There is a critical need nationwide for teachers with expertise in the STEM fields. If you have a passion for STEM, you could inspire the next generation of mathematicians, scientists, engineers, programmers, and more through the University of Kentucky College of Education’s master’s degree program leading to initial certification in STEM subjects. As a STEM teacher, you will be in high demand, with a wide range of career opportunities. Over the last several years, 100 percent of our program graduates have been employed in their field upon completion of the program. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary STEM Education allows you to teach appropriate courses in grades 8-12. You will prepare to teach through real-world classroom experiences, as well as classes in core education including educational psychology, special education, education policy, literacy, and assessment, and methods/seminar classes. The program follows a clinical model and provides you with ample practical experience with a sequence of university research/industry externships, diverse field placements, and student teaching.

International students can study the Secondary STEM Education at University of Kentucky at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 21, 2027.
About Master of Secondary STEM Education
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Secondary STEM Education at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
- Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Secondary STEM Education
Who is the program for?
To be admitted, you must have a degree in a STEM field related to traditional certification areas (mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth science, engineering, physics), or equivalent coursework. If you do not have a degree in a STEM field, then undergraduate hours equivalent to that degree will also be accepted, which is typically around 30 hours of coursework in one area.
Number of Credit Hours: 31 credit hours
Number of Courses: 8 core courses, 2 electives
Length of Program:
One-year pathway: 3 consecutive semesters (summer, fall, spring)
Two-year pathway: 6 consecutive semesters (summer, fall, spring, summer, fall, spring)
Program Type: Hybrid Online and On-Campus
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Secondary STEM Education at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Master of Secondary STEM Education at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK Graduate Application
2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
Deadline to Apply
- April 15 for Fall semester
- August 22 for Spring semester
- Some programs have earlier deadlines

United States of America, Lexington