MAT in Science Education
Our M.A.T. in Science Education is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in science and wish to earn initial teaching certification in a secondary science field (biology, chemistry, earth/space science, or physics, grades 6-12) at the T-5 (advanced) level.
Science education at UGA emphasizes curriculum and teaching practices informed by the most current research and closely aligning with national standards established by the National Science Teachers Association and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Students wishing to earn initial certification without getting a master’s degree should apply to the non-degree certification program instead.
Highlights
- Earn initial certification at an advanced level
- Program may be completed in 1 full-time year
- Field experiences in both middle and high school
Curriculum
You will take courses in educational psychology, special education, and science education, including practical experiences in both middle and high school science classrooms and a full-time, semester-long student teaching experience.
Students must be full-time for two academic-year semesters in order to complete the coursework required for certification. You will take graduate-level courses during the Summer semester.
Your graduate-level coursework in science education will be specific to educational research, teaching strategies, curriculum, integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and other topics.
The capstone requirement for the degree is a certification portfolio, incorporating samples of work during all phases of the program, and students’ reflective commentaries on that work.
Based on your background, additional science courses may be required. Please refer to the Useful Links for more information.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the M.A.T. in Science Education
Students in the M.A.T. in Science Education are presumed to hold a bachelor’s degree in a core science field (biology, chemistry, earth/space science, or physics). Applicants with a science-related major or with a more limited coursework background in one of the core science areas will have their transcripts evaluated by our faculty to determine if further undergraduate-level science content coursework must be completed before admission to the program.
Candidates are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA on undergraduate or previous graduate work. Go to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website for details.
Deadline to Apply
- February 15 (Fall)
Late applications may be considered.
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
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