The Master of Arts in Science Teaching Degree (MAST) 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. The program is fully online and is designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis.
Please note: This academic plan does not result in K-12 public-school teacher certification. Please see the ‘Teaching Science with Certification (MAT-S)’ program for professional certification. In addition, the program is not designed to provide the appropriate graduate science coursework for teaching dual enrollment courses at the high school level.
Are you a science teacher who enjoys keeping up with all the latest scientific discoveries? Would you like to learn more about how to effectively engage your students in three-dimensional instruction? If so, then Northern Arizona University can help.
The Master of Arts in Science Teaching (MAST) degree is designed to meet your needs as a professional science educator. Whether you want to increase your knowledge of pedagogy or science content in order to improve your practice, you are interested in becoming a leader in your school or district, or you are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in science education, we are here to help you.
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:
| 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 |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Arts in Science Teaching (MAST) degree is designed to meet your needs as a professional science educator. The program is fully online. Whether you want to increase your knowledge of pedagogy or science content in order to improve your practice or you are interested in becoming a leader in your school or district, we are here to help you.
The MAST degree is designed for:
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.
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Science Content Coursework (12 units)
Capstone Experience - Select one (3 units)
Final Project (3 units)
As seen above, this plan offers two options for a capstone experience: a Thesis or Final Project. Exit criteria include a passing score on the capstone, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than two grades of "C." Students completing the Thesis option must complete 18 units of formal, letter- graded coursework. Students completing the Final Project option must complete 24 units of formal, letter-graded coursework.
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.