MAT in Science Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program is designed for graduates who have completed an undergraduate major in the science content area for which they seek initial teaching licensure.

The MAT Program aims to prepare culturally responsive leaders in science education who advance the foundations of scientific literacy and scientific ways of thinking through leadership in equity, pedagogy, and content knowledge. Successful MAT candidates will earn a master’s degree in science education and endorsement for Massachusetts initial licensure in biology, chemistry, or physics for grades 8–12 or general science for grades 5–8.

Learning Outcomes

• Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives (Well-structured lessons, adjustments to practice; Reflective Practice).
• Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency (High Expectations; Meeting diverse needs; Safe Learning Environment).
• Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
• Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice (Meeting Diverse Needs).
• Subject Matter Knowledge: Demonstrates a mastery of subject matter knowledge in the licensure discipline.

Field Experience

Emphasis is put on classroom practice by engaging candidates in field experiences every term. Candidates assume increasing responsibilities in each field experience, culminating in a full student-teaching practicum during the final term.

Program Timelines

Full-time students typically begin during Summer Term 2 and graduate the following spring. Full-time students may also begin in September and complete the program the following summer. It is also possible to complete the degree over a two-year period as a part-time student.

Preparation for Professional Licensure

In addition, the MAT Program provides opportunities for candidates to complete 12 units in their respective licensure content areas that can be applied toward professional licensure after teaching three years in Massachusetts under an initial license.

Coursework and Requirements (40–42 units)

Education Coursework (12 units)

• WED CT 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 units)
• WED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 units)
• WED ME 530 Equitable Pedagogies in STEM Education (2 units)
• WED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 units)
• WED TL 525 Teaching English Learners in the Middle/High School (4 units)

Science Coursework (12–14 units)

• WED SC 570 Science Teaching Methods I (4 units)
• WED SC 572 Science Methods II: Teaching in the Science Disciplines 5–12 (4 units)
• WED SC 575 Foundations in Science Education (2–4 units)
• WED SE 576 Science Teaching Pre-practicum (2 units)

Elective Coursework (8 units)

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

Practicum (8 units)

Licensed classroom teachers and Boston University faculty supervise student-teaching experiences. Students select the appropriate practicum experiences from either of the two below.

• WED SC 509 Student Teaching Practicum: Science 5–8 (8 units)
• WED SC 510 Student Teaching Practicum: Science 8–12 (8 units)

Add-On License in Teaching English Language Learners (ESL)

The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages) Program offers a six-course, 26-unit add-on license pathway that allows MAT students in content-specific areas (e.g., English Education, Social Studies Education, Mathematics Education, and Science Education) to meet requirements for a Massachusetts licensure endorsement as Teacher of English Language Learners. In this course of study, students are exposed to a theoretical introduction to the nature and structure of language, key factors affecting second-language acquisition, and communicative approaches to the teaching of English as a second or foreign language. In addition to the six courses, students are required to complete an ESL Practicum. This pathway requires MAT candidates to add one additional summer and part-time term to their regular MAT program timeline.

This pathway consists of the following courses:

• WED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience (2 units)
• WED BI 530 English Language Development: Grade 5–12 English Language Learners (2 units) or WED BI 535
• WED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 units)
• WED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 units)
• WED LS 565 Introduction to Linguistics (4 units)
• WED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 units)
• WED TL 508 Methods in Teaching English as a Second Language (4 units)
• WED TL 582 and 583 Student-Teaching Practicum I and II: ESL, 5–12 (6 units)