Ma in Science Education

MA IN SCIENCE EDUCATION

UCCS FUELS SUCCESS
About

The program in Science Education is designed primarily for teachers who wish to improve their science teaching skills or become leaders in the field of science education. It is appropriate for teachers at all levels (K-12) who wish to learn more about applying contemporary science teaching strategies in their schools.

The program is designed to provide classroom teachers with a sound background in current science education research, theory, standards, and practice. Emphasis is placed on utilization of inquiry strategies, manipulative activities, and science process skills as a basis for science instruction. Teachers completing this program will be prepared to: teach science in a self-contained setting, serve as science teachers for schools utilizing departmentalization, serve as science resource teachers at the school or district level, or pursue an advanced degree in science education.

Note: This program is not designed to lead to teacher licensure.

Admissions

Financial Aid Priority filing date is March 1

Admission to the Graduate School at UCCS is required for this program. However, individual courses may be taken by unclassified students. To be admitted to the program one must provide:

Admissions Checklist

  • Complete the electronic online application: Apply Now!
    • All applicants (international & domestic) pay the $60.00 application fee
  • Obtain three letters of reference
  • Submit one transcript from all institutions of higher education previously attended
  • Prepare a career goal statement
  • Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable)
  • Complete a background check or provide an unofficial copy of teaching licensure
  • Interview with department faculty member

**If you have questions about the program before or during the Admissions process, or would like more programmatic information, call 719-255-4996 or email education@uccs.edu

Once application materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program.

All students accepted into the program must complete a "Degree Plan" in collaboration with their advisor during their first semester on campus.

Career Goal Statement: Please describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator. Please be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision. Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double spaced. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

Official Transcripts: Domestic students: Have one official transcript of all higher education course work ever completed to date (undergraduate and graduate GPA must be included on transcripts), sent from the institution you attended directly to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Office of Admissions (electronically or by postal services).
Postal Services:
UCCS Office of Admissions
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs CO 80918-3733
Electronically:
ugapp@uccs.edu
For other documents if needed:
gradinfo@uccs.edu

Additional items of note for International applicants:
English Proficiency must be demonstrated through providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 550-(paper-based) or 80-(internet-based) or a Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE®) score of a minimum of 460. Students may make arrangements to take KITE® at the Global Engagement Office.

Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country’s Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org/members), AACRAO (http://aacrao.matrixdev.net) or World Education Services/WES https://www.wes.org).

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.

Program Requirements

The Science Education program requires a total of thirty semester hours of course work and completion of a research project as part of CURR 5090. A thesis option is available but not required.

Note: Students should consult with their program advisor to assure that courses selected are appropriate for credit in the Science Education program.

Courses

The Science Education program requires a total of thirty semester hours of course work and completion of a research project as part of CURR 5090. A thesis option is available but not required.

Course work hours required includes:

Science Education (12 - 18 credits)

Course/Credits

Science Methodology courses offered through the College of Education12-18

Education (12 - 18 credits)

Includes core courses required by the Curriculum and Instruction degree:

Course/Credits/Title

  • LEAD 5600 - 3 Social Foundations & Trends or CURR 5500 - 3 Issues Strategies & Models of Curriculum Design
  • LEAD 5700 - 3 Introduction to Research & Statistics
  • CURR 5090 -3 Research Project
Letters, Arts, and Sciences (0 - 6 credits)

Course/Credits/Title

Includes Space Studies courses, LAS graduate courses, and a limited number of 3000- and 4000-level LAS courses-0-6

Note: Students should consult with their program advisor to assure that courses selected are appropriate for credit in the Science Education program.

Offerings

The Curriculum and Instruction Masters degree specializing in Science Education can be completed in only 30 hours. Schedules are designed to meet the needs of busy teachers.

Science Education courses are offered spring, summer, and fall terms. Students may work on course work throughout the year in courses offered by the UCCS College of Education.

During the Fall and Spring semesters, most courses are offered in the evening to accommodate the schedules of working teachers.