Science Education, MAT

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The University of Pittsburgh, School of Education, offers a post-baccalaureate program for Science teacher certification (grades 7-12), the Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT). This program is appropriate for individuals with non-education backgrounds in their baccalaureate studies. A strong science background and educational methodology are the foci of studies. Professional development is stressed through the use of teaching portfolios showing content background, teaching competencies, and technology in the design of instruction. Certification studies are available in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science, and General Science. Details are below:

• requires Teaching Interns to take and pass the Content Knowledge test (Praxis II) during the first semester of their program in order to obtain their Intern Certificate
• satisfies the requirements for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate (pending passing scores on the national PRAXIS II Exam, successful completion of the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430), and satisfactory performance in courses and in the internship)
• is completed in three terms (fall, spring, summer 1 session) beginning in late August of the admission year and concluding in mid-June of the following year
• consists of 36 credits of graduate course work combined with an internship in a local school district from August through June

Click through to read the Science Education Academic Checklist.

Discover more about our programs through the words of current students and alumni in a Teacher Certification video. In addition, find out more about the new Urban Scholars via videos that follow four students as they go through a full year of the program, which prepares preservice teachers to be successful in urban schools by pairing them with skilled mentors who help build positive relationships with students.

Interested in finding out more about our teacher education programs? Admissions representatives can answer questions you have at an upcoming Teacher Education Information Session.