Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Science or Secondary Mathematics
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- Overview
- Admission Requirements
- Curriculum
- Program Information
- Financial Aid
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The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Science or Secondary Mathematics is a 39-semester-hour program that can be completed in 13 months and is offered in the Greenville area. It consists of online and face-to-face instruction and more than 100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching.
The MAT program is a technologically rich program in which students master the fundamentals of teaching and become skilled at motivating and helping students learn either science or mathematics at deep levels. The program addresses content directly related to the secondary classroom, educational foundations and specific teaching methods that reflect current research in the field.
The program also provides the courses required for initial certification for grades 9-12 in South Carolina. The program is geared primarily toward adults with a background in science, mathematics or a related discipline who wish to change careers and enter the teaching field.
Clemson University is proud to offer the National Science Foundation-funded TigersTeach Noyce Scholarship to qualified individuals. Eligible applicants entering the MAT for Secondary Science and Mathematics program can receive up to $10,000. Those interested in applying for a scholarship should contact Leigh Haltiwanger, program coordinator, to determine eligibility and admissions procedures prior to submitting an application for the MAT program. Click here for additional information regarding the Noyce Scholarship.The optimal entry point into the MAT program is during the Summer I term with a projected graduation the following summer. The program application deadline is April 1.
To be considered for admission, individuals must complete the following requirements:
- Complete the online application to the Clemson University Graduate School. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by the April 1 deadline. On the application, select Program Code 385 (Secondary Education) and indicate either science or mathematics within the application.
- Submit official transcripts from all prior institutions from which a degree was awarded and from which transfer credit is desired. A bachelor’s degree or higher is required from an accredited institution. Prior course work must show completion of at least 30 semester credits with a C or better in the certification area or closely related discipline. Note: additional course work may be required to address deficiencies in certain content areas (e.g., science requires course work in physics, chemistry and biology).
- Submit scores for the Praxis II Exam (science: 0030 or 0070; math: 0061). Note: Applicants may be considered for admission without the Praxis scores. All individuals must submit passing scores for these exams to be recommended for certification.
- Complete the departmental interview (can be scheduled before or after all application materials have been submitted).
- Include two recommendations. Note: Recommendation forms may be sent to recommenders electronically from the online application, or PDF recommendation forms can be sent for recommenders to complete and return to the Clemson University Graduate School.
- Submit TOEFL scores if English is not your first language.
- Submit a resume and indicate relevant professional work experience. Three or more years of professional experience beyond the bachelor’s degree is recommended.
The MAT program is composed of three elements:
- Core pedagogical course work (15 hours)
- Content course work (9 hours)
- Practicum and internship components (15 hours)
The discipline-specific methods courses, practicum and content literacy courses taken in the fall semester require students to complete a field experience in a local public high school, during which they spend two days per week in the assigned placement. During the spring semester, students complete a 15-week directed internship (student teaching) and a capstone seminar.
Program Courses
Fall
EDLT 864, 400 (Content Area Reading)
EDF 808, 400 (Tests and Measures)
EDF 690, 400 (Classroom Management)
EDSEC 861 (Methods, Science)
EDSEC 862 (Methods, Mathematics)
Spring
EDSEC 891 (Internship)
EDSEC 892 (Capstone Seminar)
Summer
BIOSC 683 (Lab. Tech. for Teachers)
BIOSCL 682
EDSP 823 (Teaching Students with Individual Differences and Exceptionalities)
EDSEC 637 (Technology in Mathematics)
MTHSC 750 (Modern Algebra for Secondary Teaching)
MTHSC 738 (Modern Geometry for Secondary Teaching)
EDF 802 (Advanced Educational Psychology)
CH 671 (Teaching Chemistry)
BIOSC 843 OR BIOSC 844
Sample Course of Study
Summer Session I (6 credits)
- Educational Psychology
- Content course1
Summer Session II (6 credits)
- Content Course1
- Teaching Students with Individual Differences and Exceptionalities
Fall Semester (12 credits)
- Classroom Assessment Methods
- Content Area Literacy
- Tests and Measures
- Classroom Management
Spring Semester (12 credits)
- Directed Internship (student teaching)
- Internship and Research Seminar
Summer Session I (3 credits)
- Content course1
1The content area courses must be approved by the program adviser.
Total Hours: 39
Download Program Handbook.
Completion of the MAT for Secondary Science or Mathematics degree program is dependent upon the following:
- Completion of all required prerequisites
- Completion of all course work with a grade of C or better
- Successful completion of student teaching experience
- Students must take all state-required Praxis II exams:
- Science: 0030 or 0070; 0624
- Math: 0061, 0063 and 0624
- Passing scores on all tests are required for certification.
A record of all state-required Praxis II exams must be on file at Clemson University in order to begin the directed internship (student teaching). Candidates must have passing scores on 0030 or 0070 (science) or on 0061 (math) to begin the student internship. Additionally, no one can complete the program without having taken all required certification tests. Additional information can be found at South Carolina Test Requirements.
Program Faculty and Staff
Leigh Haltiwanger, Program Coordinator
418-B, Tillman Hall, Clemson, SC
Suite D, Office J, University Center of Greenville
864-646-4121
haltiwa@clemson.edu
Claire Cappio, Student Services Manager
University Center of Greenville
225 S. Pleasantburg Dr.
Greenville, SC 29607
864-250-8880
cappio@clemson.edu
Jeff Marshall, Science Education
418-G Tillman, Clemson, SC
864-656-2059
marsha9@clemson.edu
Bob Horton, Mathematics Education
409-B Tillman Hall, Clemson, SC
864-656-5127
bhorton@clemson.edu
David Fleming, E.T. Moore School of Education Graduate Coordinator
G-01 Tillman Hall, Clemson, SC
864-656-1881
dflemin@clemson.edu
Clemson University is proud to offer the National Science Foundation-funded TigersTeach Noyce Scholarship to qualified individuals. Eligible applicants entering the MAT for Secondary Science and Mathematics program can receive up to $10,000. Those interested in applying for a scholarship should contact Leigh Haltiwanger, program coordinator, to determine eligibility and admissions procedures prior to submitting an application for the MAT program. Click here for additional information regarding the NSF Noyce Scholarship.
Applicants seeking financial aid should visit Clemson’s Student Financial Aid site.
Those interested might also consider applying for a Stafford Loan or for a SC Career-Changers Loan.
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