Master in Teaching Math and Science (MTMS)

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
PETERSON HALL
206-281-2214
GRADADMISSIONS@SPU.EDU
SPU.EDU/DEPTS/SOE

The Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (M.T.M.S.) degree is a 60 graduate-credit, internship-based program of study leading to recommendation for Washington State Residency Certification. The M.T.M.S. degree is designed for candidates seeking to teach at the middle, junior high, and senior high school levels in one of the following endorsement areas:

• Mathematics
• General science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Earth and space science
• Middle-level mathematics
• Middle-level science

Although similar to other SPU teacher certification/master's degree programs (e.g., ARC, M.A.T.), the M.T.M.S. differs in that several of the courses are tailored specifically to pedagogy and methodology appropriate for math and science rather than a general curriculum applicable to any subject area endorsement.

Intensive Field-Based Learning in Schools

The M.T.M.S. is a cohort-driven, full-time, field-based degree. The M.T.M.S. offers classes in three formats and takes 14 months to complete, running continuously from summer through summer (five quarters).

Except for the summers, and one night a week during the school year, remaining coursework takes place either online or in a school setting. The traditional on-campus classes meet Wednesday nights, 4:30-9 p.m. The online courses allow candidates to engage in virtual learning and benefit from asynchronous discussion formats. The field-based classes allow candidates to observe course concepts applied in the classroom and to engage professionals in learning-focused discussions.

Candidates spend most of their time (30+ hours per week) in the schools, working the same schedule as a teacher. For their internship, candidates are paired with a qualified mentor teacher and conduct supervised teaching in a school setting for the entire school year (three quarters, September-June, five days a week).

The M.T.M.S. internship follows a co-teaching model where a mentor teacher and a teacher candidate are both actively involved and engaged in all aspects of instruction. As a team, they share the planning, organization, delivery, and assessment of instruction.

Program Benefits

School districts with job openings are known to seek Seattle Pacific graduates for both their competence and their character. Completing SPU's M.T.M.S. degree gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Other benefits of the program include:

• Focus on teaching methods and techniques specifically related to mathematics and science.
• Completion of Washington state residency certification in one year.
• Completion of a master of teaching degree.
• Progression through the program with fellow students in a cohort.
• Field-based experiences with diverse learners.
• Personalized advisement and mentoring from full-time faculty.
• Guaranteed enrollment in certification and M.T.M.S core courses.
• Technology instruction embedded in the curriculum.
• Creation of a personalized Teacher Development Plan.

Courses of the Program Experience

MTMS program outline

Teacher candidates who enter the M.T.M.S. program with a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university will need only to complete the certification component, the M.T.M.S. “Core” component and EDU 6085 to receive a second master's degree.

All M.T.M.S. applicants will need to demonstrate appropriate and sufficient background content knowledge in order to fulfill endorsement competency requirements for their desired subject area.

Contact Dr. Greg Gelderman at 206-281-2376 or geldeg@spu.edu if you are interested in the M.T.M.S. program but did not complete a major in one of the above areas as part of your baccalaureate degree. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Meet university graduate admission requirements, including the submission of GRE or MAT scores. However, the GRE or MAT requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or with a master's degree.
• Complete a graduate application form, available online at spu.edu/graduate.
• Submit a transcript for bachelor's degree verification.
• Meet endorsement requirements for the desired teaching area.
• Be able to participate in a year-long, full-time internship.
• Pass the WEST-B basic competency test.
• Pass the WEST-E competency test. The WEST-E website provides an explanation on which test to choose. If you wish, please check with the certification coordinator at 206-281-2214 to verify that you are taking the correct test.
• Submit an OPSI character and fitness supplement.
• Write a personal statement clearly summarizing each of the following: your personal strengths, your knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, your interest and experience in teaching or working with children and/or adolescents, your ability to be a positive role model for students, and your leadership skills. 
• Submit a professional résumé and two letters of recommendation.
• $50 application fee.

Financial Aid is available for qualified applicants through Student Financial Services.

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