While a BA in French, Italian or Spanish provides students with a solid linguistic and cultural background, through a Master's students acquire superior oral and written proficiency in the target language, an understanding of its linguistic aspects, and a sound knowledge of the cultural context in which it is used. Our 3 2 combined program allows students to graduate with a BA and an MA in Italian, French or Spanish in just five years Apart from the main advantage of enhancing graduates' relevance and competitiveness in the job market, this program allows students to save time and money, as it is shorter than the traditional BA and MA combination. These programs prepare individuals to teach in grades 7-12 and to earn initial certification in adolescence education in New York state. We offer master's level programs across disciplines, including English, French, Spanish, mathematics, social studies, biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. Our initial preparation (preservice) programs in adolescence education are designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in one or more academic disciplines (English, French, Spanish, mathematics, history or a social science, social studies, biology, chemistry, geology/earth science, physics) and seek a master's degree and NYS teaching certification to teach that subject in grades 7-12. Students who complete the degree are eligible for initial certification (see Teacher Certification for more information). The MAT programs consist of a minimum of 44 graduate credits, with 28 credits in TLEL, 8 credits in the academic discipline, and 8 credits of supervised student teaching. Students complete core courses plus 165 clock-hours of fieldwork prior to student teaching. These programs combine the undergraduate program in a discipline (BA, BS with advisor consultation) and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Adolescence Education program. Accelerated degree programs are offered in the following disciplines: French, Spanish, mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. The accelerated programs include the entire current Binghamton University discipline bachelor's requirements and the current New York State Education Department-approved MAT program in Adolescence Education. The accelerated programs save students one semester of time relative to the separate, sequentially taken BA and MAT degrees. The number of discipline courses in the accelerated program is the same as for the BA and MAT done separately. In addition to intensive coursework, students complete fieldwork and practicum requirements.