Masters of Science in Teaching

A Master of Science in Teaching(MST), with a concentration in Natural Science, offers graduates an opportunity to gain a variety of experiences, develop deeper knowledge in various fields, and build professional networks across a range of career paths.

The MST program empowers students to design individualized, interdisciplinary degree paths to achieve their personal and professional goals. Core courses blend knowledge and methods from various fields, fostering a comprehensive approach to critical thinking and problem-solving.

Picture of engineering student working in a lab

MST Concentration

Natural Sciences

Mission: To deepen understanding of select STEM concepts and environments that support teaching and learning student's selected STEM content.

What: A self-directed masters degree program designed individually based on the student's interests and needs for their career.

For Whom? Current K-12 teachers and/or non-traditional/informal educators.

Why? The content courses can be used as professional development towards meeting the federal definition of a "highly qualified" teacher or educator.

Application Information

Application Steps:

Go to https://wyoming-edu.secure.force.com
Enter your UW username and password or register as a new user. Once you have access to the
Admissions website, complete all required information for a graduate application.
For the Program of Study choose Natural Science MS – College of Education (Middle Level Math)
To complete the application follow the directions on the application page.
You will need:
- A $50 application fee
- A current resume
- Portfolio questions and writing sample - information sent by Admissions by email once application is created
- Three letters of recommendation – follow instructions on application
- Transcripts from all colleges attended, must include a Bachelor’s Degree

All information is either uploaded or filled in on the Admissions website.

If you have questions or are having any problem regarding the application process, please contact Jessica Marcolini (jmarcoli@uwyo.edu) or Rob Steele in Admissions (rsteele@uwyo.edu or 307-766-3866).

Application Deadline

Applications are due April 1^st for Summer start, June 15^st for Fall start, and November 1^st for a spring start date. Applicants are encouraged to file early; application reviews and admissions are ongoing.

Non-competitive tuition awards are available as funding allows for Wyoming teachers who are formally accepted into the program. Contact the SMTC for information.

In collaboration with their initial advisor, students will create a program of study that contains:

18 credits in selected concentration,
6 credits of appropriate graduate level STEM pedagogy/education courses,
4 credits of research methodology, and
2 credits Plan B Research that is supported by Committee Chair. Students must complete a Plan B (non-thesis project) or Plan A Thesis in order to graduate.

Field Class

Possible Courses

SMTC Course Offerings

Fall:

Research Methods

- NASC 5670 Research Methodology (4 credits) synchronously online - every Fall

Content

- NASC 5190 Mathematics of Change (3 credits) synchronously online - 2025, 2027
- NASC 5160 Social and Historical Issues (3 credits) synchronously online - 2026, 2028

Spring:

Pedagogy/Education

- NASC 5810 Middle Level Science and Math Practicum (3 credits) synchronously online -2026, 2028, 2030
- NASC 5205 Methods for Teaching Middle Level Math (3 credits) synchronously online - 2025, 2027

Content

- NASC 5140 Numbers and Operations (3 credits) synchronously online - 2026, 2028

Summer Session:

Content

- ASTR 4000 Astronomy for Teachers (2 credits) - 2025
- NASC 5120 Earth Science in a Global Context (3 credits) - 2025
- NASC 5400 Spatial Data Instruction Technology (1 credit) - 2025
- NASC 5170 Connecting Geometry with Problem-Solving (3 credits) - 2025
- BOT 4790 Field Techniques (1 credit) - 2026
- ENTO 5601 Insects for Teachers (1 credit) - 2026
- NASC 5130 Life Sciences in a Global Context (3 credits) - 2026
- SOC 4890 Global Populations and Environments (1 credit) - 2026
- NASC 5185 Analysis of Data (3 credits) - 2026
- EE 4800 Energy Policies and Impacts (1 credit) - 2027
- NASC 5110 Physical Sciences in a Global Context (3 credits) - 2027
- NASC 5600 Math and Stats in Science Teaching (2 credits) - 2027

Pedagogy/Education

- NASC 5300 Natural Science Assessment (2 credits) - 2025
- NASC 5225 Assessment for Middle-Level Mathematics (3 credits) - 2025
- NASC 5660 Standards, Pedagogy and Research (2 credits) - 2026
- NASC 5215 Using Technology for Middle-Level Mathematics (3 credits) - 2026
- NASC 5510 Integrated Instructional Strategies (2 credits) - 2027

Offered As Needed:

- NASC 5961 Plan B Research (2 credits)

Other Possible Course Offerings:

Content

- ENR 4000-5000 Level
- ESS 4000-5000 Level

Pedagogy/Education

- EDCI 4000-5000 Level
- ESCI 5000 Level
- EMAT 5000 Level

Certificate Option

Coursework offered in the MST may be eligible for an add-on endorsement in Middle Level Mathematics or Middle Level Science for practicing teachers. All candidates interested in endorsement must hold a current teaching certificate and complete 24 core hours.

For more information about endorsement offerings visit the SMTC Endorsement Page or for adding an endorsement to a license, visit the PTSB website.