MSc in Science Teaching

Master of Science in Science Teaching

Master in Science Teaching

The Master of Sciences is an interdepartmental degree involving the College of Education and other colleges on the campus. The Science Teaching Option is designed for teachers aspiring to pursue a degree with greater emphasis on science content and less emphasis on pedagogy. The Science Teaching Option includes Science Education courses as well as science, mathematics, and selected other content courses. The program is designed to provide classroom teachers with a strong background in science content balanced with knowledge of contemporary science teaching practice, and the sound application of research.

This interdisciplinary program designed primarily for teachers who wish to improve their knowledge of science and improve their science teaching skills. The program is appropriate for teachers at all levels (K-12) interested in improving their science teaching or developing science program in their schools.

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

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

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

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 a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org/members), AACRAO (https://www.aacrao.org/resources/AACRAO-International/international-education-services) 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 Teaching program requires a total of thirty-three semester hours of course work and completion of a research project as part of CURR 5090. A thesis option is available but not required. At least 24 semester hours must be at the graduate level.

Courses

Course work hours required includes:

Science, Mathematics, or (Content Based) Science Education (18 credits)

Course/Credits
Graduate science content courses offered through the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences or UCCS Extended Studies. May include limited hours at the 3000- & 4000-level-18 credits

Science Education (9 credits)

Course/Credits
Science Education courses offered through the College of Education-9

Education (3 credits)

Course/Credits/Title
CURR 5090 - 3 Research Project

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

Offerings

The Master of Basic Science (MSc) degree specializing in Science Teaching can be completed in only 33 hours. Schedules are designed to meet the needs of busy teachers.

Relevant 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 and the College of Arts and Science.

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