Master of Arts with an emphasis in science teaching (MAst)
The UNL Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education offers several routes to becoming a science teacher by obtaining initial secondary (grades 7-12) science certification in one of four areas (i.e., biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, and physics).
As you may be aware, the pandemic has exacerbated the typical shortage we have of highly qualified science teachers, especially in physics, chemistry, and Earth and space science. Strong science coursework and professional experience working in scientific fields provide a critical and productive foundation for teaching middle and high school science in our K-12 schools.
The Department has two core pathways (with one transitional option) for those interested in becoming a science teacher:
Option 1) Undergraduate degree in secondary science education (BA) (and usually eligible for a minor in their science content area)
- Required Science Background: Slightly more than an academic minor, about 28 credits in their area of expertise and 8 credits in each of the remaining three content areas (e.g., 28 chem, 8 bio, 8 physics, and 8 Earth).
Option 2a) Accelerated Master of Arts with an emphasis in science teaching (MAst)
- Required Science Background: On track to complete a BS/BA in their science content area with senior standing (starts teacher education program in the spring semester of senior year to earn 3-6 graduate credit hours). Join the MAst program upon graduation with BS/BA degree.
Option 2b) Master of Arts with an emphasis in science teaching (MAst)
- Required Science Background: BS/BA degree (or more) completed in their chosen science content area.
The science teacher education program offers a rigorous preparation for certification and endorsement in Nebraska schools and internships with local cooperating teachers. The professional degree program coursework for all of these programs starts in January annually.
Click here to view a brochure with more information about the Master of Arts with an emphasis in science teaching (MAst) program.
You can contact Professor Elizabeth Lewis as the science teacher education programs coordinator at elewis3@unl.edu or science education Postdoctoral Associate Elizabeth Hasseler at ehasseler2@unl.edu with any questions.