2013-2014

Science Teaching, Master of Arts

Center for Science Teaching and Learning

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This Master of Arts in Science Teaching, offered by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), is designed for elementary-certified teachers who would like to teach science at the middle-school level; secondary-science teachers who want to expand their science content and pedagogical expertise; or graduate students in science who would like to teach at the community-college level.

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

This M.A. degree is known at CSTL by the nickname: "MAST" program.

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 31
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.

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

  • Take the following 31 units:

    Science Content courses (18 units)
    Chosen with your advisor, many of which may be Summer courses.

    • Individuals following the community-college track will primarily take courses during the academic year.
    • Courses for practicing teachers are often offered as Summer courses.
    Science Education or Education courses (9-12 units)
    • Two required courses: SCI 612, SCI 613 (6 units)
    • Select one course from: SCI 610, SCI 611 (3 units)
    • For Portfolio students, the last class will be chosen with your advisor.
    • For Thesis students: SCI 699 (3 units)
    Capstone courses (1-4 units)
    • Are repeatable for credit.
    • Only three units of thesis may be applied toward the science-education portion of the degree.

    • Portfolio students:

      • SCI 689, which includes a professional portfolio and an oral defense (1 unit)
      Thesis students:
      • SCI 699, which includes a thesis, oral defense, and evidence of mastery of signature assessments (4 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."

  • 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.