Program Overview

Master of Arts in Science Teaching

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.

Program Overview

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. The program is fully online and is designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis.

Program Benefits

• Fully online program fits your work-life schedule
  • Complete a professional project in your specific area of emphasis
  • Directly apply research-based teaching strategies from graduate classes into your classroom or school district
  • Learn from prominent science education faculty well respected in Arizona and beyond

Admission Requirements

• Transcripts
• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent
• Experience in K-12 science education
• Personal statement

Program Requirements

• This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
  • Science Education Coursework: 15 units
  • Science Content Coursework: 12 units
  • Capstone Experience - Select one: 3 units
    • Final Project
    • Thesis Option
• Take the following 30 units:
  • Students completing a non-thesis, coursework, project, track, internship, track, or exam option must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework
  • Students completing a thesis are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded coursework
• Science Education Coursework (15 units)
  • SCI 560, SCI 561, SCI 612, SCI 613, SCI 630 (15 units)
• Science Content Coursework (12 units)
  • Electives chosen in consultation with your advisor, 500-level or higher from AST, BIO, CHM, EES, ENV, FOR, GLG, MAT, PHS, PHY, or SCI
  • One general education course may be substituted for a science content course if approved by your advisor
• Capstone Experience - Select one (3 units)
  • Final Project (3 units)
    • SCI 689 (3 units)
  • Thesis Option (3 units)
    • SCI 699 (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes

• The Learner & Learning:
  • Standard #1: Learner Development
  • Standard #2: Learning Differences
  • Standard #3: Learning Environments
• Content:
  • Standard #4: Content Knowledge
  • Standard #5: Application of Content
• Instructional Practice
  • Standard #6: Assessment
  • Standard #7: Planning for Instruction
  • Standard #8: Instructional Strategies
• Professional Responsibility
  • Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
  • Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration

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.

Program Details

• The MAST degree is designed for:
  • Secondary (middle or high school) science teachers pursuing advanced knowledge in the profession
  • Secondary science teachers preparing for leadership roles such as secondary curriculum, instruction or professional development specialists, department heads, etc.
  • International science educators interested in extending their knowledge and skills through engaging in the American school system
• The program does not lead to certification
• A thesis or final project is required to complete the program

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available. Tuition and fee information can be found. Students in this program are eligible to earn free tuition and fees through the Arizona Teachers Academy.