MSSST Program - Masters of Science Degree Program
For Secondary School Teachers in Science or Mathematics
The College of Science 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 you will select your own graduate committee. Your committee will help you design your individualized program 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.
For more information see the links below.
MSSST Course Requirements Checklist
MSSST Course Listing 2007-2008
New College of Science Scholarship available for current MSSST students applications below.
ReeseScholarship2008 and FERPA Release Waiver
More information about the scholarship and scholarship criteria at the bottom of this page.
How Do I Apply?
Each student designs an individual plan of study with their advisor. There is no required set of curriculum that must be followed. You will begin your coursework at a level compatible with your current knowledge and background. You will need to complete 30-33 credit hours for graduation. These credits must include at least 20 hours coursework credits and 6 project credits. The remaining credit hours can be a combination of allied, transfer or coursework credits. Keeping the demands of your schedule in mind, you can take fewer credit hours per semester. You may take university courses in the subject you are currently teaching or focus on an allied area for certification or further enrichment.
Some examples of courses taken in the past are listed below. This is not a complete list.
BIOL 2020- Principles of Cell Biology
CHEM 2310 - Organic Chemistry I
MATH 5700 - Capstone Course
PHYS 5070 - Physics Teaching Methods
ED PS 5960 - Student Development
T & L 6126 - Content Literacy
BIOL 6950 - Directed Study
How Do I Apply?
An application to both the MSSST Program office and the Graduate School is required.
MSSST Program Requirements
The applicant must have:
- A valid teaching certificate and be teaching science or mathematics in a secondary school.
- At least three years teaching experience.
MSSST Admission Process
- Complete the MSSST Degree Program Application, these can be obtained from the MSSST Program office or download the application from this web page in PDF format!
- Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended be sent to the MSSST Program office.
- Ask a school principal, or other educational officer in a position to judge your capacity as an educator, to send a us a letter on your behalf.
- Write a one page essay concerning your professional aspirations.
- The MSSST Degree Program Committee will interview you once all of the above mentioned required documents have been received by the program office.
MSSST Program application
The 2007-2008 ACCESS application will be available November 12, 2006. This application is a PDF (Portable Document Format). To open and print the application, Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required. Download a free copy of this software by clicking here.
Graduate School Requirements
The applicant must have:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 based on all undergraduate work, or work completed during the last two years of undergraduate study.
- A bachelor's degree from a fully accredited
- At least three years teaching experience.
Graduate School Admission Process
- Complete the Graduate School Application, these can be obtained from the Graduate School Website at www.sa.utah.edu/admiss
- Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended be sent to the Graduate School. The Graduate School website is www.utah.edu/graduate_school
- Send verification that you have applied to the Graduate School to the MSSST Program Office.
NOTE: Please note that the program you will select in the online graduate school application is - .Science Program MS in the drop down menu.
Admissions Deadlines
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Deadlines for both the Graduate School and the MSSST Program are:
To start your program during the Fall Semester the application deadline is April 1st
To start your program during the Spring Semester the application deadline is November 1st
To start your program during the Summer Semester the application deadline is March 15
You may apply to the MSSST Program office prior to applying to the Graduate School if time permits.
There is no application fee to apply to the MSSST Program.
There is a $45.00 admissions fee for domestic students and a $65.00 admissions fee for international students when applying to the Graduate School. Applications submitted after the deadline will be assessed a $25.00 late fee in addition to the application fee.
NEW Scholarship Opportunity for Current MSSST Students
Don and Rebecca Reese Scholarship in Science Teaching
The Don and Rebecca Reese Scholarship in Science Teaching is awarded to a junior, senior or graduate student who is committed to teaching science and/or math education in the secondary school system in the state of Utah.
This year, one award of $2,000 will be made!
Eligible applicants must be either (A) enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Utah with a declared major in the sciences (biology, chemistry, math, or physics), or (B) enrolled in the College of Science M.S. Degree Program for Secondary School Teachers in Science and Mathematics. Please note: students who have other tuition waiver scholarships are ineligible.
You may download an application from this page by clicking ReeseScholarship2008
The Reese Scholarship requires the student applicant to obtain letters of recommendation. You may download the Release Waiver here: FERPA Release Waiver
To open and print the application from this site, Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required. Download a free copy of this software by clicking here.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2008.
Contact Us
Shelly M. DeWitt
MSSST Program Coordinator, College of Science
1430 Presidents Cir. RM 220
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3374
dewitt@science.utah.edu