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The University of Texas at Dallas
Graduate Admissions

Department of Science and Mathematics Education

http://www.utdallas.edu/scimathed/

Faculty

Professors: Robert C. Hilborn (chair), Thomas R. Butts, Frederick L. Fifer, Jr.(emeritus), Russell Hulse, Cynthia Ledbetter, Lynn Melton
Associate Professors:
Titu Andreescu, Homer Montgomery, Mary L. Urquhart
Assistant Professor: Phillip Kisunzu
Science Education Specialist: Barbara A. Curry
Clinical Professor: Bill Neal, Bill Gammons
Affiliate Faculty: John Burr, Matthew Goeckner, John Hoffman, Scherry Johnson, Robert Stern

Objectives

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Science Education stresses training in the art of teaching and advanced knowledge in the sciences.  Designed for individuals with significant ability in a science discipline and a serious commitment to teaching, the program offers an opportunity for professional development of experienced teachers.

The M.A.T. degree in Mathematics Education is aimed at mathematics and computer science teachers in grades 8 – 12. It is a content-oriented program that strives to achieve a balance between increasing subject-matter knowledge and investigating relevant pedagogical and content issues of the mathematics curriculum with an emphasis on linking collegiate mathematics with secondary mathematics. (Mathematics teachers in grades 4 – 8 may wish to consider the option, "The Teaching of Mathematics in Grades 4-8" in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program.)  Students taking at least 18 graduate hours in mathematics content courses as part of the degree program can meet the minimal mathematics requirements for teaching at a community college.

Facilities

The Department has a dedicated classroom that can be configured for different teaching styles and facilities for producing teaching materials.  The University’s new Mathematics, Science, Engineering Teaching/Learning Center will provide additional facilities for teaching in different environments and for carrying out science and mathematics education research.  Scientific equipment, which supports the various programs at the university, is available to students in the M.A.T. program. Facilities in biology, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, mathematics and physics are briefly described in the respective disciplinary sections of the catalog.

Admission Requirements

The University’s general admission requirements are discussed here.

Science Education

Admission to the Graduate Program in Science Education requires, in addition to general University requirements, at least 24 credit hours in science. Students with strong backgrounds in an area of specialization are encouraged to discuss alternate plans with the Science Education Graduate Adviser. A student without the required science content background will be required to correct the deficiencies and should apply initially as a non-degree-seeking student.  Appropriate course programs for such students will be developed in consultation with the Science Education Graduate Adviser.  The M. A. T. Science Education program can be completed with traditional classes, entirely with online classes, or with a mix of online and traditional classes.

Mathematics Education

Admission to the Graduate Program in Mathematics Education requires, in addition to the general University requirements, at least one year of calculus, linear algebra and a junior-level course involving mathematical proof. Those teaching mathematics in grades 4 - 8 may wish to consider the option "The Teaching of Mathematics in Grades 4 - 8" in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program. Consult the Mathematics Education Graduate Adviser for details.

For both Science Education and Mathematics Education programs, opportunities may arise for students to work directly in local schools.  Be advised that public schools and many private schools in the state of Texas will require criminal background checks of all volunteers or individuals working within the schools regardless of the potential of direct contact with students.

Degree Requirements

The University’s general degree requirements are discussed here.

Additional requirements for each M.A.T. degree are described below. No more than 9 hours will be accepted for transfer credit. Under special circumstances, the Department Head may permit exceptions for portions of these requirements.

Science Education (Thesis Option; both online and traditional)

All students seeking the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Science Education degree (Thesis Option) must satisfactorily complete the following requirements (minimum of 36 graduate semester hours) with a grade of B or better:  

Science Education Courses (9 hours)

SCE 5301 Critical Issues in Science Education
SCE 5305 Evaluating Research in Science Education
SCE 5308 Research Design and Methodology for Science Education

Statistics (3 hours)

SCE 5340 Statistics in Science/Mathematics Education or HCS 6312 (ACN 6312) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain Sciences - Part I (or acceptable equivalent) is a prerequisite to enrolling for thesis research hours.

Science Content Courses (18 hours)

A minimum of four graduate courses (minimum of 12 semester hours) in a chosen specialization related to the student's major area of study. Specialty areas include biology, chemistry, geosciences and physics,

 A minimum of two graduate courses (minimum six semester hours) in one specialty area other than the chosen specialization

Thesis Research (6 hours)

A minimum of six semester hours in thesis research, SCE 8398, and

Submission of an acceptable thesis which warrants publication in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, monographs or the equivalent.

In addition to the above requirements, students must establish a thesis supervisory committee and must submit, no later than the second semester of enrollment, an acceptable research proposal to that committee. Upon completion of the thesis research, the candidate will publicly defend the thesis. The thesis is directed by a Supervising Professor and must be approved by the student’s thesis supervisory committee.

Science Education (Non-Thesis)

The M.A.T. degree in Science Education requires a minimum of 36 graduate semester hours, distributed as follows:

Science Education Courses (9 hours)

SCE 5301 Critical Issues in Science Education
SCE 5305 Evaluating Research in Science Education
SCE 5308 Research Design and Methodology for Science Education

Science Content Courses (18-24 hours)

Primary Area: 12-16 graduate hours in biology, chemistry, geosciences, or physics.
Secondary Area: 6-8 graduate hours in biology, chemistry, geosciences, or physics.

Electives (3-12 hours)

Three to twelve hours of electives are taken to complete the required minimum of 36 hours. These elective hours, chosen in consultation with the Science Education Graduate Advisor, may include additional graduate science, mathematics, engineering, computer science, education and science education courses.

SCE 5301, 5305, and 5308 must be completed with a grade of B or better. No more than two of the four courses required for a primary area may be taken during a summer field trip.

Mathematics Education

The M.A.T. degree in Mathematics Education requires 36 graduate semester hours, distributed as follows:

Mathematics Content Courses (15 hours)

Five approved courses chosen from:
Analysis: MATH 5301, 5302;
Algebra and Discrete Mathematics: CS 5333, MATH 6311;
Geometry: MATH 5305, 5306;
Probability and Statistics: STAT 5351, 5352

Other relevant courses approved by the Mathematics Education Graduate Adviser

 

Students wishing to emphasize computer science may substitute appropriate courses for those in the Mathematics Education Core as approved by the Mathematics Education Graduate Adviser.

 

Students interested in teaching in a community college will need at least 18 graduate semester hours in mathematics content.  They should consult with the Mathematics Education Graduate Adviser about their course programs.

Mathematics Education Course (3 hours)

EMTH 5310 Seminar: The Teaching of Mathematics and Computer Science.

 

Guided Electives (18 hours)

Six graduate courses in mathematics, computer science or other area involving applications of mathematics or pedagogy (approval by Mathematics Education Graduate Adviser required).  MTHE 5320 (which may be repeated up to six times) is highly recommended.

  
Last Updated: March 1, 2011