Description
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a STEM focus prepares candidates for initial certification in secondary education (grades 7-12) in the areas of biology, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science and mathematics. The program is designed for recent graduates and career changers in the STEM fields who desired to enter the teaching profession. The program focuses on a STEM approach to teaching and learning that prepares graduates to engage learners in collaborative, innovative, and project-based learning for solving real world problems.
Stevenson's MAT program is delivered in an online cohort format that maximizes flexibility for working adults. Course content is facilitated by seasoned educational professionals through engaging online activities. Current and innovative educational technologies are embedded into course content to prepare candidates to meet the needs of the 21st century learner. Through authentic field experiences and a teaching internship, candidates gain the knowledge, skills, and disposition to engage and inspire learners.
Candidates who successfully complete the MAT program, including achieving qualifying scores on Praxis ® Core (or meeting the qualifying scores on either Praxis ® I, SAT, ACT, or GRE and Praxis ® II,) are eligible for teaching certification in Maryland and in states with reciprocal agreements with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in the area of secondary biology, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science and mathematics.
Outcomes
Consistent with the School of Education’s outcomes, upon completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Physics, Physical Science or Mathematics, teacher candidates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of discipline content and content-related pedagogy to design and implement effective instruction for all learners.
- Use knowledge of diverse students to design instruction and create a culturally responsive, equitable environment to support achievement for all learners.
- Design and implement instruction that engages students, encourages student participation, promotes higher-level thinking, and supports instructional outcomes.
- Design and implement assessment that monitors student learning, provides purposeful feedback on progress, and furnishes evidence to inform instruction.
- Reflect on teaching, collaborate in a professional learning community, seek professional development opportunities, engage in inquiry, persist toward goals, and exhibit integrity and professionalism.
Prerequisite Requirements
To be admitted into the MAT program, all candidates must complete the following course work and meet MSDE requirements for initial certification as identified below:
- Complete a bachelor's degree in a science or mathematics discipline from an accredited institution with 30 credit hours in the content area.
- Provide official transcripts* of all previous undergraduate-level and graduate-level college coursework.
- Attain a cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework of 3.0 on a four-point scale.
- Provide two letters of recommendation, either professional or academic.
- Complete an interview with the Program Coordinator of SUO Graduate Education.
To be admitted into a teaching internship (ED 710), candidates must:
- Attain a qualifying score on Praxis® II Content Knowledge assessment for the area or desired certification.
- Completed prerequisite coursework with a 3.0 GPA or better.
- Complete a criminal background check.
Policies
The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a graduate program one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only. A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for graduation. Only one grade of "C" may be applied toward the GPA requirement. Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree was completed.
Requirements
All MAT candidates must complete the following coursework and meet MDSE requirements for initial certification as identified below. ED 550 and ED 560 are only options for middle school teachers who need to take the Praxis. The middle school Praxis cannot be substituted as the content knowledge Praxis for the Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program (MAAPP) stamp.
Required Courses
| ED 510 | Psychology and Development of Adolescents | 3 credits |
| ED 605 | STEM Curriculum Principles and Practices | 3 credits |
| ED 615 | Principles of Assessment | 3 credits |
| ED 620 | Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas | 3 credits |
| ED 625 | Advanced Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas | 3 credits |
| ED 630 | Principles of Special Education | 3 credits |
| ED 640 | Methods and Technologies of Teaching Secondary Math and Science with a STEM Focus I | 3 credits |
| ED 645 | Methods and Technologies of Teaching Secondary Math and Science with a STEM Focus II | 3 credits |
| ED 550 | Mathematical Concepts and Problem Solving for Middle School Teacher | 3 credits |
| | or | |
| ED 560 | Scientific Concepts for Middle School Teachers | 3 credits |
| | or | |
| ED 690 | Issues in STEM Education | 3 credits |
| ED 710 | Professional Internship | 6 credits |
Residency Requirement
Stevenson's MAT program includes mandatory onsite weekend residencies twice a year. The interpersonal relationship developed as part of the cohort residencies enhance the academic learning and emotional well-being of the adult learner. The residency is an essential part of building that community. Residencies are scheduled on a Saturday at Stevenson University at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Attendance is mandatory for the full period of the residency unless with prior permission of the Program Coordinator. Students may engage in seminars, workshops, peer led discussions and presentations during residency.
MSDE requirements for initial certification:
- Successful completion of Stevenson University's Maryland Approved MAT program.
- 3.0 GPA for last completed degree or qualifying scores on Praxis® Core (basic skills) and Praxis® II content knowledge and pedagogy assessments.
- Successful completion of 100-day teaching internship in the candidate's area of certification.
- Passing scores on MSDE required Praxis tests and performance assessments.
Certificate Option
Secondary STEM Teaching and Learning
Course Descriptions
See ED - Teaching and Learning Courses