Biology, Initial Licensure Concentration, M.A.T.

Master of Arts in Biology/Master of Arts in Teaching Biology

Graduate Program Chair

Lisa Grimm, PhD

Graduate Committee

Margaret Hoey, PhD
Howard Thomas, PhD
Graduate Student Representative

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts (MA) in Biology Program is designed to prepare the student for a career in biology, environmental science, or for advanced study in these fields. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Biology Program consists of two tracks, preparing candidates for either initial or professional teacher licensure in Biology at the Secondary level.

Program Description

The MA in biology program offers a flexible program of study with both a thesis and non-thesis track. As students progress through the program, they will develop a strong scientific philosophy, apply sound scientific thinking to analyze biological issues in society, develop skills needed for employment within the field of biology, and expand the breadth and depth of scientific knowledge.

Both MAT in biology initial licensure and professional licensure tracks provide a balanced curriculum of biology and education courses to give graduates a strong background in content while improving their skills as teachers. Students learn to apply a wide range of biological knowledge including a bioethical perspective, expand their strategies for teaching science to all students, and develop critical thinking skills through experimentation and active learning in the classroom.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

Applicants to the MA/MAT in Biology Program must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:

• An official transcript of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with (but not limited to) a major or minor in biology or an allied discipline and at least two semesters each of chemistry, physics and mathematics
• The official results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Notes: Applicants with inadequate preparation will be required to take prerequisite courses prior to admission. The students interested in the thesis option should contact a potential graduate advisor as part of the application process.

• Applicants to the MAT in Biology Initial Licensure program must submit a copy of their MTEL test scores showing successful completion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure: Communication and Literacy Skills Sub-test.
• Applicants to the MAT in Biology Professional Licensure program must submit a copy of their initial teaching license. Applicants without initial licensure may only be admitted to the Initial Licensure program.
  For more information regarding licensure requirements for teacher preparation programs, contact the Educator Licensure Office at (978) 665-3239 or visit their Web site at www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit.
• Applicants to the MAT in Biology must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following statements or questions:
  1. Tell us about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
  2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
  3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.
     • Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
     • What did you do in that particular situation?
     • How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
     • How do you feel about the situation now?
     • What would you change, if anything?
• GMAT/GRE test results are expected to be in the 50th percentile or greater.

Program Requirements

The Masters of Arts in Biology Program has a thesis and non-thesis track. Each track provides the student with a solid investigative core balanced by content course work. During the first year each student completes a biology seminar during which the student’s writing and communication skills are evaluated. The thesis committee (comprised of the thesis advisor and at least two other graduate faculty) helps the student design a series of courses (electives) which aid them in successfully completing the thesis.

Students in the MAT initial licensure and professional licensure tracks complete 18 credits in biology at the graduate level. All MAT students are required to take Bioethics, Seminar in Biology, and a series of biology electives. As part of the biology electives, students must take at least one course from each of the following areas chosen in consultation with their advisor: 1). ecology and evolutionary biology, 2). cellular and molecular biology. In addition, MAT candidates must complete 18 credits in education courses directly related to licensure requirements.

Once accepted, students in the initial licensure track will undergo a transcript review by the graduate program chair and a plan of study will be developed that addresses:

• Courses missing (if applicable) in the subject that are equivalent to the requirements for the undergraduate major in Biology. These requirements include coursework in Genetics, Ecology, Cell Biology and Biological Inquiry. Students with inadequate preparation may be required to take some courses as prerequisite courses that do not count towards the 18 credits of Biology coursework.
• Courses as identified below in the Education core for Initial License (pedagogy courses) including a total of 85 hours of pre-practicum experience.

MAT Program of Study