The Advanced Teaching Concentration in Secondary Education Teaching Math/Science is a Master of Education degree for individuals who already possess teacher certification in secondary mathematics or one of the secondary science subject areas. In addition to core requirements, these certified students will concentrate on individual professional development by electing 12 semester hours of course-work from the areas of instructional design, mathematics/science education, technology, special education, or research and statistics.

Advanced Concentration: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education and provide a copy of their teacher certification.

NCTM Standards

Standard 1 — Content Knowledge (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates demonstrate understanding of:

• Major concepts, procedures, and structures of mathematics
• Connections among mathematical topics
• Appropriate use of mathematical representations
• Mathematical reasoning and problem solving

Candidates possess depth beyond the level they will teach.

Standard 2 — Mathematical Practices (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates can:

• Engage students in problem solving
• Promote reasoning and sensemaking
• Support multiple solution strategies
• Facilitate mathematical discourse
• Encourage justification and explanation

Aligned with Standards for Mathematical Practice.

Standard 3 — Instructional Planning and Implementation (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates:

• Plan standards-aligned lessons
• Use research-based instructional strategies
• Build conceptual understanding and procedural fluency
• Differentiate instruction for diverse learners
• Use tools and technology appropriately

Standard 4 — Assessment (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates can:

• Design formative and summative assessments
• Interpret student thinking and misconceptions
• Use assessment data to inform instruction
• Provide meaningful feedback

Standard 5 — Professional Responsibility (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates:

• Reflect on practice
• Collaborate with colleagues
• Engage in continuous professional learning
• Uphold ethical and equitable teaching practices

NSTA Standards

Standard 1 — Content Knowledge (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates demonstrate understanding of:

• Disciplinary core ideas in their science field(s)
• Crosscutting concepts
• Appropriate use of mathematics and computational thinking
• Nature and history of science

Candidates must show deep understanding beyond memorization.

Standard 2 — Instructional Planning and Implementation (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates can:

• Plan NGSS-aligned lessons
• Engage students in science and engineering practices
• Use phenomena-based instruction
• Integrate the three dimensions of NGSS
• Use instructional strategies that promote sensemaking

Standard 3 — Learning Environment (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates:

• Create safe, inclusive, and equitable science learning environments
• Promote collaboration, discourse, and inquiry
• Support culturally responsive science instruction
• Manage laboratory and classroom safety effectively

Standard 4 — Assessment (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates can:

• Design and use formative and summative assessments
• Assess three-dimensional learning
• Analyze student data to inform instruction
• Use feedback to support student growth

Standard 5 — Professional Responsibility (G: 1,2,3)

Candidates:

• Engage in reflective practice
• Collaborate with colleagues
• Follow ethical and legal responsibilities
• Participate in ongoing professional learning
• Advocate for science education

Degree Completion Process

There are five steps to completing a master’s degree at Slippery Rock University. Students must:

1. Obtain unconditional admission status.
2. Be approved for degree candidacy (students must successfully complete between 6 and 12 credit hours in a declared program of study).
3. Pass appropriate comprehensive examinations.
4. Complete research requirements.
5. Complete requisite credit hours.

Note: Upon completion of these five steps, the student will be required to apply for graduation before the end of the semester in which he or she wishes to graduate. See the Graduate Catalog for further information.

Related Links

Teaching Math/Science with STEM - Advanced Concentration, MEd Program Page

Secondary Education Math/Science Fact Sheet

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Pedagogy
SEFE 630	Advanced Pedagogy for Teacher	3
SEFE 647	Technology-Based Inquiry in Middle & Secondary Schools	3
Educational Measurement
SEFE 671	Measurement, Testing, and Assessment	3
Educational Foundations
SEFE 680	Crucial Issues in Education	3
Research And Statistics
SEFE 602	Univariate Statistical Methods	3
Select six credits of the following:		6
SEFE 608	Research Methods for Teacher
SEFE 696	Elements of Qualitative Educational Research
SEFE 699	Elements of Quantitative Educational Research
Electives
Select 15 credits of the following:		15
ELEC 660	Advanced Technologies for the Teaching of Mathematics and Science
SEFE 607	The Theories and Teaching of English Language Learners
SEFE 650	Strategic Leadership
SEFE 652	Organizational Leadership
SEFE 653	Emerging Web Technologies and Learning
SEFE 679	Psychology of Learning and Instruction for Diverse Learners
SPED 601	Advanced Studies in Learning Disabilities
SPED 625	Instructional Strategies for Learning and Behavioral Problems
Total Hours		36

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

Major Code: 9254
Revised: 02.17.2026
UCC: 01.17.2026