M.Ed., M.S.
Master's Degree Programs in SCIED
The M.Ed. and M.S. degree programs are designed to help educators extend their knowledge and skills in science teaching, science content, and science education research. The two degrees differ mainly in their orientation. The M.Ed. is a professional degree that emphasizes exemplary science education practices. The M.S. is a research degree, often undertaken in preparation for doctoral work. The degrees are appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school teachers, and may be appropriate for people interested in science education in other settings (e.g., museums, nature centers). Although the M.Ed. and M.S. degree programs were designed for practicing teachers, programs of study can be arranged for individuals who have earned undergraduate degrees in a science content area and who would like to be certified to teach.
Entrance Expectations:
- Science disciplinary training
- Some teaching experience, in formal or nonformal settings
- Strong academic credentials
Requirements for M.S. (at least 36 credits, at least 18 at 500- or 600-level)
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Core
10 credits: one 3-credit course each concerning school curriculum (e.g., CI 550 or SCIED 597B), learning theory (e.g., EDPSY 421 or SCIED 552), and research methods (SCIED 558 recommended; C I 501 may be appropriate); plus C I 590 (1 credit). These courses must be at the 400-level or above. Please note that 500-level courses in SCIED (e.g., Curriculum in Science Education) may be used to satisfy Core (#1) and Emphasis (#2) requirements simultaneously, with your advisor's permission. -
Emphasis
14-15 credits in Science Education (or related field approved by your advisor) -
M. S. Thesis
6 credits of C I 600 or 610.
Requirements for M.Ed. (at least 30 credits, at least 18 at 500-level)
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Core
10 credits: one 3-credit course each concerning school curriculum (e.g., CI 550 or SCIED 597B), learning theory (e.g., EDPSY 421 or SCIED 552), and research methods (SCIED 558 recommended; C I 501 may be appropriate); ; plus C I 590 (1 credit). These courses must be at the 400-level or above. Please note that relevant courses in SCIED (e.g., Curriculum in Science Education) may be used to satisfy Core (#1) and Emphasis (#2) requirements simultaneously, with your advisor's permission. -
Emphasis
14-15 credits in Science Education (or related field approved by your advisor) -
M. Ed. Research Project (required; registration for C I 596 or SCIED 596 is optional)
A faculty-supervised applied research project. May involve software development and testing, minicourse development and evaluation, or classroom-based action research. For more information on the M.Ed. project, please consult C&I's Master's Program Guide.
Master's degree candidates are encouraged to expand and enhance their science content backgrounds. The Graduate School grants up to eight years for completion of the master's degree. There is no residency requirement. However, spending at least one semester in residence is strongly recommended.
Science Teacher Certification
Either the M.S. or M.Ed. in Science Education may be pursued concurrently with initial teacher certification studies in Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Sciences, Environmental Education, General Science, or Physics. With very careful planning, it has been possible for master's students who have undergraduate degrees in a science field to complete the M.Ed. in as few as three semesters (including one semester of full-time student teaching); however, four semesters is more typical. For more information on teacher certification options, please consult the resources on the Qualifying Science Major with Teacher Certification page.
