MAT in Science Education

In collaboration with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, students in this 12-month, full-time program prepare for Massachusetts initial teacher licensure and further strengthen their chosen academic fields. Licensure reciprocity exists with many states, but students should investigate specifics in the state of anticipated residence.

Students complete courses in professional education, additional graduate courses in their content fields, and a student-teaching experience.

The program begins in June each year, though in some cases students may begin in September. It is also possible to complete the degree over a longer time period as a part-time student.

Coursework and Requirements

Students complete four courses in their chosen field of study in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and learn pedagogy and teaching methodology in the School of Education. Some of the departments in the Graduate School require that students successfully complete a master’s exam in order to meet the MAT requirements.

The professional education component consists of study in educational research, foundations of education, curriculum, methods of instruction, and student-teaching. This combination ensures strength in the field of study combined with a comprehensive set of teaching skills appropriate to adolescents.

Education Coursework (22 cr)

• SED ED 500/501 Foundations of Educational Practices/Lab (6 cr)
• SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
• SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED SC 511 Biomaterials (Science Methods I) (4 cr) or
  SED SC 571 Science Materials (Science Methods I) (4 cr)
• SED SC 572 Science Methods II 5–12 (4 cr)

Science Coursework (12 cr)

Students complete 12 credits (approximately three courses) at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences in their field of specialization. Some MAT science education students can use these electives to substantially fulfill the Global Ecology Education Certificate.

Practicum (Minimum of 8 cr)

The student teaching experiences are supervised by licensed classroom teachers and Boston University faculty. Students select practicum experiences from the options listed below.

• SED SC 509 Student Teaching Practicum: Science 5–8 (8 cr)
• SED SC 510 Student Teaching Practicum: Science 8–12 (8 cr)

Electives (4 cr)

Students seeking an additional license at a different level choose from:

• SED SC 507 Student Teaching Half Practicum: Science, 5–8 (4 cr)
• SED SC 508 Student Teaching Half Practicum: Science, 8–12 (4 cr)

Elective coursework is chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Global Ecology Education Certificate

MAT science students in Biology, Earth Science, and General Science may qualify for the Global Ecology Education (GEE) Certificate program by opting to use their MAT program electives and SC 511/571 Science Methods I to satisfy the requirements of the GEE Certificate. Thus, these students may graduate with a master’s, licensure, and a Global Ecology Education Graduate Certificate, all with 46 credits of study. Contact GEE Program Director and Ecologist Dr. Douglas Zook at dzook@bu.edu. For more information, visit the Global Ecology Education Certificate Program website and the 16-Credit Certificate Program website.

Improving Teaching of Physics (Project ITOP)

In collaboration with the Department of Physics, a sequence of 10 two-credit courses is offered for the professional development of physics teachers. These courses are open to MAT students. The courses review fundamental concepts of physics in the context of the physics education research literature and the conceptual history of physics. For the latter, selections from original sources are used. For further information, contact Professor Peter Garik, 617-353-4735, garik@bu.edu.

Admissions

Students are admitted to the School of Education and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences jointly.