Content Knowledge Demonstration

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program must demonstrate content knowledge in the subject area(s) for which they are seeking endorsement. All documentation will be reviewed by program faculty and is subject to approval. 

Option 1: Passing Score on a TSPC-Approved Content Exam

Pass the  (NES or Praxis) aligned to desired endorsement area(s) listed below. 

  • Elementary Education (NES Subtests I & II or Praxis Multiple Subjects with 4 subtests) 
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Studies     
  • Foundational Mathematics
  • Advanced Mathematics    
  • Integrated Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

 

Option 2: N/A

 

Option 3a: Degree in a Related Field 

Hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited institution in a field closely aligned with the endorsement area as indicated in the menu below. The degree must include: 

  • At least 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits of content-specific coursework aligned with the endorsement standards (subject to faculty approval) 

    • All coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher and must not be remedial.

The degree in a related field may be demonstrated through successful completion of a TSPC-approved  in the relevant endorsement area(s), pending faculty review and approval. 

Acceptable Undergraduate/Graduate Degree/Major:

  • Biology 
  • Environmental Studies/Science 
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Marine Biology 

  • Chemistry 
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biochemistry 

  • English  
  • English-based degrees (e.g. Comparative Literature, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Journalism) 

  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Physics
  • Integrated Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science (e.g. Marine Science/Oceanography, Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy) 

  • Mathematics 
  • Statistics
  • Mathematics & Computer Science 

  • Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Engineering

  • History 
  • Ethnic Studies 
  • Political Science/Government 
  • Geography 
  • Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology 
  • Economics/Finance

  • Any

 

Option 3b: Coursework Equivalency 

Applicants without a degree in the endorsement area may still qualify by demonstrating:

  • At least 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits of coursework aligned with the endorsement standards (see right column under each of the endorsement areas below).
    • All coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher and must not be remedial. 

Coursework equivalency may be demonstrated through successful completion of a TSPC-approved  in the relevant endorsement area(s), pending faculty review and approval. 

Required Transcript Coursework. Figure in parentheses indicates number of course(s)* required:

  • Ecology & Environment (2)
  • Genetics & Evolution (2)
  • Nature of Science (1)
  • Biochemistry & Cell Biology (1)
  • Biological Unity & Diversity (1)

  • Chemical Reactions/Energy (3)
  • Matter/Atomic Structure (1) 
  • Stoichiometry/Solutions (1) 
  • Nature of Science (1) 

  • Literary Analysis (3) 
  • Composition/Writing (2) 
  • Literacy/Language Conventions (1)  

  • Physical Science (2)
  • Life Science (2) 
  • Earth/Space Science (2)
  • Nature of Science (1) 

  • Patterns/Algebra/Functions (2) 
  • Mathematical Processes/Number Sense (1) 
  • Measurement/Geometry (1) 
  • Statistics/Discrete Mathematics (1) 

Advanced Mathematics candidates must have: 

  • Trigonometry/Calculus (1)

  • Modern Physics (3)
  • Mechanics (1)
  • Electricity & Magnetism (1)
  • Nature of Science (1)

  • History/Shared History (3) 
  • Ethnic Studies or aligned pedagogy (1)
  • Geography/Cultures (2) 
  • Government, Economics, Political Science (2)

  • Humanities/Language Arts (4) 
  • Social Sciences (1)  
  • Ethnic Studies or aligned pedagogy (1) 
  • Mathematics (3) - Math 211, 212, 213 or equivalent methods is acceptable  
  • Science (3)
  • Art, Health, or Fitness /PE (1)   

*A course is generally defined as at least 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours.

 

Option 4: Alternative Demonstration of Content Knowledge

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible to demonstrate content knowledge through a combination of coursework and other TSPC-approved measures. Please contact the Graduate Student Recruitment Coordinator for guidance on this option.