Plan Description
The Master of Arts in Science (M.A.S.) is a non-thesis degree designed to allow students to increase their knowledge base in two different fields of science. Traditional and nontraditional students interested in pursuing or advancing science-related careers will discover a host of new opportunities after completing the program. Secondary science teachers who enroll in the program will be better prepared to face classroom challenges with a broad science background.
This program includes the current graduate faculty, course work and facilities from the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geoscience, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics. Any graduate courses offered by these departments can be considered for inclusion in this degree program. In addition, graduate courses from Environmental Studies can be used to satisfy the second field.
For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.
Plan Admission Requirements
Application deadlines
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
- All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
- Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional record and potential for advanced study in mathematics and science education.
- A written statement/letter of intent is required and should include:
- summary of research interests
- reason(s) for wishing to earn an advanced degree
- motivation for attending UNLV
- name of two intended department faculty mentors for major and minor
- Submission of official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended.
- Copy of current curriculum vitae or resume is required.
Teacher Track
- A bachelor’s degree in any of the sciences, mathematical sciences or secondary education with at least nine upper division (300 level or higher) science or math courses. Must be a licensed educator, have current licensure, a current job offer (ideally in grades 6-12) or degree in education.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all undergraduate work (based on a 4.00 scale).
- Satisfactory scores on the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Successful applicants should complete the GRE or pass the Praxis I, II.
- Copy of current teaching licensure, licensure certificate, letter of employment or diploma is required.
General Track
- Satisfactory scores on the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.
Subplan 1 Requirements: Teacher Track
Total Credits Required: 33
Course Requirements
Major Field Courses - Credits: 9
Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved coursework in a major field of study from the following list:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Mathematics
Statistics
Geoscience
Water Resources Management
Minor Field Courses - Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of advisor-approved coursework in a minor field of study from the following list:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Mathematics
Statistics
Geoscience
Water Resources Management
Elective Courses - Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.
Culminating Experience - Credits: 3
Complete either the capstone course or professional paper.
SCI 796 - Professional Paper, Master of Arts in Sciences
Degree Requirements
See Plan Degree Requirements below.
Graduation Requirements
See Plan Graduation Requirements below.
Subplan 2 Requirements: General Track
Total Credits Required: 33
Course Requirements
Major Field Courses - Credits: 9
Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved coursework in a major field of study from the following list:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Mathematics
Statistics
Geoscience
Water Resources Management
Minor Field Courses - Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of advisor-approved coursework in a minor field of study from the following list:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Mathematics
Statistics
Geoscience
Water Resources Management
Elective Courses - Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.
Culminating Experience - Credits: 3
Complete either the capstone course or professional paper.
SCI 796 - Professional Paper, Master of Arts in Sciences
Degree Requirements
See Plan Degree Requirements below.
Graduation Requirements
See Plan Graduation Requirements below.
Plan Degree Requirements
- Complete a total of 33 credits of regular course work of which 50% must be at 700-level.
- A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum 3.00 grade point average is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program.
- Students accepted into the Master of Arts in Science (MAS) program will be required to take at least 12 credits in one major area of one department and at least 6 credits in one minor field of science, mathematics or statistics from a different department in the College.
- No more than 9 credits may be earned through independent study.
- A maximum of 6 credits may be taken outside of the College.
- Students must obtain advisor approval for all coursework. Coursework can be taken from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Statistics, Geoscience, Science, Environmental Studies, Educational Psychology, Anthropology, Water Resource Management, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Curriculum and Instruction.
- All students must develop their degree program with the consent of the faculty mentor from their major department and the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. Student’s progress will be assessed annually by the Advisory Committee.
- Students must successfully complete a professional paper.
Plan Graduation Requirements
- The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
- The student must complete a culminating experience.