2014-2015

Teaching Science with Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching

Center for Science Teaching and Learning

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This degree prepares science teachers for teaching in grades 7-12 and emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to use research-based teaching strategies that make science accessible to learners.  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. 
 
This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Specialized Program 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 39
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

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
    • 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
    • Resume or curriculum vitae
    • Personal statement or essay
    • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 39 units:

    Fall semester (13 units):

    • SCI 508, SCI 560, SCI 613 (7 units)
    • *BME 500 (3 units)
    • *500-level or higher AST, BIO, CHM, EES, ENV, FOR, GLG, MAT, PHS, PHY course (3 units)

  • Spring semester (13 units):

    Summer semester (3 units):
    • *500-level or higher AST, BIO, CHM, EES, ENV, FOR, GLG, MAT, PHS, PHY course (3 units)
    Fall II semester (10 units):

    *Note: The BME courses and Science Teaching Content electives 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.