"The program provided me with the confidence and ability to connect and integrate concepts within different science disciplines. It has been the catalyst that has allowed my students to become more scientifically literate due to my participation in many meaningful experiences that promote the enjoyment and understanding of science."

(Program Graduate, Science Teacher, Sonora High School)

After completing my MAT-S, I was so interested in science education that I continued on to a PhD program and am now a professor of science education at a major university! 

Program Completer, Science Education Professor

1. Candidates must submit two applications, the “California State University Graduate Application for Admission,” and one to the Science Education Program. The Science Education Program application for the MAT-S must include:
1. two signed letters of recommendation;
2. a personal resume;
3. documentation of a teaching credential; and
4. a Statement of Purpose of 1-2 pages with information about the candidate’s science area of interest.
2. A teaching credential is normally required for classified standing.
   In special circumstances, a MAT-S faculty adviser may agree to
   work with a student who has not completed a teaching credential program. For example, an applicant who teaches in a private school or works in a museum may complete the MAT-S without a teaching credential. In these cases, a MAT-S faculty adviser will write a letter waiving the credential requirement for classified standing.
3. Completion of course work equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in one of the sciences. (For the elementary track, the baccalaureate degree is not normally in the sciences, but the application must provide evidence of in-depth work within the sciences beyond the minimum requirements for a multiple subject teaching credential.)
4. Acceptance by a faculty project/thesis adviser.
5. The admission decision will be made only after the application file is complete.

All candidates must:

• Work with a graduate committee that will include instructors from the academic departments of the students teaching specialty or emphasis.
• Take (elementary track) or may have to take (secondary track) a diagnostic examination prior to classification in the declared areas of teaching specialty. The purpose of this examination is to aid advisers in recommending appropriate and prerequisite science course work. Prerequisite course work will not count toward the 30-unit degree requirement.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in science prerequisites.
• Have an adequate science preparation, as described below:

Core Courses (9 units):

• Science Education 550 Theoretical Designs in Science Education (3)
• Science Education 552 Review of Research in Science Education (3) (meets the graduate level writing requirement)
• Science Education 554 Issues in Science Education (3)

Thesis/Project (6 units):

• Science Education 598 Thesis (6) OR Science Education 597 Project (3) and Science Education 599 Independent Graduate Research (3)

Basic Science Electives (15 units)

Electives will be chosen from upper-division and graduate courses from the following departments:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Geological sciences
• Physics
• Science Education (elementary track)

For further information and advisement, consult the graduate program adviser or Director of the Science Education Program

Amount: $1,000

Established by: This scholarship was established by the Boeing Company to recognize academic achievement in science education. The award is presented at the NSM Awards Banquet in May.

Open to: This scholarship is open to graduate students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching Science degree program with at least one year remaining at CSUF . Criteria: Scholastic Achievement

Application Procedure:

1. Complete the SA application, answering all 7 questions, and sign the certification;
2. Prepare a letter indicating your interests, your academic background (including all university science courses and grades) and your future goals in science education;
3. Obtain at least one letter of recommendation addressed to the Scholarship Award Committee from a school administrator or an official" of a community/professional science organization; and
4. Submit application materials to MH-527, Science Education Office