2013-2014

Teaching Science with Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching

Center for Science Teaching and Learning

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This graduate program is designed for those with a degree in science or a related field and who want to gain certification to teach science at the secondary school level (grades 7-12).The M.A.T. is offered by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, where it is known, familiarly, as the "MAT-S" program.

This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association.

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.

Candidates in this program are expected to demonstrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge and skills needed to teach science (biology, chemistry, general science, earth science, physics) in secondary schools. Practicum fieldwork in secondary schools as well as student teaching in secondary schools is required components of this program, along with graduate-level coursework that is geared toward the career-changing adult.

Minimum Units for Completion 36
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Arizona Certification/Endorsement

Prepares student for Arizona Certification and/or Endorsement.
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required.

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.

    • AEPA or NES subject knowledge exam
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • Minimum of 24 units of appropriate content-specific coursework in the area of teacher certification with a grade of “C” or better, or a passing score on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) or National Evaluation System (NES) subject-matter knowledge test in the area of certification.
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    • Personal Statement or Essay
    • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
    • List of courses taken in the field
    • Program of study signed by applicant and advisor
Master's Requirements

  • Spring semester (10 units):

    Fall or Spring semester (10 units):Select two courses from (6-7 units):
    • ECI 569 (4 units)
    • TSM 618 (3 units) (taken in Fall and Spring semesters - after certification and first-year employment as a teacher)
    • TSM 619 (3 units) (taken in Fall and Spring semesters - after certification and second-year employment as a teacher)
    *Note: The BME courses may be taken during the Summer semester instead of Fall or Spring semesters.

  • 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.