Online programs leading to certification require fieldwork, internship, and/or student teaching which must be completed onsite in Arizona.
Online programs leading to certification may require synchronous online learning activities. Students must have access to technology with audio and video capabilities.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Science (MAT-S) is a challenging, fully online Master’s program designed for current and future educators in Arizona schools to earn an Arizona Standard Professional Secondary Certificate. The program is designed to be completed on a part-time or full-times basis and leads to certification as well as a master’s degree. The degree is available to individuals who already have an undergraduate degree in a science or related field and are interested in teaching science at the secondary school level (grades 6-12).
The program prepares science teachers for teaching in grades 6-12 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 Arizona certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or general sciences at the secondary (middle and high school) level.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Graduates are highly qualified to teach science at the secondary (middle or high school) level throughout Arizona.
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:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University 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. Two practicums and student teaching in secondary schools are required components of this program and occur in the candidate's own classroom or are arranged by the university in Arizona classrooms. Practicum and student teaching placements can occur anywhere in the state of Arizona.
| 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 Endorsement | Prepares student for Arizona Endorsement. |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Arts in Teaching Science (MAT-S) is a challenging, fully online Master’s program designed to provide certification for secondary science educators in Arizona schools. Upon completion, students earn an Arizona Standard Professional Secondary Certificate in their field as well as a master’s degree. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The program prepares science teachers for teaching in grades 6-12 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 looking to earn a standard certification in Arizona. Practicum requirements can be met in a students' secondary classroom if they are the teacher of record or through placements coordinated through the university.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Learner & Learning:
More Information
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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Requirements prior to student teaching:
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Selected Science Content Coursework (6 units)
You may also take POS 220 (or POS 110 and POS 241) to satisfy Arizona certification requirements for Federal and State Constitutional knowledge. As alternative, this requirement can be met by demonstrating proficiency on the appropriate Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Exam.
In order to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate, you must pass the Secondary Professional Knowledge Exam.
Please be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time and may impact program of study requirements.
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.