STEM Education
When you decide to pursue this degree, you will learn practical and valuable knowledge and skills to help you engage your students in exciting STEM content. Our program focuses on understanding students' ideas, creating equitable STEM learning environments, assessing students' needs and providing high-quality instruction. The courses you will take focus on developing this knowledge and these skills in the context of rich STEM content. You’ll complete a final master’s project that is a practical solution to your teaching and learning goals.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Science (License)
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA License
Classroom Type: On campus
Prepares educators to teach science to diverse adolescents and promote their appreciation for scientific discovery. Features a proven and perfected residency program with partner schools. Graduates gain in-depth knowledge and skills that allow them to make science meaningful to their students.
Application​ deadlines
Summer Semester: February 15
Fall Semester: June 30
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Environmental Sciences & Sustainability Science & Technology
Campus: CU Denver
University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with a Secondary Science (7 – 12 Generalist) teaching license expertly prepares students to teach science to diverse adolescents as they develop an appreciation for scientific discovery. Learning from dedicated teachers and award-winning faculty in a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools makes the program – and graduates – stand out. Students gain in-depth, applicable knowledge that allows them to make science meaningful to their students.
The program’s goal is to help students have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity, and achievement, while also supporting them as an innovator in their school and professional networks. The program recognizes the urgent need for outstanding science teachers, and the program is all about preparing the finest!
As part of this program, students learn to fully engage students in their classroom by exploring:
- Theory and methods of science education
- Instruction plans based on academic science standards and informed by contemporary assessment
- Interactive, inquiry-based and inclusive science education
- Formal and informal science education
The faculty is top-notch with experience and expertise across a wide range of areas. They partner regularly on education projects/grants with the National Science Foundation and The National Park Service. They also provide international perspectives on teaching and learning and opportunities for interdisciplinary research. They will put students in touch with the latest theories, experiential science learning activities, and innovative teaching strategies.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
As one of the top education schools in the country, SEHD is proud to help students become teachers. At CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, students are surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to the program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will support their development as culturally competent individuals and teachers, light a fire for social justice, and allow them to give their best to every student, every day. The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experience by U.S. News & World Report. The program matches student’s passion for teaching with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches, and real-world practice. That’s why graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities, and the world.
Why the Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Science (License) program at CU Denver?
Join One of the Top Education Schools in the Country
Students are surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to the program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will allow them to give their best to every student, every day.
Launch Your New Teaching Career Quickly
The program offers different start times and program lengths to accommodate their obligations. It's possible to complete the program in as little as one year.
Earn up to $40,000 in Stipends and Grants
School of Education & Human Development staff will work with students to qualify and access existing state and federal dollars to help pay for the three-semester MAT program. Advisors are ready to help students determine if full funding is possible.
STEM Scholarship Opportunities
Students in this program may be eligible for STEM scholarships offered exclusively to students in the CU Denver School of Education & Human Development.
Sample Courses
- EDFN 5010 - Social Foundations & Cultural Diversity in Urban Ed 3 credits
- SCED 5400 - Theory & Pedagogy of Science Instruction 3 credits
- SCED 5401 - Inquiry Science & Pedagogy Practices 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:18 months
Required Credits for Completion:39
Admission Requirements
Important steps to take before beginning the application process
Due to the rigorous nature of teacher preparation as guided by state and national accreditation standards, pre-planning steps are necessary before applying to the Teaching program. Please note that these steps must be taken and more time may be needed in order to meet specific deadlines. Phone or in person appointments with the department advisor are highly recommended in order to determine the best time for applicants to apply.
- Complete a transcript evaluation for content knowledge from your bachelor and/or masters. We must ensure that all candidates have appropriate and sufficient content knowledge related to the content they are planning to teach aligned with their identified teacher licensure area.
- Complete any outstanding prerequisite content courses that are needed per the transcript evaluation. You can still be taking courses in the term that you apply - courses must be finished by the time you start the program.
- Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment: To start your student teaching experience and obtain your license, you must pass a state-mandated content knowledge exam. We no longer require you to submit test results with your graduate application. Admitted students will receive additional instructions regarding these exams upon admission.
Contact us to learn more about the application process at 303-315-6300 or education@ucdenver.edu.
Application requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Candidates with a cumulative GPA below a 3.0 will be considered for provisional admission based on the overall strength of other required admission criteria.
- 3 recommendation letters: Please provide your recommenders with the following guidelines to use when writing their letter:
- As you write the recommendation letter for this applicant, please address the candidate’s knowledge and skills as they relate to collaboration with others, self-initiative, time management/organization, professionalism/maturity, and their overall potential to be an effective teacher working in diverse schools and communities.
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume/CV
- Short Constructed Response Essays
- Attend an admissions interview. All individuals who submitted a complete application will receive an email with the interview invitation that contains all details approximately one week before the scheduled interview. During this group interview, prospective students participate in highly interactive group discussions and activities to further assess each applicant's readiness as well as aid in internship placement
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency.)
Application Support
Our friends at TEACH Colorado have free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access:
- An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
- $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
- 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
- How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
- A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.
For more information, please contact:
School of Education & Human Development
Office of Recruitment and Outreach
education@ucdenver.edu
303.315.6300
Additional Information
We welcome applications from motivated individuals who have bachelor's degrees and a strong passion for education.