The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Physical Science was developed for high school and middle school subject area teachers who have an initial license and are seeking a professional license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The MAT program is designed to meet the "appropriate master's degree" requirement, which is part of the criteria for professional stage licensure, as set forth in the most recent MA DESE licensure regulations. This degree program will also appeal to secondary school teachers who already hold a standard level or professional license and want to acquire additional knowledge and a master's degree in the discipline.
Physical Science, MA
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Physical Science program provides a dynamic and inspiring learning environment, offering you countless opportunities to work side-by-side with peers, experienced classroom teachers and dedicated faculty in a collegial and supportive atmosphere. Integrating theory and practice, the program provides a balanced emphasis on building advanced teaching skills and deeper knowledge within a particular discipline.
The MAT program offers:
- Diverse faculty with advanced degrees and extensive teaching and research experience for example:
Dr. Edward Deveney: Quantum Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules
Dr. Edward Brush: Problem- based Learning through Green Chemistry
Dr. Steve Kaczmarek: Carbonate Petrology and Geochemical Kinetics
Dr. Martina Arndt: Astrophysics and Astronomy
- A solid foundation in effective teaching, learning, research and communication skills
- A deeper understanding of instruction and assessment techniques for diverse learners
- Development of advocacy and leadership competencies
- Full and part-time program options
- Small classes that facilitate a more personalized learning experience
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Thomas Kling
Admissions Requirements
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Resume
- Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
- Minimum GPA - Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 based upon four years of coursework or 3.0 GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
- Letters of Recommendation - Three appropriate letters of recommendation, at least one letter of recommendation should be an academic reference from a professor
- Personal Statement - Prepare a brief, but careful statement regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in this field, your specific interest and experiences in this field, and your career goals
- Initial teaching License - An initial teaching license
Application Deadlines
Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.
Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.
Curriculum
PHSC 501 - Problem Solving in Physical Science
EDMC 530 - The Teacher as Researcher
EDMC 531 - The Standards-Based Classroom: Curriculum
EDMC 532 - The Teacher as Leader: From Issues to Advocacy
EDMC 533 - The Standards-Based Classroom: Instruction and Assessment for Diverse Learners
EDMC 538 - The Professional Teacher
Electives
Candidates must complete twelve credits in electives. At least three credits from Chemistry, three credits from Earth Sciences and the credits from Physics.
Chemistry
CHEM 560 - Special Topics in Chemistry
Earth Sciences
GEOL 501 - Observational Astronomy
GEOL 504 - Observational Meteorology
GEOL 550 - Modern Development in Earth Science
GEOL 560 - Special Topics in Earth Science
General Science
GSCI 560 - Special Topics in Science Teaching
Physics
PHYS 560 - Special Topics in Physics Teaching
PHYS 581 - The Physics of the Environment
PHYS 593 - Special Topics in Secondart School Science OR
PHYS 594 - Special Topics in Middle School Science
Capstone Course
PHSC 590 - Integrated Physical Science
Total Minimum Credits: 33
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog
Funding Opportunities
The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Science is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.
Learning Outcomes
1. Receive high content in Chemistry/Earth Sciences/Physics with potential to impact teaching at the high school level
2. Receive high content and hands on Experimental Lab courses with potential to impact teaching at the high school level
3. Receive content-rich science specific (chemistry/earth science/physics) pedagogy
4. Present science clearly in written and/or spoken form stressing scientific methods
5. Afford the opportunity for independent research with faculty
MAT Outcomes
Students will know and be able to:
1. Be informed (and critical) consumers of research literature, and become familiar with the methods and technology surrounding scientific inquiry. (EDMC 530)
2. Examine curriculum within the scope of a general framework of curriculum meaning, design, development, and use. However, the specific focus of the course will be to develop standards – based curriculum and to understand the paradigm shift for educators today in what teaching and learning need to look like in a standards- based environment. (EDMC 531)
3. Articulate a personal position on critical issues and to practice school leadership and community advocacy on issues of concern. (EDMC 532)
4. Explore ways to conduct high quality assessments that accurately track student learning. They will learn to use assessment information to inform instructional decisions, and will discover ways to use the assessment process as a basis for helping students improve their own learning and achievement. (EDMC 533)
5. Examine their own classroom learning and teaching practices that are consistent with their theory of learning. They will reflect upon and demonstrate their knowledge of the best practices that address high standards and expectations, effective instruction, and assessment. (EDMC 538)
View this PDF for an overview of the College of Graduate Studies.
View our graduate events page to RSVP to information sessions, workshops and seminars.
Bridgewater offers competitive tuition and fees for graduate students both in and out of state.
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