The master of education (Ed.M.) degree programs in physical science education or biological science education are designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, who are certified high school teachers either of physical science or biological science, and who wish to pursue a master's degree in education.
The programs have three major goals: 1. To help students learn pedagogical content knowledge of physical science or life science, i.e., content-specific teaching methods in these disciplines. 2. To provide students with a grounding in the historical and philosophical contexts of the discipline that they are teaching, i.e., history and philosophy of physical science or life science. 3. To provide students with research experiences in physical science or life science. To help them better understand how scientists work and how discipline-specific knowledge develops.
Physical Science Specialization:Certification in physical science/general science with a strong background and interest in physics/chemistry and relevant teaching experience.
Biological Science Specialization:Certification in biological science/general science with a strong background and interest in biology and relevant teaching experience.
General Science Specialization: Middle school science certification with relevant teaching experience and experience in informal science education.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Programs of study are individually constructed by the student and his or her adviser using the outline below: I. Science Education (15 credits)
Physical Science Area 15:256:551 Development of Ideas in Physical Science (3) 15:256:552 Teaching Physical Science (3) 15:256:555 Research Internship in Science Education (3) 15:256:557 Multiple Representations in Physical Science (3) 15:256:654 Science Education Practicum (3)
Biological Science Area 15:256:550 Biology and Society (3) 15:256:553 Teaching Life Science (3) 15:256:555 Research Internship in Science Education (3) 15:256:556 Understanding Evolution: A Classroom Perspective (3) 15:256:654 Science Education Practicum (3)
II. Instructional Technologies (6 credits)
05:300:462 Demonstrations and Technology in Science Teaching (3) 15:250:560 Computers and Instructional Strategies (3)
III. Cognitive and Instructional Psychology (6 credits)
15:295:502 Cognition and Memory (3) 15:295:510 Cooperative Learning: Theory, Research and Practice (3) 15:295:550 Learning through Problem Solving (3) 15:295:611 Memory Systems and Processes (3)
Graduate-Level Electives (3 credits) (Physical or life science or science education course selection must be approved by adviser)
TOTAL: 30 CREDITS IV. Comprehensive Examination or Alternative
