Natural Science, M.S. (Middle-Level Math Concentration -MMA)

SMTC Student Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MS degree program in Natural Science, a student will be able to:

• Engage in education research to transform STEM instruction:

  - Design and implement a research project that asks and answers a question using appropriate materials, concepts and methods, and ethical practices, and
  - Effectively communicate all aspects of the research project in both oral and written forms.

• Use professional and academic standards to ensure high-quality interdisciplinary instruction (i.e., place-based, culturally relevant, student centered, and/or inclusive instruction) to maximize learning for all students.

• Engage in mathematical and/or scientific discourse and scientific thinking as active participants in communities of practice.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

For the MS-Natural Science Master’s Degrees (with concentrations in MSC and MMA):

Two years of teaching experience

Application Fee

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

Portfolio including evidence that supports the potential success of the candidate as a graduate student and a document that interprets the evidence (These items are not required of applicants who hold a prior master’s degree) 

Writing Sample in response to three provided questions

Resume

Three Letters of Recommendation including a letter from the teacher’s principal or an employers and two other colleagues.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

The SMTC has scholarships and graduate assistantships available for graduates accepted for the above Master’s degree programs. Scholarships cover partial to full tuition for current Wyoming teachers for the MMA and MSC programs. More information upon admission and acceptance.

For the Master of Science in Natural Science Master’s Degrees

Plan B (non-thesis)

• 30 Credit Hours of graduate-level coursework is required in all of the programs.  This includes 24 credit hours in required coursework depending on the program plus 6 credit hours of additional coursework that may include a research class, Plan B independent research and an elective.
• The Middle Level Math (MMA) concentration includes 24 credits of core courses that run on a two-year rotation. These required courses are offered synchronously online during the fall and spring semesters and in a hybrid format over a three-week period in June.
• After completing the core coursework, students enroll in Research Methodology and Plan B credits and should plan for a minimum of one additional year to fulfill all graduation requirements.
• Students may enter the program in any semester
• All students must complete and defend a Plan B research project. 
• A Plan A (thesis) may be completed with an extra year of research.

NOTE: Middle-Level Mathematics; 24 credit hours in the core courses are required for institutional recommendation for WY middle-level mathmatics endorsement from the Professional Teaching Standards Board, PTSB.

NOTE: *NASC 5810 Middle-Level Science and Mathematics 3 credit hour course Practica (required course for teachers without previous coursework or experience teaching middle-level students. Offered spring semester in even years only).

Core Courses

Students can start the program during any semester. The program is on a two-year rotation where course offerings alternate depending on whether it’s an even or an odd year.

Odd Number Year Program Requirements (2027, 2029)

• Spring

• NASC 5205  - Methods of Teaching Middle-Level Mathematics Credits: 3

• Summer (in Laramie) 

• NASC 5170  - Connecting Geometry with Problem- Solving for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA Credits: 3
• NASC 5225  - Assessment for Middle-Level Mathematics Credits: 3

• Fall

• NASC 5190  - Mathematics of Change and the Middle-Level Learner, MMA Credits: 3

Even Number Year Program Requirements (2026, 2028)

• Spring

• NASC 5140  - Numbers, Operations, and Patterns for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA Credits: 3

• Summer (in Laramie)

• NASC 5215  - Using Technology for Middle-Level Mathematics Credits: 3
• NASC 5185  - Analysis of Data in the Media for the Middle-Level Learner, MMA Credits: 3

• Fall

• NASC 5160  - Social and Historical Issues in Mathematics and the Middle-Level Learner, MMA Credits: 3

Other Required Courses

• NASC 5670  - Research Methodology Credits: 4 (offered synchronously on-line during the fall semesters after school hours)
• NASC 5810  - ML Science & Math Practicum Credits: 3 (required for teachers who are not currently teaching middle level science/math; 3 credits) is offered online synchronously in the spring semester of even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.)