The M.A. program in Science Education leads to New York State initial teacher certification for grades 7-12 in the teaching of biology, chemistry, or physics. Staffed by educators with a wide range of urban classroom experience, scholarly publications, and longtime involvement with professional associations, the program emphasizes content mastery in science, a clear understanding of current instructional materials and pedagogical methods for teaching diverse learners, and teaching methods that provoke critical thought and inquiry-based learning. The program's focus on strategies for teaching science to urban students provides an excellent opportunity for involving aspiring and current teachers in techniques for increasing participation in science by women and minorities. The pivotal experience is two semesters of student teaching where M.A. students—mentored by their cooperating teachers and NYU field supervisors —are given increasing responsibility for teaching in New York City public schools. Our 12-month, full-time, Fast Track M.A. program option accelerates your preparation as a certified teacher. Specially designed for recent college graduates and career changers, it leads to initial teacher certification in an accelerated format that allows you to complete your degree in two consecutive semesters, plus two summers, of full-time study. Students may also enroll in our fall entry program. There are a number of opportunities for financial assistance for those pursuing science education at NYU,. Program graduates teach at both private and public schools. Science communication skills are also the basis for a variety of careers outside the formal school system. Newspapers and magazines, radio and television, museums and science centers, science and technology-based organizations, and corporations all need people with a sound science background. Current teachers seeking professional certification may study full or part time in our 30-credit program.