Description
Master of Arts in Teaching Program 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 21th 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. Stevenson University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by MSDE.
Objectives
Master of Arts in Teaching Program 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.
Prequisite Requirements
Master of Arts in Teaching Program 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.
- Attain a qualifying score on either Praxis® Core Academic Skills, Praxis® I, GRE, SAT, or ACT according to MSDE certification criteria.
- Provide two letters of recommendation, either professional or academic.
- Complete an interview with the Associate Dean of SUO Teacher 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.
*Official transcripts must come in a sealed envelope directly from the institution. If a student receives the transcripts, the student must keep the envelope sealed and deliver the transcripts directly to the Admissions Office. If the transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, transcripts will need to be evaluated by WES.
Requirements
All MAT candidates must complete the following coursework and meet MDSE requirements for initial certification as identified below:
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 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 Friday evening through Saturday afternoon at the Owings Mills Campus of Stevenson University at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Attendance is mandatory for the full period of the residency. 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.
- Qualifying scores on Praxis® Core (basic skills) & Praxis® II content knowledge and pedagogy assessments.
- Successful completion of 100-day teaching internship in the candidate's area of certification.
Certificate Option
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary (7-12) STEM Teaching and Learning
Program Description:
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary (7-12) STEM Teaching and Learning is an 18 credit graduate certificate program designed for middle or high school math and science teachers who want to expand their knowledge and practice of inquiry-based collaborative teaching and learning. Students in the certificate program will develop the tools necessary to design and deliver learning experiences for students that are inquiry-, project-, and problem-based. The program gives students the opportunity to collaborate with a cohort of math and science teachers to plan and implement integrated, multi-disciplinary lessons that align with NSTA Next Generation Science Standards, NCTM Principles to Action, and Common Core State Standards. Graduates of the certificate program can become STEM leaders and resources for their schools.
Program Outcomes:
At the completion of the certificate, students will:
- Relate relevant theories, concepts, and issues in STEM education to the planning, teaching, and learning process.
- Design and implement a variety of literacy strategies to support student motivation and independence in STEM content learning.
- Create and implement student-centered and integrated learning experiences that make the major concepts and processes of inquiry in the STEM disciplines accessible, meaningful and differentiated for all learners.
- Design and analyze pre-assessments, and formative and summative assessments of and for STEM learning.
- Integrate instructional technology into STEM curriculum and instruction to enhance and extend learning to address real world and global issues.
- Engage in collaborative inquiry, critical analysis, and reflection to lead STEM pedagogy and practice.
- Analyze and address current trends, pedagogical viewpoints, and issues that emerge in practice in Secondary STEM education.
- Evaluate STEM education as a transdisciplinary approach and attitude toward teaching and learning.
Program 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. Certificate requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the program was completed.
Program Admission Requirements
Completion of a bachelor's degree in a math or science discipline or closely related field:
- From a regionally accredited institution, or
- significant coursework in math or science, and/or
- professional teaching experience in secondary math or science
Certificate Requirements
Students must complete the following 18 credits:
| ED 605 | STEM Curriculum Principles and Practices | 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 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 690 | Issues in STEM Education | 3 credits |
Policies
Master of Arts in Teaching Program 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.
Course Descriptions
See ED - Teaching Secondary Mathematics and Sciences Courses