Masters of Natural Science is recognized by the U.S Department of Education as one of the seven best K-12 educational technology programs (2001). Our comprehensive summer graduate program is tailored for in-service teachers of physics, chemistry and physical science. Our courses are ideal to meet re-certification, qualify to teach dual enrollment and provide specific in classroom skills for chemistry and physics teachers.
Degree Overview
The Master of Natural Science degree program at Arizona State University is a three-year and 30-hour program designed for in-service science teachers seeking to enhance their career through interdisciplinary graduate training in physics, physical science, physics education or related sciences. The MNS degree program is especially suited for individuals who desire professional training rather than research training.
How to apply
MNS admits students only in Summer.
Students are encouraged to submit the application at least two months prior to the start of the summer semester to allow adequate time for review. Please note the GRE is not required.
Below is the recommended date of application
- April 15
Students must meet all Graduate College admission criteria including English proficiency (Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL - or equivalent) for non-native English speakers if applicable.
Applicants should also meet the following program-specific admission criteria:
- Currently, be an in-service teacher(K-12) teaching a STEM curriculum
- A statement of purpose outlining your teaching interests and why you want to apply to the MNS program.
Unlike traditional science classroom practices, the modeling program stresses the PROCESS of science. Students not only learn the requisite science curriculum but how to design and implement experiments that will address a question, how to work well in a community of peers, how to collect and process data, how to think logically and critically - basically, how to be effective problem solvers.
A metropolitan Phoenix teacher in a high-poverty school wrote
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete 30 credits. The program may be completed in three summers.
A minimum of 30 credit hours is required.
Requirements and electives | Hours |
Core Courses | 19 |
Electives | 9 |
Applied Project | 2 |
Total hours required | 30 |
Courses and electives
MNS courses include Modeling Workshops, and are typically offered in summer sessions so as to be compatible with full-time appointments in the high school system nationwide. The program is 30 credit hours and designed for summer only attendance.
Download a detailed list of courses and descriptions here. View the summer schedule at that same page. .
4 core courses of Physics Pedagogy:
PHS 530 | Methods of Physics Teaching I (Mechanics)*Unless an equivalent course has been taken. Please see the advisor. | 3 Credits |
PHS 531 or PHS 594 | Methods of Physics Teaching II (Electricity and Magnetism)or Physics Modeling Workshop (Mechanical Waves, Light, CASTLE Electricity, or Thermodynamics 2 credits) | 3 Credits |
PHS 598 | Leadership Workshop | 1 Credit |
6 credits from Integrated Science Courses*:
PHS 505 | Energy and the Environment | 3 Credits |
PHS 540 | Integrated Physics and Chemistry | 3 Credits |
PHS 542 | Integrated Mathematics and Physics | 3 Credits |
PHS 550 | Physics and Astronomy | 3 Credits |
6 credits from Contemporary Physics*:
PHS 556 | Astrophysics | 3 Credits |
PHS 560 | Matter and Light | 3 Credits |
PHS 570 | Spacetime Physics | 3 Credits |
PHS 581 | Structure of Matter and its Properties | 3 Credits |
PHS 593 | Applied Project (Action Research) 2 credits minimum | 2-3 Credits |
Approved elective courses*:
COE502** | Introduction to Data Analysis | 3 Credits |
PHS 534 | Physical Science with Math Modeling Workshop I | 3 Credits |
PHS 594 | Physical Science with Math Modeling Workshop II | 3 Credits |
CHM 594 | Modeling Instruction in High School Chemistry I | 3 Credits |
CHM 594 | Modeling Instruction in High School Chemistry II | 2 Credits |