Earth Science, M.A.T

Graduate Program Chair

TBA

The MAT in Earth Science program is currently under review and not accepting new students. Contact the Interim Dean of Education, Dr. Pamela Hill at 978-665-3515.

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Earth Science Program is designed for students with Initial Licensure who are seeking professional licensure as secondary school teachers of earth science. The program produces professional teachers who are able to combine a solid base of scholarship in a specific academic discipline with effective teaching strategies based on the findings of research.

Program Description

The MAT in Earth Science Program offers graduate students rigorous scholarship within a specific academic discipline in combination with the pedagogical tools and strategies necessary for the most effective classroom teaching. The program is designed to prepare secondary school teachers and to provide models of exemplary teaching methods. Through involvement in intensive, supervised clinical experiences in the secondary school, candidates enhance their skills as educators and learn to analyze and evaluate effective teaching in their academic discipline. The program of study:

• Promotes the development of a scholar-teacher with a strong background in earth science, as well as skills in the complex process of teaching earth science
• Demonstrates the application of a wide range of scientific knowledge including theoretical, ethical, and experimental perspectives
• Suggests ways to integrate the role of women and racial and ethnic groups into traditional earth science courses
• Enables teachers to incorporate multicultural and genderbalanced perspectives into their strategies for teaching
• Develops rigorous critical thinking skills and integrates these skills into their teaching
• Inculcates a sound philosophy of teaching
• Enables students interested in earth science to pursue advanced studies
• Corresponds with the licensure requirements of the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science Program, students must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:

• Evidence of an undergraduate major in earth science or a relevant discipline (at least 30 credits)
• Applicants to the MAT in earth science must submit a copy of their initial teaching license. Applicants without Initial Licensure may be admitted to the program through the post-baccalaureate program and will be required to complete additional coursework leading to Initial Licensure.
  For more information regarding licensure requirements for teacher preparation programs, contact the Educator Licensure Office at (978) 665-3239 or visit the Web site at www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit.

Program Requirements

Students in the MAT program in earth science must complete:

• Fifteen credits in earth science, including at least one course in each of the following areas: geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and ecology
• Additional earth science course work to meet the categories of Standard I, if the student enters the program with inadequate preparation in earth science at the undergraduate level
• Clinical core of five courses including: Advanced Methods of Teaching at the Secondary Level, Curriculum and Technology, Curriculum Design and Development, Research in Education, and a clinical experience or Internship

Students work closely with an advisor in the academic concentration to design individual programs to further their knowledge, scholarship and subject-related teaching skills.