Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Mathematics/Science Flexible Schedule (FLEX) Program
Designed for career change individuals with backgrounds in mathematics and/or science, Pacific University’s MAT Mathematics/Science Flex program allows students to fulfill all the requirements for an Oregon Initial Teaching License while earning a Master’s degree. This cohort program takes 18 months to complete. Classes are held in the evenings and on the weekends, a convenience for students who wish to continue employment while attending classes.
Students will have the opportunity to earn the following authorization levels: middle school (grades 5 through 10), and high school (grades 7 through 12). Endorsement areas include basic and advanced mathematics and science: biology, chemistry, physics, and integrated science.
All courses will focus on mathematics and science teaching; the program includes a rigorous set of courses which provide a strong theoretical background as well as extensive practical experience in the classroom.
Admissions: How to prepare, how to apply, important dates
All application materials including test scores must be submitted to Pacific University, College of Education Admissions Office, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 prior to October 15th. Interviews will take place in early November. Orientation will be held on January 6 and classes begin Monday evening, January 7, 2008.
As an applicant you must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Completed TSPC Character Questions
- Resume including experience with youth, particularly in a school setting
- Proof of passing scores on a basic skills test (CBEST or Praxis I – PPST) and for the appropriate Praxis II test(s)
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended
- 3 Letters of recommendation from:
- An employer
- Someone who can attest to your subject area knowledge
- Someone who has observed you interacting with middle/high school students
- 2-3 page essay describing how your career/life experience has prepared you for teaching in terms of subject area knowledge and ability to work with youth.
Testing Requirements
To be admitted into the MAT Mathematics/Science Flex program, students must pass one of the basic skills tests: CBEST or Praxis I (PPST). In addition, students must pass the appropriate subject area tests required for your authorization and endorsements:
- Middle school authorization - A basic skills test (CBEST or Praxis I - PPST) and the ORELA. In addition, you must have an area of concentration. Therefore, you must take the appropriate Praxis II: Subject Area Tests.
- High school authorization - A basic skills test (CBEST or Praxis I - PPST) and the appropriate Praxis II tests.
Our Admissions Committee considers many factors:
- GPA (at least 2.75 as an undergraduate or 3.00 in at least eight semester hours of graduate studies)
- Passing test scores
- Strength of letters of evaluation/recommendation
- Subject area knowledge
- Writing ability as demonstrated in essays
- Communication skills assessed in an interview
- Critical need for mathematics, physics and chemistry teachers
Middle/High School Authorizations (5th – 12th grades)
In order to be considered for admission, you must have completed one of the following before you apply:
- A major in the subject area you wish to teach or a related field
- A minor or coursework equivalent (20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours) in the subject area you wish to teach
- And passing scores on the Praxis II: Subject Area Test in the subject area you wish to teach
Curriculum
| Section | The Foundation Block | Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC-305G | Learning Communities: Personal Awareness and Diversity | 3 |
| EDUC-570 | School and Society | 2 |
| EDUC-561 | Advanced Human Development & Psychology | 4 |
| EDUC-537 | Technology Across the Curriculum | 2 |
| EDUC-601 | Teachers as Consumers of Research | 2 |
| The Methods Block | ||
| EDUC-326G | Teaching and Assessment in the Middle and High School | 3 |
| EDUC-541 | Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum | 2 |
| EDUC-459G | Preparing the Work Sample | 2 |
| EDUC-567 | Curriculum Design: Middle and High School | 2 |
| Special Methods | ||
| EDUC-538 | Teaching Science in the Middle School and High School | 3 |
| EDUC-549 | Teaching Mathematics in the Middle School and High School | 3 |
| The Applications Block | ||
| EDUC-576 | Learning Communities III: Reflection and Practice | 2 |
| EDUC-575 | Student Teaching | 15 |
For More Information
Contact Person: Camille Wainwright, Professor of Science Education
Email: wainwric@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-2963