What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 36 semester hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: April 15

Science Education, M.A.T.

Middle and Secondary Education

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-413-8060

Science educators are responsible for teaching learners intellectual skills and knowledge and scientific literacy across the fields of science, biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented science teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Science teachers create learning environments that enable students to learn science by thinking critically, engaging them in scientific practices and using core science ideas to make sense of phenomena from the natural world. Such learning environments, grounded in ambitious science teaching, align with the visions of three-dimensional teaching embodied by the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science.

The Georgia State University Science Education degree program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek an initial teaching certification in Secondary Science, grades 6-12. This program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and a clear and renewable (T5) Induction Certificate in Georgia.

The secondary science degree program encompasses educational theory, research and best practice, integrating social justice and equity principles.  Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical teaching experience in grades 6-12. Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study-abroad opportunities. Faculty support planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

 Concentrations include: Broad Field Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth/Space Science.

Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

Rankings

The College of Education & Human Development was ranked No. 41 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings of higher education graduate programs.

Our Science Education M.A.T. Students in Action

scienceeducationstudents (41)

View more photos of our students »

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

Select concentration in:

  • Biology
  • Broad-Field Science
  • Chemistry
  • Earth/Space Science
  • Physics

When applying to the Science Education, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (upload with the application)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
  • Official Transcript: minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
    • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302
  • To meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment prior to program admission. Visit the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment or information and how to register for the assessment.

 

Program of Study

Master of Arts in Teaching in Science Education

Professional Studies (9)
Select one (3):

Select one (3):

Required (3):

  • EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)

Teaching Field/Major (18)
Required (9):

  • EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3)
  • EDSC 6550 Principles of Science Instruction (3)
  • EDSC 7550 Theory and Pedagogy of Science Instruction (3)

Select Advanced Studies (9)
In consultation with their advisory committee, the students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher related to science education. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of science education. Students in this program will be prepared to teach in broad field science or in one of the science specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics in grades 6-12. The student’s advisory committee will approve the student’s planned program of study for either the broad field science preparation or preparation inn on one of the specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics after a transcript analysis of previous work and consultation with the student.

Internship (9)
Required (9):

Program total: minimum of 36 semester hours

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Our program graduates are informed by research, knowledge and reflective practice, empowered to serve as change agents, committed to and respectful of all learners and engaged with learners, their families, schools and local and global communities.

Ideal Candidate

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a science field or a related field, from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Seeking initial teaching certification in middle or secondary education
  • Desire to teach a science related course in an urban middle or high school

Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements

All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification:

  1. GaPSC Preservice Certificate (Entry)
  2. Georgia Educator Ethics Assessments (Entry and Exit)
  3. GACE Content Assessment(s) (Exit)
  4. Digital Dossier (Exit)

Field Placement Experience

In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where students will see the application of theory and research, test ideas, and practice strategies that they have learned throughout the program of study.  Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Program of Study

Description

Careers

Successful program graduates will be well prepared to work in some of the most prominent public, charter and private schools and school systems in the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Our graduates teach in a range of local public schools and counties such as Atlanta, Cobb and DeKalb as well as in local charter schools and private schools in other U.S. states and international settings. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, graduates are also well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in education.

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Dr. Kadir Demir
[email protected]
404-413-8410

Middle and Secondary Education
[email protected]
404-413-8060

Mailing Address & Office Location
Middle and Secondary Education
College of Education & Human Development, 6th Floor
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of Education and Human Development Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.