The master of science in education with a specialization in science education focuses on training educators in the areas of middle and secondary school sciences. This specialization provides educators with knowledge of multiple science areas and skills to instruct students in science through a variety of learning techniques. Course content is research based and infuses best practices in education.
Practicing science teachers who wish to obtain graduate degrees and increase their expertise in their current field
or
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in an education field who wish to obtain graduate degrees and increase their knowledge and skills in teaching science
Completed admission application packet, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
Official transcript indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average required)
Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
(36 CREDITS)
| CUR 526 | Educational Research for Practitioners |
| EDU 5000 | Orientation to the Graduate Teacher Education Program |
| EDU 601 | Professional Seminar I |
| SCI 523 | Methods for Teaching Secondary School Science |
| SCI 600 | Foundations of Physical Science for Teachers |
| SCI 601 | Inquiry-Based Space Science for Teachers |
| SCI 602 | Teaching Comprehensive Ocean Studies |
| SCI 603 | Teaching Inquiry-Based Life Science |
| SCI 604 | Teaching Chemistry: An Activity-Based Study of Matter and Energy |
| SCI 605 | Interdisciplinary Earth Science for Teachers |
| SCI 699 | Applied Professional Experience in Science Education |
| Elective | 9 Credits |
| EDU 602 | Professional Seminar II |
The applied professional experience is one of many practical applications included in the science education specialization. It is the final step in the completion of the program. Conducted in an appropriate educational setting, students will maintain reflective journals and create files of samples of their students’ work and the assessment instruments used to demonstrate achievement of the state professional and content standards. All applied professional experiences are accompanied by a portfolio detailing the rationale, process, and evaluation of the project.
Satisfactory completion of all required coursework
Successful completion of the Applied Professional Experience, including the portfolio, demonstrating competence with the Educator Accomplished Practices
Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Completed application for degree
Coursework for the science education specialization is available online and at many of the university’s Student Educational Centers. The online delivery option allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. The site-based delivery option allows students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in locations near their homes. The distance delivery option allows busy professionals to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
Faculty members for the master of science in education are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition, many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most important, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.
Courses in the science education specialization may meet state department of education requirements for certification and/or recertification. It is the responsibility of each student to contact his or her state department of education regarding certification, recertification, and/or endorsement requirements.