Teaching Science with Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching

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	35
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.
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The Master of Arts is a challenging program that prepares science teachers for teaching in grades 7-12 and emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to develop research-based teaching strategies that make science accessible to learners. Specific attention is directed at the interaction of schools, learners, pedagogy, subject matter and curriculum. The program is unique in that it focuses solely on science education. This allows you to be in a supportive cohort of high-achieving science peers taught by faculty who specialize and conduct research in science education. We strive to provide a cutting-edge, high-quality program that will utilize and build upon your science knowledge and experiences to become an innovative middle or high school teacher. The program is designed for students with strong undergraduate preparation in the sciences seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or general sciences at the secondary (middle and high school) level.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Learner & Learning:

• Standard #1: Learner Development. The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
• Standard #2: Learning Differences. The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
• Standard #3: Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

 
Content:

• Standard #4: Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
• Standard #5: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

 
Instructional Practice

• Standard #6: Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
• Standard #7: Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
• Standard #8: Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

 
Professional Responsibility

• Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
• Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

 

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.

• • Apply for the program: Science Teaching with Certification – Master of Arts in Teaching

• • Appropriate AEPA or NES subject knowledge exam

• • 2 recommendations

• • 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

• • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• • Personal Statement or Essay

• • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

• Requirements prior to student teaching:
  

  • Must pass the appropriate AEPA or NES subject knowledge exam
  • Must meet Arizona requirement for U.S./Arizona constitution (Option 1: POS 220 or equivalent course; Option 2: AEPA Constitutions of the United States and Arizona exam)

Master's Requirements

• Take the following 35 units:

  • SCI 508 (4 units), SCI 560, SCI 561, SCI 612, SCI 613 (16 units)
  • BME 631 (3 units)
  • TSM 595, TSM 596 (10 units)
  • *500-level or higher AST, BIO, CHM, EES, ENV, FOR, GLG, MAT, PHS, PHY, SCI course (6 units)
  *Note: the BME course and Science Teaching Content electives may be taken during the Summer semester instead of the 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.

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