About the Degree
This master’s degree option 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 teacher-research project based upon a classroom context of your choosing.
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 |
| SCE 6246 | Science Instruction in Informal Settings | 3.0 |
| EDG 5666 | Knowing and Learning in STEM (online) | 3.0 |
| EDG 6378 | Teaching Science with Technology (online) | 3.0 |
| EDG 5140 | Science Curriculum Development | 3.0 |
| SCE 5316 | Inquiry-based Science Teaching (online) | 3.0 |
| SCE 5695 | Equity and Diversity in Science Teaching | 3.0 |
| EME 5207 | Designing Technology Rich Curricula | 3.0 |
| 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) |
9.0 |
| 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 | 36.0 |
Questions Regarding MAE
Please see the MAE application process for the School of Teaching & Learning. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Julie Brown, Program Coordinator or Dr. Alyson Adams, Graduate Coordinator.
