Admissions and Financial Support

Our graduates have joined us from many different states and backgrounds—from recent college grads to career hydrologists, military veterans, and former Peace Corps volunteers.

Please note: This is a program for aspiring teachers. Applicants with a previous graduate degree in education or teacher certification are not eligible for this program.

Eligibility Requirements                   

MAT applicants must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident (due to federal funding guidelines)
• Willing to sign a Teaching Agreement promising to seek employment as a teacher in a high-needs public school for 3 years upon graduation
• Bachelor's degree:
  • 30 credits in Earth Science or a related discipline (such as Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, or Space Science), OR
  • 24 credits in Earth Science + 6 credits in Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Biology. (For more information on New York State requirements, please visit the NYSED website.)
• Strong academic performance (GPA 3.0 or above); the admissions committee will consider applicants with a GPA below 3.0 based on other considerations.

Curious which credits count toward the 30 credit minimum? Send your unofficial transcripts to [email protected] and our transcript specialists will review your credits.

Non-Earth and Space Science Majors

We recommend that applicants who did not major in Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, or Space Science send an unofficial copy of their transcript(s) to confirm eligibility before applying. Send your transcripts to [email protected] for review.

Additional Qualifications

Special consideration is given to individuals with skills and experiences relevant to teaching, such as in-depth knowledge of social issues, speaking a second language, and living abroad.

Teaching Agreement

A key part of the MAT program’s mission is to address the critical shortage of qualified science teachers in high-needs schools. Therefore, degree candidates are required to teach in high-needs schools for 3 years after completing the program. Applicants are expected to sign an agreement to these terms.

Financial Support

This is a fully funded MAT program. Residents receive the following financial supports:

• Full tuition scholarship
• $40,000 stipend for room and board (which may also be used to cover health insurance)
• A laptop computer (loaned for the duration of the program)
• Required books and class resources
• Covered certification costs for all exams, workshops, fingerprinting, and fees.

Forfeiture

Failure to satisfy the program’s academic requirements or complete the service requirement (as outlined in the Teaching Agreement) will result in forfeiture of a portion of the MAT scholarship or stipend award, which will revert to a loan with repayment prorated accordingly, to reflect partial service completed.

How to Apply

1. Applicants should make sure they meet the Eligibility Requirements before applying. The application fee is $10.
2. Applicants will be asked to provide their personal information and answer a series of questions about their goals for the program. They’ll also need to provide: their official school transcripts, a current resumé, three letters of recommendation, and a signed copy of the Teaching Agreement.

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Admissions Timeline

• Early Admission deadline: December 1, 2024
• Application deadline: January 31, 2025
• Admissions interviews: January - March for selected candidates
• Admissions decisions: By late March or early April
• First day of class:

To speak with a program representative, please call 212-313-7464, or request an appointment via email.

Read the AMNH Notice of Nondiscrimination.