Master of Arts in Science Education
The Master of Arts in Science Education ins designed for school science teachers who wish to expand their teaching skills, as well as for students beginning their work toward a Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education.
Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirements to this degree program is an undergraduate major in science education. However, satisfactory completion of necessary undergraduate science and/or education courses will be needed before enrollment in the required graduate courses. These requirements are in addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate College.
Applicants should also write a one-two page page statement on their education background, teaching experience, and reasons for seeking a master's degree in science education.
Program Requirements
The program consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work. The program can be completed completely asynchronous on-line. Each student's program is planned in consultation with the advisor and consists of the following:
1. Twelve (12) semester hours of graduate level science
which may include up to six credits of summer science workshops. By advisor permission, a student may substitute up to six hours of science at the 3000-4000 levels. Student should, in consultation with their advisor, choose to take science content as a way to either specialize in one field, or gain experience in other disciplines they are less familiar with. These courses can be taken from any WMU science department, or choose from the following courses suited for K-12 teaching (all are 3 credits):
- Integrated Science
- Cell Biology: Structures and Functions
- General Biology:" Organisms and their Environments
- Chemistry: Building on the Theory of the Atom
- Chemistry: Applications to Life, Industry and Environment
- Physics: Motion, Force and Energy
- Physics: Matter, Waves and Light
- Earth Science: Land and Water Systems
- Earth Science: The Atmosphere and Space
- Astronomy for Teachers
- Evolution for Teachers
2. Twelve (12) semester hours of Science Education Core Courses,
to include:
- SCI 6145-Introduction to History and Philosophy of Science for Teachers (Credits: 3 hours)
- SCI 6155-Science Education: Historical and Philosophical Perspective for Teachers (Credits: 3 hours)
- SCI 6165-Cognition and Teaching (Credits: 3 hours)
- SCI 6260-Curriculum Studies in Science Education (Credits: 3 hours)
3. Select Six (6) semester hours of one of the following:
- Six semester hours of science content with permission of advisor
OR - SCI 7000-Master's Thesis (Credits: 1 to 6 hours)
OR - SCI 7100-Independent Research (Credits: 1 to 6 hours)
Thesis or Project
The thesis or project is not required. If done, it is completed under the direction of a major advisor and a thesis or project committee. The major advisor and committee members are chosen by the institute director in consultation with the student, and the Institute faculty. It is anticipated that teachers working in the program will choose to do a project involving their classroom. Students planning on further graduate study may pursue a thesis, the thesis might be preliminary work on a doctoral dissertation. The thesis or project topic must be approved by the committee. The committees and topics are subject to the approval of the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate College.
For more information, please contact the program advisor, Dr. Brandy Pleasants.