The MST is a 31-credit Master’s program requiring specific coursework, a research thesis, and guided teaching experiences in introductory courses on campus. Students working toward teacher certification will also complete a practicum teaching experience in a secondary classroom. Through the required courses in the program, students will strengthen their knowledge of the discipline(s) that they teach, particularly concepts and skills normally covered in secondary school courses. They will also participate in and understand the results of education research in their discipline(s) and its application to teaching and learning.

This program is designed to benefit:

• Teachers who would like to strengthen their knowledge of the subjects that they teach while earning a Master’s Degree;
• Recent graduates who have majored in mathematics, science or engineering and are interested in pursuing a career in teaching;
• Established scientists, engineers, or mathematicians who are interested in making a career change into secondary teaching.

Participants in this program will:

• Strengthen their backgrounds in the subjects that they teach;
• Study topics included in the Learning Results but often not covered in traditional introductory mathematics and science courses;
• Learn science and mathematics in courses taught using research-guided pedagogy and curricula, including hands-on, inquiry based methods;
• Participate in courses that combine content and methods learning, rather than taking separate content and methods courses;
• Learn how to design, conduct, and interpret science and mathematics education research;
• Obtain training in the effective use of technology in the secondary classroom;
• Have supervised teaching experience in classrooms implementing best practices indicated from research; and
• Work toward certification to teach at the secondary level in their field (if desired).

Further information about the MST program may be found at: http://www.umaine.edu/center/MST/MST%20Program.html