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242 Hill Hall, (307) 766 6381,
smtc@uwyo.edu, http://uwyo.edu/smtc
The Science and Mathematics Teaching Center (SMTC) was established in 1970 and is committed to excellence in science, mathematics and technology education. As part of the Office of Graduate Education in Academic Affairs, the SMTC, in cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB), serves as a resource and professional development center for the state. The SMTC offers transdisciplinary graduate degree programs with multiple degree concentrations, certification options, and endorsement options. All of the programs emphasize both strong content knowledge and instructional practices. The affiliate faculty for the SMTC is comprised of include faculty from the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Science, Education, and Engineering and Applied Science, and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Sciences.
The SMTC provides extensive off-campus professional development that serves throughout Wyo¬ming that serves teachers, students, administrators, school districts and communities. SMTC in-service and extension courses, workshops, institutes, and conferences are designed collaboratively to improve science and mathematics teaching in Wyoming.
The SMTC administers and supports five master’s degree programs:
- the Master of Science degrees in Natural Science with concentrations in Middle Level Math (MMA) and
- Middle Level Science (MSC); these programs are designed for Wyoming’s in-service elementary, middle, and high school teachers. They focus on general science and mathematics content with an emphasis on teaching middle school level learners. The course work leads to middle level certification provided by the Wyoming PTSB. Teachers must have two years of teaching experience to participate in these programs.
- Master of Science in Teaching - Natural Science (MST - Natural Science). This is a self-directed master’s degree program working with the SMTC, SER, and the Haub School as well as other colleges. The program is developed individually with the guidance of a graduate committee based on the interests of the graduate student and may emphasize formal or informal learning settings.
- Master of Science - Natural Science (MS - Natural Science). This is a self-directed master’s degree program working with the SMTC, SER, and the Haub School and other colleges. The program is developed individually based on the interests of the graduate student.
- Master of Science in Natural Science with a concentration in Natural Science Education (NED). This Master’s degree program is designed for students pursuing careers as environmental and natural science educators in non-public school or non-formal education settings. These students spend one year at the Teton Science Schools (TSS) in Jackson. A long-standing MOU between the SMTC and TSS allows students to use 15 graduate credit hours earned at TSS towards a master’s degree if they are accepted into the second year at UW within the SMTC.
Admission Requirements
For the MSC, MMA, MST and MS-Natural Science Master’s Degrees:
Two years of teaching experience and a valid teaching license
Application Fee, unless a UW Graduate
Official Transcripts from all Institutions attended and Bachelor Degree conferring institution
3.0 undergraduate grade point average; provisional admission with a lesser GPA only with consent from Academic Affairs
GRE (minimum 292 score) or an Alternative Portfolio including evidence that supports the potential success of the candidate as a graduate student and a document that interprets the evidence
Writing Sample in response to three provided questions
Resume
Three Letters of Recommendation including a letter from the teacher’s principal and two other colleagues.
Note: if a prior Master’s degree has been awarded, GRE Scores or an Alternative Portfolio are not required
The NED Degree - First Year Application:
Official Transcripts from all institutions attended and Bachelor Degree conferring institution
Application Fee, unless a UW Graduate
The NED Degree - Second Year Application:
GRE (minimum 292 score) or an Alternative Portfolio including evidence that supports the potential success of the candidate as a graduate student and a document that interprets the evidence
Writing Sample in response to three provided questions
Resume
Three Letters of Recommendation including a letter from a TSS Graduate Program Faculty Member, one from another TSS employee such as a Classroom Instructor or Field Instructor, and one from the first year application.
All the above information needs to be uploaded onto a UW graduate application, which will be reviewed by the SMTC and then if accepted, by the University of Wyoming Admissions and the SMTC. Any of the above requirements plus the university’s minimum 3.000 grade point average can be waived if the proper documentation and reasoning is given and approved by the Associate Vice President of the Graduate Program.
Degree Requirements
For the MSC, MMA, MST and MS- Natural Science Master Degrees
Plan B (non-thesis)
30 Credit Hours of coursework is required. This includes 24 credit hours in required coursework that includes mathematical content courses, mathematical history, pedagogy and assessment; earth science, life science, physical science, depending on the program. 6 credit hours of additional coursework that can include a research class and an elective.
The MSC is a 3-year program, for the required coursework, in the summers only on UW’s main campus.
The MMA is a 2-year program with classes offered virtually in the fall and spring and in-person on the main campus in the summer, for the required courses.
The MST and the MS- Natural Science Master Degrees are Main campus degrees.
A Plan A (thesis) may be completed with an extra year of research.
For the NED Master Degree - 2nd year.
Plan B (non-thesis)
This is a one-year program on the main campus.
30 credit hours of coursework is required, of which 15 credit hours of agreed upon courses, are transferable from TSS. The other 15 credit hours include a research class, environmental science and science pedagogy classes as chosen by the graduate student and their advisor.
A concurrent major in Environmental and Natural Resources is an option with this Master’s
A Plan A (thesis) may be completed with an extra year of research.
Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships
The SMTC has scholarships and graduate assistantships available for all graduates accepted for the above Master’s degree programs. More information upon admission and acceptance.
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