“I learned what to teach when I was an undergraduate. I’m learning how to teach as a graduate student in SRU’s Secondary Education Math/Science Program. Slippery Rock’s reputation for education is so strong I don’t expect any problem finding a job.”

– Joel Normand
Secondary Education

The Basic Teaching Concentration in Secondary Education Teaching –Math/Science is a degree designed for individuals who possess a baccalaureate degree and appropriate coursework in mathematics or one of the secondary science subject areas of biology, chemistry, geology or physics. Successful completion of the program will lead to a master’s degree and can lead to state certification. It is anticipated that students would complete the 36-semester hour program in one calendar year of full-time study, beginning with the summer pre-session. However, students may begin the program during the fall or spring semesters.

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

Admission Requirements

Basic Concentration: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with appropriate course work in mathematics or one of the science disciplines with an overall GPA of 2.80 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education. Prerequisite undergraduate courses should provide evidence of meeting outcomes in special needs instruction (Slippery Rock University’s SEFE 338, Standards-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusionary Classroom and SEFE 342, Educational Psychology for Diverse Learners, Standard-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusion Classroom meet this requirement).

Although the vast majority of accepted students exceed the minimum GPA requirements, students not meeting these criteria may be considered for conditional admission.

Conditionally admitted students, however, must meet all of the prescribed program requirements before conferral of degree candidacy.

Basic Concentration Undergraduate Competencies

Students in the basic concentration who meet admission requirements and have more than three undergraduate competencies will be offered conditional admission. While completing these competencies, students will be registered as post-baccalaureate students.

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: Praxis II must be completed and passed prior to enrollment in Seminar and Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School. 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.

*The educational policies and procedures are continually being reviewed and changed in keeping with the mission of the university. Consequently, this document cannot be considered binding and is intended to be used as only an informational guide. Students are responsible for being informed of official policies and regulations for meeting all appropriate requirements.

All candidates completing this program and student teaching are eligible to receive Pennsylvania certification after achieving a passing or qualifying score on Pennsylvania Department of Education required exam(s). If you are interested in teaching in another state, please contact the Department of Education in that state.

Related Links

Teaching Math/Science with STEM Leading to Certification- Basic Concentration, MEd Program Page

Secondary Education Math/Science Fact Sheet

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Pedagogy
SEFE 576	Teaching Integrated Science and Mathematics for Middle and Secondary Education	3
SEFE 607	The Theories and Teaching of English Language Learners	3
SEFE 677	Directed Field Experience in Secondary Schools	3
Technology
Select one of the following:		3
SEFE 647	Technology-Based Inquiry in Middle & Secondary Schools
SEFE 653	Emerging Web Technologies and Learning
Educational Measurement
SEFE 671	Measurement, Testing, and Assessment	3
Education Foundations
Select one of the following:		3
SEFE 609	History of Western Education
SEFE 680	Crucial Issues in Education
Research And Statistics
SEFE 602	Univariate Statistical Methods	3
Select one of the following:		3
SEFE 608	Research Methods for Teacher
SEFE 696	Elements of Qualitative Educational Research
SEFE 699	Elements of Quantitative Educational Research
Special Education
Select one of the following:		3
SEFE 679	Psychology of Learning and Instruction for Diverse Learners
SPED Course at 600, 700, or 800 level
Supervised Student Teaching
SEFE 701	Seminar and Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School	9
Total Hours		36

¹

If a student would like to substitute/transfer another course, the course must meet the Chapter 49 Accommodations and Adaptations Standards as covered in SPED 601.

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: 925O
UCC 01.17.2026
Revised 02.17.2026