About the Degree
This master’s degree option can be completed either fully online or in a hybrid format and involves either a thesis or capstone project. The program is intended for individuals interested in building their expertise in science education as well as their capacity for contributing to the profession. This program is also appropriate for individuals who are interested in adding to their science content background with graduate-level coursework while preparing to teach at the community college level.
For those completing a thesis, you will work closely with a faculty mentor to prepare and present a formal document that demonstrates:
- independent investigation,
- how you have built your expertise in science education,
- your capacity for contributing to the profession, and
- that you can construct a product of publishable quality.
For those completing a capstone project (i.e. project in lieu of thesis), you will work closely with a faculty mentor to complete a project based upon a context of your choosing. Example projects could focus on instructional unit design, teaching practice, student learning, workshop planning, a review of the literature on a topic or a grant proposal (MAE Project-In-Lieu Guidelines for Science Education).
Highlights
Who typically enrolls in the MAE in science education program?
1. Practicing teachers who want to strengthen their abilities to teach science in a variety of instructional settings.
2. Experienced teachers who have the eventual goal of earning a doctorate in science education enabling them to work in a teacher education/science education program at an institution of higher education.
3. Individuals who plan to teach at the community college level. Requirements to teach at the community college level vary depending on the individual campus. Typically, individuals must have a minimum of 18 credits in graduate science. Candidates are encouraged to consult the community college where they desire employment for the exact employment requirements. These content area requirements are then be built into the MAE in science education program.
Example Program of Study
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| EDG 5666 | Knowing and Learning in Secondary Schools | 3.0 |
| ESE 6345 | Effective Teaching and Classroom Management | 3.0 |
| TSL 5335 | ESOL and Reading for Secondary Teachers | 3.0 |
| EDG 7941 | Field Experience in Curriculum & Instruction | 3.0 |
| EDG 6378 | Learning Science with Technology | 3.0 |
| EDG 6378 | Special Methods in Teaching Science | 3.0 |
| ESE 5426 | Data-Driven Decision-Making for Secondary Teachers | 3.0 |
| SCE 5695 | Equity and Diversity in Science Teaching | 3.0 |
| SMT 6106 | Informal STEM Practices | 3.0 |
| EDG 6971 | Research for Master’s Thesis (6 required) | 6.0 |
| – OR – | ||
| EDG 6973 | Project in Lieu of Thesis (6 required) | 6.0 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 33.0 |
For those seeking a research focus and considering a PhD in science education, the following course alternatives should be considered.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| EDE 6325 | Teacher Inquiry | 3.0 |
| EDG 6664 | Survey of Research in STEM Education | 3.0 |
| SMT 6066 | Data Wrangling and Visualization in Educational Research | 3.0 |
| EDG 6931 | Special Topics in Curriculum and Instruction (variable topics by semester) |
3.0 |
For those seeking a content focus, the following course alternatives should be considered.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| Any Department from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) or College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) | Graduate-level science content courses for teachers (e.x., ENY 5006-Graduate Survey of Entomology, GLS 6932 Earth and Space Science for Middle School Teachers) |
3.0 |
Questions Regarding MAE
Please see the MAE application process for the School of Teaching & Learning. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Kent Crippen.
