About the M.S.T. in Natural Science
The M.S.T. in Natural Science is a graduate degree housed within the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center (SMTC) and the College of Education. What sets our degree apart from traditional master's programs is our "build your own degree" design. In collaboration with your advisor, you'll create a personalized program of study based on your professional needs and the STEM content areas you care most about.
The curriculum combines 18 credits in your chosen STEM concentration, 6 credits of graduate-level pedagogy and education courses, 4 credits of research methodology and 2 credits of research. You'll finish the program with a deeper subject matter knowledge, stronger research skills and practical tools for bringing high-quality STEM instruction to every student you work with. This program is ideal for current K-12 teachers and non-traditional or informal educators who want to grow professionally while maintaining the flexibility to keep teaching and working full-time.
Application Deadline
- Summer Start: April 1*
- Fall Start: June 15*
- Spring Start: November 1*
*Applicants are encouraged to file early; application reviews and admissions are ongoing.
Application Steps
- Go to the General UW Application.
- 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.
- Select either "STEM Education MST" or "STEM Education MST (Online)" from the Program of Study drop-down menu. Those living outside of Laramie and/or working full-time should select "STEM Education MST (Online)" as the majority of coursework will be online or hybrid.
- To complete the application, follow the directions on the application page.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
- Application fee
- Resume
- A writing sample in response to the three provided questions
- A portfolio in response to the two provided questions
- Must includes evidence that supports the potential success of the candidate as a graduate student
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Must include a letter from the applicant’s supervisor and two other colleagues
- 3.0 undergraduate grade point average
- Provisional admission with a lesser GPA, only with consent from Academic Affairs
If you have questions or are having any problem regarding the application process, please contact Jessica Marcolini (jmarcoli@uwyo.edu) or the Admissions Tech Team (aa-tech@lists.uwyo.edu).
Why Earn Your M.S.T. in Natural Science at UW?
Graduate education opens doors, and for educators, it can transform your classroom, your career and your connection to the subject matter you teach.
Absolutely. The M.S.T. was built for working educators. With online, hybrid and campus-based options, and a program length that stretches to fit your schedule, you don't have to choose between growing professionally and doing the job you love.
Earning a master's degree can open doors to higher pay, stronger credentials and new leadership opportunities, from curriculum specialist roles to department head positions. The M.S.T. also positions Wyoming teachers to meet federal "highly qualified" educator requirements, which can have a direct impact on your career standing.
A majority of M.S.T. alumni go on to teach and lead within schools and districts across Wyoming, bringing deeper content knowledge and stronger instructional practices to their communities.
Every student completes 4 credits of research methodology (NASC 5670) and a Plan B project, which is a non-thesis research experience supported by your committee chair. You'll design and carry out a real research project, communicate your findings in both written and oral forms and leave the program with hands-on experience in educational inquiry.
"The MST program has been a perfect fit for me as a working teacher. The hybrid setup has given me connections with a cohort and the freedom to study from home. The individualized nature of the program has allowed me to connect all of my coursework and my Plan B project with my school site and keep everything relevant, practical, and useful to my work. I feel very grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow as an educator."
- Theresa Cicchinelli | Current MST Student
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.