MSSST

Master of Science for Secondary School Teachers (MSSST)

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2016-2018 Physics Cohort

MSSST offers subject-specific cohort experiences designed to help teachers develop in-depth content knowledge, pedagogical techniques, and leadership skills in STEM disciplines. Teachers take courses and attend professional development activities along with a cohort of other STEM teaching professionals. A summer research experience serves as the capstone activity of the program and the basis of a final MS project. The MSSST Physics cohort is currently underway and will run 2016-2018. Additional information about the Physics cohort is available below. Contact jessica.dwyer@utah.edu to inquire about future cohort subjects and start dates.

Basics:

MSSST Physics cohort visits Pinnacle Peak during a Geology & Geophysics field trip

  • 2.5 year degree program with approximately 34 credit hours of course and project work
  • Program begins June 2016 and ends in December 2018
  • 2 to 3 intensive courses during Summer semesters 2o16 and 2017
  • 1 to 2 evening courses per semester throughout academic years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018
  • Summer research experience in 2018
  • Research project completion during Fall semester 2018

Benefits to teachers in the Physics cohort include:

  • MS degree in Physics with an emphasis in Teaching
  • Physics AND Physical Science endorsements
  • Coursework in physics, math, chemistry, geology, geophysics and atmospheric science
  • Classes designed specifically for teachers
  • Research opportunities
  • Reduced and/or highly subsidized tuition rates

Requirements:

Physics teacher demonstrates the concept of a vacuum.

Physics teacher demonstrates the concept of a vacuum.

  • Teachers must have a BS degree in a STEM field
  • Teachers must be currently licensed and teaching in a STEM field in a Utah secondary school (this program is NOT intended for teachers who already have a Physics endorsement)
  • Teachers must have three years of prior K-12 teaching experience
  • Teachers must have completed 2 prior courses in General Chemistry

Schedule:

Click here for detailed schedule information

  • Summer Semester 2016: Compressed schedule (click here for details)
  • Fall 2016-Spring 2017 Semesters:  1 class per week from ~4:30-7:30 pm and 1 monthly cohort meeting
  • Summer Semester 2017:  Compressed schedule TBD
  • Fall 2017-Spring 2018 Semesters: 1 class per week from ~4:30-7:30 pm and 1 monthly cohort meeting
  • Summer Semester 2018:  8-week research experience
  • Fall Semester 2018:  MS Defense and Graduation

Contact:

  • Holly Godsey, Director of Student Success and Teacher Development, holly.godsey@utah.edu, 801-587-7865
  • Jessica Dwyer, Academic Program Manager, jessica.dwyer@utah.edu, 801-585-1299

Click here to download the Physics Cohort information flyer.