Master of Arts in Teaching Science Education: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics Education Track (Grades 6-12)

Program Leader: Dr. George O’Brien
E-mail: obrieng@fiu.edu
Phone: 305-348-2599
Department: Curriculum and Instruction

Brief Description of the Program:

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Science Education offers three different tracks in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics Education (Grade 6-12). It is a graduate initial teacher preparation program designed to accommodate applicants with a bachelor’s degree or strong minor (30 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher) in biology, chemistry, or physics who lack teacher certification and are seeking entry into the teaching profession. The M.A.T. program is for individuals who are either current teachers holding temporary teaching certificates or are interested in becoming a professionally certified teacher. Students will have the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while completing coursework, testing, and other requirements that lead to Florida teacher certification.

Admission Requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree or a strong minor (30 hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher in the major subject area) and a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher for the last 60 hours of upper-division coursework;
2. A minimum combined score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal and quantitative sections;
3. Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a person familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate work and able to comment knowledgeably on his or her ability to perform graduate-level work;
4. A personal statement of 1,000 words or less explaining any personal and professional goals you plan to achieve with the accomplishment of the degree. Please list any recognitions of achievement that you have received (e.g. licenses, publications, awards). Provide any additional information that you would like considered in the evaluation of the application;
5. A résumé describing at least the past five years of employment history and significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities;
6. Passing scores for one of the following exams: College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), General Knowledge Test (GKT), or Praxis I depending upon criteria below:
1. For applicants who passed all sections of the CLAST exam prior to July 1, 2002, an official copy of passing scores on the CLAST exam or a combined score of 1000 or better on the GRE;
2. For applicants who passed the CLAST July 1, 2002 or after, an official copy of passing scores for one of the following: CLAST (all portions); or General Knowledge Test (GKT) (all sections); or Praxis I; or a minimum score of 1000 or better on the GRE (verbal and quantitative sections combined).

Program Requirements:

1. Total credits: 42 

Program of Study:

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