STEM Master's Degree Programs

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Core Courses (9 hours)

All master's students are required to take three core courses.  They must take ‘Knowing and Learning in Science & Mathematics Education’ and ‘Curriculum & Instruction in Science & Mathematics Education’.  The third may be ‘Equity in Science & Mathematics Education’, ‘Research on Teaching and Teacher Development in Science & Mathematics Education’, or ‘Systemic Reform in Science & Mathematics Education’.

Math or Science Courses (12 hours)

The minimal course work in Mathematics or Natural Science is 12 hours of study in math and science courses or in domain courses.  A maximum of 6 hours of upper division undergraduate course work is permitted.

Domain Course

The program currently offers a mathematics course (Functions & Modeling) that is designed to teach content in inquiry-based, technology-rich ways.  The course focuses on exploring the content of school curriculum in great depth.

Research Methodology Course (3 hours)

One course in research design or specific quantitative or qualitative research methods is required.  A course in program evaluation or statistics can also be used to satisfy this requirement.

See Research Methodology Requirements.

Related Courses (6 hours)

Students are expected to broaden and deepen their program of work through taking a variety of related course work consonant with their scholarly interests, in consultation with a graduate adviser. Students will be expected to present course plans which include:  foundations, psychology, educational administration, methodologies, curriculum, or multicultural courses.  Each semester, a Mathematics/Science Forum course is offered for 1 credit hour and can be used in partial fulfillment of this requirement.  A listing of suggested courses is available on request from a graduate coordinator.

Thesis (6 hours)

A master's student should have selected and obtained agreement for a supervisor after one semester of work. All master's students are required to register for at least two semesters of thesis work.

See the Graduate School's Format Guidelines for Master's Theses and Reports (pdf).

Sample Theses & Dissertations are available at the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.

Minimum Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree Plan

  • Core courses (9 hours)
  • Science or math content courses (12 hours)
  • Research methodology course (3 hours)
  • Related course work (6 hours)
  • Thesis (6 hours)
  • Total 36

Plans of Study

Download the STEM Master's Plan of Study with Thesis, (pdf), Pre-Fall 2009.

Download the STEM Master's Plan of Study with Thesis (pdf), Fall 2009 and beyond.

A no-thesis option for this degree is also available. Students take an additional 6 hours of coursework in a concentration of interest.

Download the STEM Master's Plan of Study with No Thesis, No Report (pdf), pre-Fall 2009.

Download the STEM Master's Plan of Study with No Thesis, No Report (pdf), Fall 2009 and beyond.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

In addition to the requirements for the program for Master of Arts with thesis (see above), students must be certified to teach at the elementary or secondary level.

Summer Master's Program

We offer a Master's degree program that can be completed in three years by attending classes on campus over 3 nine-week summer sessions, and attending to on-line coursework during the Fall & Spring semesters in between.

Download the Summer Master's of Arts in STEM Education flyer (pdf).

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification programs for individuals with a Bachelor's degree are available through the UTeach post-baccalaureate program.  It is recommended that the bulk of teacher certification course work be completed prior to applying to M.Ed. program, although certification can be undertaken concurrently.

For further information on certification contact:

Early Childhood-Grade 4 Certification
UT Teacher Certification Office in the COE Dean's Office
(512) 471-3223

Grades 4-8 & 9-12 Certification
UTeach Program Office
(512) 232-2770

Last updated on April 1, 2013