Mathematics and Science Teaching

Campus
New Westminster

Overview

If you're a working elementary or middle-school teacher, the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching will help you get comfortable with the new mathematics curriculum, rediscover chemistry, biology, physics and earth science and connect with other teachers in a positive and friendly environment. You will also be eligible for TQS upgrading upon program completion.

The program provides practical, hands-on experience, including experimenting in chemistry labs, examining geological formations with a geologist and observing stars with an astronomer. 

Courses focus on how ideas can be applied to your own classroom. Classes take place in evenings, on weekends and online.

   

This program is offered once every two years. The next intake is Fall 2020.

Applications are accepted to the start of the semester, but early qualified applicants are guaranteed a seat.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Year 1 - Foundation and Content

Complete ALL of:

MSTE 5110 - Teaching Biology and Earth Science (5)

MSTE 5120 - Teaching Chemistry and Physics (5)

MSTE 5130 - Teaching Mathematics (5)

Year 2 - Diversification and Application

Complete BOTH of:

MSTE 5220 - Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Teaching (5)

MSTE 5230  Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science (5)

and ONE of:

MSTE 5210 - Mathematics and Science in Popular Culture (5)

MSTE 5320 - Further Topics in Science Teaching (5)

MSTE 5330 - Further Topics in Mathematics Teaching (5)

 

Admissions Requirements

To enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching, candidates must meet the following prerequisite conditions:

  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
  2. Hold a Professional Teaching certificate from the BC Teachers' Council or be eligible to obtain such certification.

And must submit:

  1. A current curriculum vitae.
  2. One letter of reference, which should speak to the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced work in education. Examples of suitable references include a school or district administrator, district resource person or colleague who has done related post-degree work.
  3. A letter of intent that outlines:
  • long and short-term career goals
  • education background
  • motivations for applying to the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program
  • a description of current and short-term future teaching contexts that demonstrate access to teaching mathematics and/or science to students during the program.

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Career Pathways

If you are a Category 4 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the Diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 4 to 5.

If you are a Category 5 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 5 to 5+.;

NOTE: Some districts require approval of a Graduate Diploma Plan before starting your program. Check with your Human Resource department to see if this applies in your district.

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

FAQs