Every community requires qualified and dedicated teachers to prepare students for success in their subjects and in life. To meet the needs of aspiring teachers from a variety of fields and backgrounds, Binghamton University's Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers both initial and advanced certification programs in adolescence education. The special combined 3/2 BA/MAT (biology, chemistry, earth science and physics) and 3/2 BS (earth science only)/MAT programs accommodate the needs of a select group of Harpur College students who wish to efficiently combine an undergraduate science degree with a graduate level teacher certification program. Students should declare their interest in this degree as soon as possible to ensure proper undergraduate course selection. The combined program saves the student one semester of time relative to the separate, sequentially taken BA/BS and MAT degrees. Students may apply for the program early in their junior year.