degree.
The non-thesis option, with its more structured program, serves all qualified students who want additional training in biology and a graduate degree upon completion of their studies.
Admission Requirements
Two official copies of transcripts indicating successful completion of a baccalaureate degree (in Biology or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.00 cumulative average in the major. The undergraduate program should include one year of general chemistry and one semester each of organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics.
Three letters of recommendation sent directly to the graduate school.
Satisfactory scores on the GRE Verbal and Quantitative Aptitude and the Advanced Biology test. (Deficiencies in any of the above may be removed by taking appropriate undergraduate courses or by earning satisfactory scores on appraisal or proficiency tests as designated by the department).
Application Deadlines
October 1st for Spring semester.
April 1st for Fall semesters.
See the Graduate School Webpage for application information.
MA Program Requirements
All Students Must:
- File a "plan of study" during the first semester after matriculation.
- Complete prescribed course work within five years of matriculation.
- Maintain a cumulative average of 3.00 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.
- Complete either the Thesis or Non-thesis Curriculum Options (below)
Thesis Option: 30 credits
- A minimum of 30 credits of graduate work in Biology, including 24 credits in course work.
- Independent research equal to at least six credits and culminating in a fully documented thesis to be examined by a faculty committee. The thesis must be defended orally and after approval by the committee, a final copy must be submitted to the library. The student is responsible for paying the binding fee.
- Students should contact potential thesis advisors (see Faculty below) before applying.
Non-thesis Option: 32 credits
- A minimum of 32 credits of graduate work in Biology are required. [Note: The course, Thesis in Biology cannot be used to fullfill this requirement.] Independent study or fieldwork shall be limited to no more than six credits.
- Comprehensive Exam: Upon completion of the 32 credits, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination. The examination evaluates competence in three areas of biology, selected from among the following six areas:
- Cell/Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Biology
- Genetics
- Organismal Biology, and
- Physiology and Biochemistry.
The MA comprehensive examination is given twice a year on common exam days in May and December. Arrangements must be made with the Biology Department secretary at least one month ahead of time.
Graduate Courses in Biology
Students are encouraged to register for classes as soon as possible (see the Schedule of Classes via my.newpaltz.edu). A description of courses is available online (Course Descriptions).
Limitations on Transfer Credits for the MA Program
Courses taken more than seven years prior to admission to the program will not be credited toward degree requirements, even if taken as a Graduate Student matriculated at SUNY New Paltz.
A maximum of eight graduate level transfer credits from an accredited institution may be accepted toward graduation, as long as the course was taken prior to matriculating at SUNY New Paltz and a grade of B- or better was earned. This limit includes courses taken at SUNY New Paltz as a Non-Matriculated Graduate Student. [See the Graduate Program Coordinator for details.]
For rules and regulations on transfer credits, graduation requirements, academic standing, etc, go to the Graduate School Webpage.
MA/MAT IN BIOLOGY
Motivated graduate students may complete the Master of Arts degree in Biology and the master of arts in teaching (Biology) in a joint MA/MAT program. This joint program is intended for students who wish to have the benefits of additional graduate study in Biology through the MA program and who wish to earn a New York State teaching credential (grades 6-12, Biology) through the MAT program. For details about the joint program, see the MA/MAT Program in English.
Joint Program: Who is Eligible?
Students who are accepted into the MA (Biology or MAT (Biology Education) may apply for admission to the Joint Program after they have satisfactorily completed at least 6 graduate credits in Biology with a GPA of at least 3.0.
Students who have already completed the MAT or MA in Biology may apply for the additional degree that the Joint MA/MAT Program affords them. Their matriculation into the Joint Program must be within five years of the matriculation date for their first degree, and they must complete the Joint Degree program within seven years of the matriculation date for their first degree.
Joint Degree Application Process
- After completing 6 graduate credits in Biology, students meet with their graduate advisor to discuss their intentions;
- Students then will be advised to write an application essay in which they explicate their reasons for wanting the additional degree;
- Students then submit an additional letter of recommendation supporting them in this endeavor (if they are going the MAT+MA route, they would need a letter from an Biology professor; if they are going the MA+MAT route, they would need a letter from someone who can speak to their talents for working with young people);
- Students send this application to the Graduate School in the Haggerty Administration Building, Room 804. The Graduate School will direct the application to both departments for approval.
Special Limitations on Transfer Credits for the Joint MA/MAT Program
Students who are enrolled in or have completed the MA in Biology will be permitted to transfer up to 15 graduate credits in Biology into the MAT program; students who are enrolled in or have completed the MAT in Biology will be permitted to transfer up to 15 graduate credits in Biology into the MA program.
This transfer policy is available only to students who are enrolled in or have completed the first graduate degree program at SUNY New Paltz, and the credits must be transferred within seven years of matriculation in the first degree program. No more than six credits of graduate work at another institution may be transferred into either the SUNY New Paltz MA or MAT program.
Graduate Student Support
A limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships are usually available each year for qualified full-time students. Contact the Biology Department secretary ASAP, for an application.
See the Graduate School WebPage for information for TAs and GAs.
