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Graduate School Interdisciplinary Programs

Professional Master of Arts in Elementary Math, Science, and Technology Education

Kelly McConnaughay,
Program coordinator

The Professional Master of Arts (PMA) degree program in Elementary Math, Science, and Technology Education is a professional master’s degree for elementary (K-8) teachers. The program offers teachers learning experiences that will allow them to enhance their competence as teachers of mathematics, science, and technology. The program’s goal is to prepare teachers who are leaders in Math, Science, and Technology Education who are committed to providing all students the best educational opportunities possible. Graduates of the program will be able to:

  • demonstrate significant growth in their math and science content mastery
  • integrate technologies as tools of math and science instruction
  • design and implement inquiry-based approaches to instruction that respond to the needs of a diverse student population
  • translate real-world events and phenomena into effective instructional practices
  • use various forms of assessment to inform their work in the classroom
  • exhibit the attributes of self-efficacy consistent with being a life-long learner related to being a math, science, and technology educator
  • use research to inform practice
  • provide service to the education community as a teacher leader.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements of the Graduate School and hold current teacher certification. Students progress through the program as a cohort. A new cohort will begin no more than once per calendar year. Check with the Graduate School for the next cohort start date.

Degree Requirements

The program requires 33 hours of graduate-level courses to be completed in 33 months. Students are expected to successfully complete a STEM Education Project (MST 685) that integrates appropriate demonstrations of research and leadership skills and inquiry-based teaching and learning as part of the comprehensive assessment of their learning in the program.

Course of Study

  • Summer I
    • MST 600, 601, or 609 Science Through Inquiry 3 
    • MST 610 Math Through Inquiry 3 
    • MST 611 Directed Research in Science & Math Internship 1 
    • MST 612 Introduction to Teacher Leadership 1 
    • 8 hours
  • Fall I
    • Elective (chosen from approved list) 3 
    • 3 hours
  • Spring I
    • MST 650 Inquiry-based Curriculum: Development and Analysis 3 
    • 3 hours
  • Summer II
    • MST 620, 621, or 629 Science Through Inquiry II 3 
    • MST 660 Research in Math and Science 2 
    • 5 hours
  • Fall II
    • MST 670 Action Research: Methods and Practice 3 
    • 3 hours
  • Spring II
    • Elective (chosen from approved list) 3 
    • 3 hours
  • Summer III
    • MST 680 Nature of Inquiry and Innovation 3 
    • MST 681 Advanced Teacher Leadership 2 
    • MST 685 STEM Education Project 1 
    • 6 hours
  • Fall III
    • MST 685 STEM Education Project 2 
    • 2 hours
  • Total hours required 33

 

Electives

MST 630 Teaching Science Using Robotic Platforms
MST 631 The Science of Foods and Nutrition
MST 632 The Science of Matter
MST 633 Pharmacology and the Human Brain
MST 634 Crime Scene Science
MST 635 The Science of Global Climate Change
MST 636 The Science of Computer Games
MST 637 Scientific Myths and Misconceptions
MST 639 Special Topics