Secondary Math/Science with STEM (Master of Education)

Why earn a Master of Education in Secondary Education?

Taught by SRU’s well-respected College of Education faculty, the M.Ed. program includes classes in pedagogy, educational measurement, and research methods. This master’s in secondary education is tailored to fit the career path of a middle or high school STEM teacher; providing a program with relevant takeaways and skill-building opportunities. In addition, attending classes with peers who are all pursuing a similar career offers many opportunities to learn from each other and network.

What will you learn?

This M.Ed. program focuses on the unique processes and challenges of STEM education in middle and high schools with the objective of equipping students to enhance their teaching abilities. 

The Basic Teaching Concentration of SRU's Master of Education in Secondary Education Math/Science is designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree in mathematics or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics). Successful completion of the M.Ed program will lead to a master's degree with state certification in Pennsylvania after a passing or qualifying score on the Pennsylvania Department of Education exams. Students planning to teach in other states should contact their state’s Department of Education. 

Often students who apply for SRU’s basic track Master of Education Degrees are those interested in changing careers. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires that those who teach English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Sciences, or Social Studies, are highly qualified in their content areas. At SRU there are multiple pathways to proving that you are highly qualified. Once accepted into the program, transcripts from your previous institution will be analyzed for courses in the subject area you will be learning to teach. If you are missing any of the courses needed in that content area, you will be notified of which courses you would need to take to meet the PDE requirements. Alternatively, you are able to show that you are highly qualified by earning a passing score on the PA Content Knowledge Certification Exam for your content area. This test-out option will also be discussed with you, upon acceptance into the program.

 The Advanced Teaching Concentration in Secondary Mathematics/Science is a Master of Education degree with a STEM concentration designed for individuals who already possess teacher certification in mathematics or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics). In addition to core courses, these certified teachers enhance their leadership skills by electing 12 semester hours of coursework from the areas of special education, foundations of education, instructional technology, or counseling. Most of the Advanced Track coursework is offered online.

Career Development for STEM Educators

Earning your Master of Education in Secondary Education prepares M.Ed. students in the Basic Concentration for teacher certification while currently certified teachers in the Advanced STEM Concentration work to further their teaching abilities in the classroom. 

According to 2017-2018 data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there is a shortage of educators to teach Mathematics Grades 7-12 and Science Grades 7-12. Earning a STEM-focused master’s in education prepares SRU graduates to pursue these in-demand subject areas as a career path. More broadly, teaching middle and high school is a rewarding profession as it provides amples opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young adults.

Admission Requirements

Basic Concentration - Blended (leads to certification)

Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.

• $25 Application Fee
• Resume
• Official Transcripts- Undergraduate/Graduate (Official transcripts must be sent by institution via electronic transcript e-share to  graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail- faxed copies will not be considered official)
• SRU current/Alumni/former students click  here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to  graduate.admissions@sru.edu
• Bachelor's degree with appropriate coursework in English with an overall GPA of 2.80 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education to enter and a 3.0 to exit the graduate program

Advanced Concentration - Online

Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.

• $25 Application Fee
• Copy of Teaching Certificate 
• Resume
• Official Transcripts- Undergraduate/Graduate (Official transcripts must be sent by institution via electronic transcript e-share to  graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail- faxed copies will not be considered official) 
• SRU current/Alumni/former students click  here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to  graduate.admissions@sru.edu
• Bachelor's degree with overall GPA of 3.00 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education

*If you are requesting review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the  transfer of credit form and submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please review SRU's  transfer of credit policy.

* If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, please check the list of most recent states approved for online classes and internships by  clicking here to see if SRU is authorized to offer distance education and/or field experiences in your state of residency.

*Clearances are due no later than one (1) week prior to deadline for course registration for each program's practicum/field experience-----no student will be permitted to register for their program's practicum and take part in practicum/field experiences without clear clearances on file at SRU. For Clearance Procedures, click here.  Students are to send the following by the due date:

• Clear Act 34 Criminal History Record: NO record...NONE concerning prohibitive offenses.  A meeting headed by the Dean of the College of Education is required if clearances show non-prohibitive offenses.   Clearance must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
• Clear Act 114 FBI Record Check: NO record...NONE concerning prohibitive offenses. A meeting headed by the Dean of the College of Education is required if clearances show non-prohibitive offenses.   Clearance must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
• Clear Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check: NO record...NONE concerning prohibitive offenses.  A meeting headed by the Dean of the College of Education is required if clearances show non-prohibitive offenses.   Clearance must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
• Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification: NO record...NONE concerning prohibitive offenses.  A meeting headed by the Dean of the College of Education is required if clearances show non-prohibitive offenses.  Students must file an updated Act 24 with SRU if any additional arrests/convictions occur while enrolled at SRU.

Earn your Master of Education through SRU!

Slippery Rock University’s Master of Science in Secondary Education: Math/Science program offers concentrations for both aspiring and current middle and high school teachers. Offering flexibility with multiple online courses, our M.Ed. program will further your teaching career in Pennsylvania or further afield.  Request more information today.