Master Science Teacher Certification

The University and the Department of Teaching and Learning

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development represents the University's commitment to the professional development of educators through innovative and research-based undergraduate, graduate, and professional-development programs. In the field of professional education, the School offers a Doctoral program, three Master's degrees, and a number of graduate certification programs, including Master Technology Teacher (MTT), Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT),  Master Science Teacher (MST), Master Reading Teacher (MRT), English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, Gifted & Talented certification, Bilingual certification, Learning Therapist certification, and Dyslexia Teaching-Level certification.

Master Science Teacher (MST)

The Master Science Teacher (MST) program was developed in response to a demand for science educators who can teach investigative methodology and techniques and equip students with the skills necessary to make informed decisions about issues and problems of a scientific nature. The curriculum comprises four three-credit-hour graduate courses–all of which can also be applied to the specialization module of SMU's Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree (pending acceptance into the M.Ed. program). Successful graduates of the MST program are prepared to take the Master Science Teacher TExES (Texas Exam for Educator Standards); those who pass the exam earn the MST certification.

All four MST courses can be completed within a year with students taking one course each fall and spring and two in the summer.  Students are admitted to the MST program in cohorts of 15-20 and remain with that cohort throughout the program; new cohorts begin each fall, spring, and summer. 

MST Curriculum

The four required courses (12 credit hours) are designed to meet State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) standards and competencies for the Master Science Teacher certificate.  Click on their course titles below to link to their course descriptions.

Tuition and Fees

SMU offers a substantially reduced tuition rate for professional educators. The 2008-09 Academic Year cost is $411 per semester credit hour. The tuition rate for Academic Year 2009-10 is $435 per semester credit hour. There is a one-time application fee of $75, and students planning to park on-campus must pay a parking fee. Click here to view parking fees.  The estimated annual charges for books and materials are $100-$150. Students are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their school districts.

Admission

Students interested in pursuing just the MST program (rather than pursuing it in combination with the Master of Education degree) please click here for a printable PDF version of the Master Teacher application.  This application form is in Adobe's PDF format; if you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is necessary to open a PDF, click here to download your free copy.  Program applications are also available in the Teacher Education office and can be faxed or mailed to you; please call 214-768-2346.  Students interested in pursuing both the MST and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) should complete the M.Ed. application.  The MST courses may be applied to the specialization module of the Master of Education degree.

Each applicant must submit a portfolio that contains the following.

  • a completed application (see above).
  • a statement indicating the applicant's professional goals and why s/he would be effective as a master science teacher.
  • a copy of his/her valid Texas Teaching Certificate.
  • a copy of his/her teaching service record.
  • an official transcript (an unofficial copy will suffice until the first day of class) from the school that awarded your baccalaureate degree; the transcript must reflect both the degree status (i.e., bachelor's degree completed) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Transcripts from countries outside the United States must be accompanied by an official evaluation of the transcript by a recognized U.S. evaluation agency.
  • a resume.
  • three recommendation letters/forms from individuals familiar with your academic abilities, experience in teaching, and mentoring of others; at least one recommendation must come from your principal or direct supervisor.  The recommendation forms are attached to the program application form (see above).
  • applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English are required to supply scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum score for admission is 550 on a pencil and paper test or 214 on a computer-based test.
  • a $75 non-refundable application fee payable to SMU.

Additional Information

For additional information, please call 214-768-2346 or e-mail teachlearn@smu.edu.

“If you dare to teach, you must never cease to learn.”  −Harry Wong