2014-2015

Science Teaching, Master of Arts

Center for Science Teaching and Learning

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

The Master of Arts in Science Teaching Degree (MAST), offered by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL) is a rigorous program designed for practicing teachers to deepen their knowledge of the content and to enhance their classroom practice through a focus on research-based teaching strategies that make science accessible to learners. The program is unique in that it focuses solely on science education allowing students to be part of a supportive cohort of high-achieving science teachers taught by faculty who specialize and conduct research in science education. We strive to provide a cutting-edge, high-quality program that will utilize your professional experiences and build upon your content knowledge to become a highly effective secondary teacher and leader.

Please note: This academic plan does not result in K-12 public-school teacher certification.
 

This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Major GPA 3.0
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

      Admission requirements include the following:

      • Transcripts.
      • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


      Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

      Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

      International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Minimum of 24 units of appropriate content-specific coursework in the area of teacher certification with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Resume or curriculum vitae
    • Personal statement or essay
    • List of courses taken in the field
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 30 units:

    Science Content courses (15 units)

    • SCI 613 (3 units)
    • Science Content Electives chosen in consultation with your advisor (12 units)

    Science Education or Education courses (12 units)

    Capstone courses (3 units)
  • Please Note
    • As seen above, this plan offers two options for a capstone experience: a Portfolio or Thesis. Exit criteria include a passing score on the capstone, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than two grades of "C."

  • Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program 

    This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
     

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.