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Master's and Credential in
Science and Mathematics Education (MACSME)



Overview

The Masters and Credential in Science and Mathematics Education (MACSME) is a two-year graduate program leading to a combined Master of Arts degree in education and a preliminary California Single-Subject Credential for teaching either science or mathematics at the secondary level. The program includes extensive student teaching experience in local schools and concurrent course work on the University campus. Graduates of the program will have a thorough understanding of the subject matter they will teach, knowledge of fundamental educational principles, and strong skills in the practice of teaching. The program is designed for talented individuals with solid preparation in mathematics or science who are dedicated to the improvement of mathematics and science education at the secondary level, and who are willing to make a two-year investment in learning how to help in that effort. The course of study includes a combination of courses taken with advanced degree students in Cognition and Development and carefully designed field experiences. The program is based on the idea that learning is best achieved when three factors interact: the environment, prior knowledge, and reflective assessment of student and teacher performance.

Faculty


Dor Abrahamson image
Dor Abrahamson
(Assistant Professor)
Andy diSessa image
Andrea DiSessa
(Professor)
Randi Engle image
Randi Engle
(Assistant Professor)
Bernie Gifford image
Bernard Gifford
(Professor)
Marcia Linn image
Marcia C. Linn
(Professor)
Michael Ranney image
Michael Ranney
(Associate Professor)
Alan Schoenfeld image
Alan Schoenfeld
(Professor)
Barbara White image
Barbara White
(Professor)
Dan Zimmerlin image
Dan Zimmerlin
(Program Coordinator)
 

Extended Description

"To be a good teacher, I needed to begin with a basic knowledge of what is known and what is surmised about learning and teaching."
--Lisa Pino, MACSME Graduate

Information Website for Prospective Students

MACSME is a two-year masters and credential program that bridges theory and practice. We provide the aspiring teacher with direct experience in research about thinking and learning, as well as with classroom experience.
Then we connect the two.

What is MACSME?

M.A. and Credential in Science and Math Education

In this intensive two-year program, MACSME students combine study for a Master of Arts in Education with preparation for the Single Subject teaching credential in Mathematics or in Science. MACSME balances research experiences, classes in educational theory, classes in teaching, and direct teaching experience to prepare candidates for exemplary careers in math or science education.

 

Academics

The University of California is a top-rated public school of Education. Courses are taught by well-published and respected educators. MACSME students, unlike many other masters students, work closely with the faculty, gaining research experience while learning the fine craft of teaching.

Breadth

MACSME weaves the themes of equity and access throughout the curriculum. In addition to course-work involving the education of Limited English Proficiency students and students with learning or physical disabilities, MACSME students take courses such as Urban Education and Teaching Linguistic and Cultural Minority Students. The ideas in these courses are connected to classroom realities in the culturally diverse school communities in which our students are placed for their student teaching.

Classroom Management

Specific classroom management techniques are taught throughout the two-year course of study, and implemented in practice teaching with the guidance of a cooperating teacher and campus-based supervisor.

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MACSME Features

 

Student Teaching

MACSME students experience a gradual immersion into teaching. In the first year, they work in a variety of settings and gradually make the transition from working with individuals and small groups to whole-class instruction. In the second year, they are ready to fully teach one class on their own with support from the regular teacher, while observing and helping in a second.

Schedule

Students follow the public school calendar for the year, which is considerably longer than the University's academic year. This allows them direct experience with every aspect of each teaching season, from the emotions of the opening of school through the steadiness of winter to the final challenges of June. This ongoing classroom experience is designed to allow students to connect theory and research at the University to the reality of schools at each point in the program.

MACSME Course Plan

First Semester - FALL
Course No. Course Title Units
SME 210
First Year Seminar: Paper Review 4
EDUC 224A
or
EDUC 290C 03
Mathematical Thinking & Problem Solving
or
Understanding and Teaching Scientific Inquiry
3

EDUC 289


Health for Educators

1

EDUC 231
or
Chem 303
Instruction in Secondary Schools: Teaching Methods
or
Apprentice Teaching in Science
2
EDUC 390D Supervised Teaching 2
EDUC 223B Research Group 2
Total Units: 14


Second Semester - SPRING
Course No. Course Title Units
EDUC 283F Urban Education 3
EDUC 290C Methods for Classroom-based Research 3
EDUC 231
or
Chem 303
Instruction in Secondary Schools: TeachingMethods (Math)
or
Apprentice Teaching in Science
2
EDUC 390D Supervised Teaching 3
EDUC 223B Research Group 2
Total Units: 13


Third Semester - FALL
Course No. Course Title Units
EDUC 283F Urban Education
3
EDUC 207D Teaching Exceptional Children 2
EDUC 231
or
Chem 303
Instruction in Secondary Schools: Teaching Methods (Math)
or
Apprentice Teaching in Science
2
EDUC 390D Supervised Teaching 6
EDUC 223B Research Group 2
Total Units: 15


Fourth Semester - SPRING
Course No. Course Title Units
EDUC 246A Teaching Linguistic and Cultural Minority Students 3
EDUC 295B
Technology, Curriculum, and Instruction
3
EDUC 289 Comprehensive Health Ed for Teachers 1
EDUC 231
or
Chem 303
Instruction in Secondary Schools: Teaching Methods (Math)
or
Apprentice Teaching in Science
2
EDUC 390D Supervised Teaching 2
EDUC 223B Research Group 2
Total Units: 13

 
Typically, MACSME students are occupied from around 7:30 a.m. until around 4:00 p.m. either working in their assigned school or on campus taking classes. Few classes take place in the evening, leaving time for study. Student teaching in public schools is in the morning and can take from 1 to 4 hours depending on the semester and the demands of the school. Day Care centers exist close to Berkeley for students with children. Nearby BART, a perimeter bus, on-campus restaurants, libraries, and student lounges create a convenient environment for students.

Generous Financial Aid

A variety of student aid is available:
Type of Aid Amount
Block Grants $2,500-$10,000
GOP Grants $7000 + Fees
Flanders Awards $2,500-$10,000
APLE Up to $18,000 to repay student loans in return for a 4-year commitment to teaching in a low income school.*
CAL T. Grant $3,600 for grad fees
G.S.R An hourly wage to work as a T.A, Grader or Researcher
ATDP Up to $6000 to work summers teaching H.S. students
Teacher Scholar All grad fees paid in return for a 4-year commitment to teaching in a low income school.*
*Half of all public schools in California qualify including almost all in San Francisco, Alameda, and West Contra Costa Counties.

The first step in obtaining financial aid from UC Berkeley is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available online at: FAFSA.ed.gov. You may also pick one up at 318 Sproul Hall on the UCB Campus. Several private scholarships are also available to students who take the effort to seek them out and complete their own applications. For complete financial aid information, please contact Karen Sullivan in 1606 Tolman Hall, (510) 643-1720.

After you Graduate

MACSME graduates are in great demand in the job market. Typically, graduates have their choice of multiple job offers. By graduating with a masters degree and between 54 and 62 units, they are able to begin teaching at a higher salary.

Salaries fluctuate often, and most, but not all, MACSME graduates obtain 60 units. Contact school districts directly to get the most current salary information.

Report to Commission on Teacher Credentialing

In 1999 the MACSME program submitted its final report to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing on the progress as an experimental program and made the transition to being a regularly authorized program of teacher preparation. Read the full report: CTC Report

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Applying to MACSME

A strong candidate for MACSME should:

  • Possess a solid academic background in math or science with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better;
  • Have experience working with youth in educational settings, especially working with culturally diverse groups;
  • Display the personal characteristics of being flexible, organized, articulate, and confident;
  • Have a strong interest in teaching;
  • Take the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), and the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).

Tests to Take

  • Applicants to MACSME must pass two entrance examinations prior to admission*:
    • The CSET subject exam(s) (3 subtests in math or 3 in science)
      • Call (916) 928-4003 to register
        or online at www.cset.nesinc.com
      • We prefer to receive CSET scores before the application deadline, although applications can be processed so long as the applicant has taken the tests by the January administration.
         
    • The CBEST exam
      • Apply online at:  www.cbest.nesinc.com
      • Out of State applicants can take the CBEST after being admitted, but must pass before starting the program.
  • Optional exam:
    • The GRE General Test
      Call 1-800-GRE-CALL to register

How to Apply:

MACSMEis a program in the Graduate School of Education. To apply, you must complete application forms for both the University of California, Berkeley and the Graduate School of Education. Please visit the GSE Admissions page for directions on completing both applications.

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Typical Admission Schedule
Application Deadline December 1st
Interviews February/March
Admission Recommendations by April 1st
Enrollment late August


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Contact Information

For more information about MACSME, please contact:

Dan Zimmerlin
Academic Coordinator
Graduate School of Education
4651 Tolman Hall
danz@berkeley.edu
(510) 642-4201

For admissions questions, please contact:

Rochele Fraga
Admissions Coordinator
Graduate School of Education
1670 Tolman Hall
rlfraga@berkeley.edu
(510) 642-0841