Master of Science

in Science Education

Area of Concentration in Environmental Science

This master’s program is for students holding bachelor’s degrees in science or science education and includes advanced graduate training in environmental science in addition to courses designed to develop and improve education knowledge and skills.  One option offers graduate work in environmental science while also providing the necessary course requirements for state certification of secondary school teachers. A second option is designed for those not wishing to teach in a secondary school and does not lead to certification. An informal science education option is also available.

This master’s program includes graduate level environmental science courses in addition to advanced graduate courses in science education. The biology courses develop and upgrade subject matter knowledge and complement previous educational experience.

Admissions Requirements

The master's program is designed for individuals holding bachelor's degrees in areas of science or in secondary school science education.

If the program is to be used for teacher certification purposes, the applicant must hold certification (or be certifiable) at the elementary, middle and/or high school levels.

For general admissions requirements, please refer to the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the catalog.

Curriculum

The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and both a thesis and non-thesis option are available.  9 credit hours of core science education classes are required (highlighted below), and a minimum of three science courses (9 credit hours) in environmental science are required.  For the thesis track, a minimum of two additional graduate science education courses (6 credit hours) and six credit hours of Thesis are required (30 credit hours total).  For the non-thesis track, a minimum of three additional graduate science education classes (9 credit hours), three credit hours of electives, and three credit of Research are required (33 credit hours total).

Sample Full Time Schedule (non-thesis option)