The Center for Science & Mathematics Education at the University of Utah

Masters of Science for Secondary School Teachers

The Center for Science and Mathematics Education offers a masters degree program tailored specifically for certified secondary school education teachers in mathematics and science.

Started in 1972, the MSSST Program aims to help practicing teachers acquire a deeper and broader science background. The major areas of emphasis are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The final goal of the program is to improve the quality of science and mathematics teaching in secondary schools throughout Utah. The desired applicant for the MSSST Program is a professional science or mathematics teacher who plans to stay in their field. You do not need an academic or teaching major in the science subject you currently teach to enter the program. Once accepted into the program either as a Traditional or Cohort student you will select your own graduate committee. Your committee will help you design your program, curriculum and monitor your performance and progress. The program is completed with a master's project, which is developed by you and your committee. A written report of this activity is required.

There are currently two different directions graduate students can participate in, which are; the Traditional MSSST Track and the Cohort MSSST Track.

Traditional Students

Traditional students will major in one of the following areas, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics and astronomy; which will culminate in the granting degree of Masters of Science “Biology” (Teaching). Traditional students will work with their Supervisory Committee closely to develop a personalized individual plan of study. For more information about this track, click here.

Cohort Students

Cohort students will work toward the completion of their degree with a group of teachers and will be enrolled in a directed and specific curriculum. Cohort groups have specific program start and stop dates and requirements that are in addition to the traditional student requirements. Cohorts are developed as needed and are limited to funding and recourse constraints and are not always available to all students. Current Cohort groups include; 2010-12 Biology and Chemistry Cohort and the 2011-13 Mathematics Cohort. These cohort groups of teachers will also receive a granting degree of Masters of Science “Mathematics” (Teaching) at the completion of their program. For more information about this track, click here.