Master of Arts in Teaching Science Education

Prepare for a rewarding career as a secondary (grades 7-12) science teacher with the Pitt School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching MAT) program in Science Education.

This rigorous 10-month program provides a thorough foundation for teaching and pairs challenging coursework with student teaching across the school year to support candidates in developing the disposition,knowledge,and experience to thrive in diverse school settings.

We prepare science teachers for state certification in the following areas:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Space Science
• General Science
• Physics

Quick Facts

• Program Duration: 10 months over three terms (Summer, Fall, and Spring) 
• Time Commitment: Full time 
• Term of Enrollment: Summer II term (Begins in June)
• Course Requirements: 36 credits  
• Application Deadline: 
  • ​​Priority admission - January 15
  • Application deadline - March 1
  • Late applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on available space in the program.
• Admissions Requirements: GRE Exam Not Required

Program Details

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in Science Education offers students a rigorous course of instruction in grades 7-12, combining methodological course-work and practical experience in a full-year internship in a public-school classroom. Capstone courses that support learning from teaching culminate in a reflective teaching portfolio and project.  

Our program is focused on research-based best practices that support all children to learn and is committed to fostering practices that further social justice.   

Candidates graduate satisfying the requirements to earn a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  

In our program, students select one of the following areas of specialization in science: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, General Science, or Physics.

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Degree Requirements

Internship: During the school year, students complete an internship in a local public school under the supervision of a mentor teacher. In the fall term, MAT students spend approximately 20 hours per week working with their mentor teacher. In the spring and summer terms, students in the MAT program are in their school sites 30 hours per week, culminating in a two-week takeover of their mentor teacher’s full responsibilities. Interns observe, analyze, and practice teaching skills in the grade levels and subjects of their mentor teacher.   

Certifications

The MAT program satisfies the requirements for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate in Grades 7-12 in either Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, General Science, or Physics pending: 

• Earning a passing score on the national PRAXIS II Exam in the science subject area; 
• Completing the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430); and 
• Demonstrating satisfactory performance in courses and the student internship 

Teaching Interns must take and pass the Content Knowledge (PRAXIS II) test either the summer before the program or during the first semester of the program in order to obtain their Intern Certificate. 

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification website.

Prerequisites Requirements

The MAT program in Science Education has the following requirements for all applicants:

• Foundations of Special Education and Adolescent Development** (The requirement for Adolescent Development can be waived for those starting in summer 2023.)
• 30 hours of experience working with K-12 children (preferably adolescents). Typical experiences include work at summer camps, tutoring, community involvement, or other volunteer or paid work with children. 
• Interview with a program faculty member following application submission. 

Based on subject area, there are additional prerequisites for applicants.

Biology Applicants 

• A minimum of 38 credits of college-level coursework in Biology or related fields (e.g., Biochemistry, Environmental Science, etc.) with at least 9 of these credits at the upper level (junior/senior) and/or research internships; 
• Foundations of Biology I and II (with labs); General Chemistry I and II (with labs); Organic Chemistry I (with lab); Calculus I (not included in 38 credit total) 
• Evidence of coursework (or equivalent academic or professional experiences) in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Environmental Biology or Ecology (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval)

Chemistry Applicants 

• A minimum of 38 credits of college-level coursework in Chemistry or related fields (e.g., Biochemistry, Geochemistry, etc.) with at least 9 of these credits at the upper level (junior/senior) and/or research internships;
• Foundations of Biology I (with lab); General Chemistry I and II (with labs); Organic Chemistry I and II (with labs); Introduction to Physics I; Calculus I and II (not included in 38 credit total);
• Evidence of coursework (or equivalent academic or professional experiences) in Analytic Chemistry or Instrumental Analysis; Physical Chemistry; Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or Geochemistry;  (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval).

Earth and Space Science Applicants

• A minimum of 38 credits of college-level coursework in Earth and Space Science or related fields (e.g., Physics, Geochemistry, etc.) with at least 9 of these credits at the upper level (junior/senior) and/or research internships;
• General Chemistry I and II (with labs); Introduction to Physics I (with lab); Calculus I (not included in 38 credit total);
• Evidence of coursework (or equivalent academic or professional experiences) in Astronomy; Physical Geology; Historical Geology; Oceanography; Earth Systems Science or Meteorology; Environmental Science; and Geological Laboratory Techniques;  (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval).

General Science Applicants

• A minimum of 38 credits of college-level coursework in the natural sciences and/or mathematics (at least 9 credits at the upper level (junior/senior) and/or research internships 
• Foundations of Biology I and II (with labs);
• General Chemistry I and II (with labs); Organic Chemistry; Introduction to Physics I and II; Physics Lab; Calculus I (not included in 38 credit total)
• Evidence of coursework (or equivalent academic or professional experiences) in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Environmental Biology or Ecology, Geology, and Astronomy (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval).  

Physics Applicants

• A minimum of 38 credits of college-level coursework in Physics or related fields (e.g., Biophysics, Mathematics, etc.) with at least 9 of these credits at the upper level (junior/senior) and/or research internships;
• Introduction to Physics I and II (with labs); General Chemistry I and II (with labs); Calculus I, II, and III (not included in 38 credit total);
• Evidence of coursework (or equivalent academic or professional experiences) in Mechanics (above introductory level); Electricity and Magnetism (above introductory level); Optics; Wave Motion; Ethical, Human, and/or Environmental Applications of Contemporary Physics; (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval).​​

All applicants are encouraged to use the program’s online transcript review to track your progress online.