The program is organized into two tracks based on the level at which its students want to teach: (1) Secondary School (grades 6-12), and (2) Community College. Both tracks build on a strong partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education to provide the best experiences for students in the content (science) and teaching (education) areas. Further, both tracks offer students extensive classroom teaching experience at the relevant level to prepare them for the real world of science teaching.

Secondary Science Teaching: The MST Secondary Science (grades 62) track builds upon a bachelor’s degree in one of the science areas (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or can be structured as a combined BS/MS degree program for FSU students currently completing undergraduate science degrees. With prior approval from the program director, students may take up to twelve credit hours of graduate level courses in their senior year to count toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students may also enter the program after completion of a BS degree. Through required coursework and teaching internships in middle or high school classrooms, this MST track offers an opportunity to science undergraduates to become exceptionally qualified teachers of secondary school science. MST is a state-approved teacher preparation program, and as such its students are certified to teach in Florida upon successful completion of the Secondary Science Teaching track.

Community College Teaching: The MST Community College track builds upon a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a science discipline or may be pursued concurrently with a graduate degree in one of the FSU science departments with the permission of both programs. Through required coursework and community college teaching internships, this MST track offers an opportunity to science graduates to become exceptionally qualified teachers in the community college setting.