Curriculum
M.Ed. in Science Education
Degree Requirements
Total Hours: 36
Practicum: None
Comprehensive: Portfolio
Thesis: None
Length of Program
The program is designed for certified teachers who complete the program as part of a cohort. A cohort is a group of students who attend together all of the classes required for the degree. The course load each semester is 4-6 hours dependent upon the sequence of the program. The program is completed within 3 years. (See SOE Policy: Time Limit for Degree Completion)
Continuous Enrollments
Master's students in Science Education are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. (See SOE Policy: Academic Standing - Continuous Enrollment)
A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Associate Dean of Student Academic Services.
Candidates in all programs leading to Illinois certification are required to pass an Illinois State Criminal Background Check.
Curriculum Plan
The program requires 36 hours semester hours (12 classes)—18 hours in science and 18 hours in education—and completion of a comprehensive portfolio at the end of coursework.
Prerequisites
Students who do not have the state required middle grade courses will need two additional courses:
- CIEP 446 Middle School Theory and Practice
- CPSY 454 Human Development: Educational Implications.
Education Core (15 semester hours)
- CIEP 411 - Inquiry Based Science Teaching
- CIEP 423 - Advanced Literacy in the Content Areas
- CIEP 442 - Curriculum Development and Implementation
- CIEP 488 - Action Research to Improve Teaching and Learning
- RMTD 400 - Introduction to Research
Middle School Track (21 semester hours)
- BIOL 477 - Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics
- BIOL 478 - Physiological Systems
- CIEP M86 - Teaching Science in the Middle School
- NTSC 477 - Nature of Science
- NTSC 478 - Integrated Science and Math II
- PHYS 477 - Physical Science
- PHYS 478 - Earth and Space Science
High School Chemistry Track (21 semester hours)
- CHEM 495 - Learning & Teaching Concepts of General Chemistry, I
- CHEM 496 - Learning & Teaching Concepts of General Chemistry, II
- CHEM 497 - Learning & Teaching Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
- CHEM 498 - Laboratory Investigations in Chemistry A
- CHEM 499 - Laboratory Investigations in Chemistry B
- CHEM 491 - Laboratory Investigations in Chemistry C
- CHEM 492 - Special Topics in Chemistry A: Innovations in Chemistry, Past to Present
- CHEM 493 - Special Topics in Chemistry B: Chemistry Classroom Innovations & Practices
- CHEM 494 - Special Topics in Chemistry C: Innovations in Chemistry, On the Horizon
- CIEP 417 - Scientifically Based Research
- PHYS 401 - Mathematical Techniques in the Sciences
High School Earth and Space Science Track (21 semester hours)
- PHYS 401 - Mathematical Techniques in the Sciences
- PHYS 421 - History of the Earth
- PHYS 431 - Comp. Planet: Surfaces & Interiors
- PHYS 432 - Comp. Planet: Atmospheres
- PHYS 441 - The Earth in Space
- PHYS 451 - Laboratory Acctivities in ESS
- PHYS 452 - Data Analysis in ESS
- PHYS 453 - Modern Topics in ESS
- CIEP 417 - Scientifically Based Research
Comprehensive Assessment
A Comprehensive Portfolio is required. Students will be made aware of the requirements during the required courses in the program. The Portfolio format will be presented during CIEP 488. No application is required. Program faculty will notify students of results.
Degree Conferral
While the commencement ceremony is every May, degrees can be conferred May, August, and December. Students must apply for graduation/degree conferral. Students should apply for graduation in the semester they anticipate completing all degree requirements. Failure to meet application deadlines may result in a delay of the conferral of the degree to the following semester. Applications for Degree Conferral are due:
- August 1 for December conferral
- December 1 for May conferral
- February 1 for August conferral
Please note the degree conferral application is valid for only one semester. If the degree is not conferred for the semester requested, a new application is required for a subsequent semester.