Masters Degree in Science Education
Science Education for Today's World at the University of Northern Colorado!!
Do you have a passion for Science?
If so, join the summer cohort in the MA in Natural Science with K12 Teaching Emphasis Degree!
In this online science education graduate program educators will
• gain expertise in inquiry focused teaching strategies
• build understanding of diverse learners
• develop strategies to reflect upon how your teaching impacts your K-12 students,
• experience challenging graduate-level science courses
• improve your knowledge for the curriculum needs of your profession,
• move yourself up your district salary scale.
Our graduate degree program is the least expensive master’s in science education in Colorado!
UNC Online Graduate Programs in Education Rank Top 10 in the Nation According to US News & World Report
Our programs rank particularly high in student engagement and in faculty credentials and training.
Summer 2013 Courses
- SCED 578 K-12 Science Inquiry, June 18 - August 9, 2013 (3 credits, Online and face-to-face or video technology)
- SCED 565 Teaching 21st Century Biology: Ecology and Evolution June 10 - August 2, 2013(3 credits, Online)
Fall 2013 Courses
- SCED 355 Context-based Conceptual Chemistry, August 26 - December 13, 2013 (3 credits, Online)
- PSY 681 Cognition and Instuction I, August 26 - December 13, 2013 (3 credits, Online)
What science teachers are saying about the courses and the MA program:
"The instructors took inquiry to a new level. I like it!" Sarah Bruemmer, Greeley. Graduated Spring 2012
"The MAST MA Natural Sciences program is a great program that provides an oppotunity for working teachers to participate in professional development. The course schedule is flexible while still challanging and encouraging development." Ryan Miwa, Parker. Graduated Fall 2010.
Contact Lori Reinsvold for more information (lori.reinsvold@unco.edu)
Detailed Program Information
Descriptions and calendar of science course offerings.
Science tTeachers interested in professional development opportunities in science and science education can also take the program's graduate courses. Contact Lori Reinsvold, lori.reinsvold at unco.edu, Program Coordinator, for further information about how to apply to this MA program and how to register for these courses.
| Program Requirements | Master's | |
| Action Res. | Thesis | |
| Core course credits | 12 |
12 |
| Science content credits | 15 |
15 |
| Research credits | 3 |
6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
33 |
The majority of the course are online. The degree is to enhance the science and pedagogical knowledge of professional science teachers in the K-12 environment. Thesis and Non-Thesis options are available for the M.A. Degree. Graduate science content courses can be taken from the curriculum of this program to achieve HQ status. A presentation of the action research or thesis reserach must be provided to complete the degree.
Application Process
Generally a bachelor’s degree and at least one year teaching experience in K-12 education is required; a current professional teaching position is preferred. Teachers must apply to UNC’s Graduate School and provide the graduate school with a completed application form, all transcripts from post-secondary work, and GRE scores. Teachers MUST also send the following information to the MAST Institute, MA Program, c/o Lori Reinsvold, University of Northern Colorado, Ross Hall 1210, Box 123, Greeley, CO 80639: two letters of recommendation from individuals that can speak to your education and teaching experiences; cover letter identifying science discipline(s) interested in strengthening and your choice of thesis and non-thesis (action research); and a current resume.
The Interdisciplinary M.A. degree in Natural Sciences is a comprehensive program coordinated by the MAST Institute, College of Natural and Health Sciences at UNC and offered through UNC's Office of Extended Studies. Also, more specific information can be found at Extended Studies UNC Online.
The specific list of course offerings follows:
Required Core Courses - (12 semester hours)
PSY 681 Cognition and Instruction (3 credits, online)
EDF 619 Pluralism in Education (3 credits) Or any approved course on diversity and equity
SCED 600 Science Education Research for K-12 Teachers (2 credits, online)
SCED 578 K-12 Science Inquiry (3 credits, online and face-to-face)
SCED 530 Laboratory, Field, and Studio Safety (1 credit, online)
Required Research Courses (3-6 credit hours)
SCED 695, Action Research in Science Education I (1 credit)
SCED 696, Action Research in Science Education II (1 credit)
SCED 697, Action Research in Science Education III (1 credit)
or
SCED 699 Thesis (6 credits)
Required Content Courses (15 semester hours)
Content classes can be taken from 500+ level of AST, BIO, CHEM, ENST, ESCI, GEOL, MET, SCI, OCN, SCED. (Examples of course topics: Ecology, K-12 Science Inquiry, Cell Biology, Green Chemistry, Water Systems, Global Change, Meteorology, Energy and the Environment) These courses are a combination of on-line and on-campus. Science Course Descriptions and Calendar
Students of the MA program will complete a Thesis paper and presention or an Action Research paper and presentation for their Comprehensive Exam.
Graduate Forms (Plan of Study, Action Research Project Report Model, Comprehensive Exam, Research Course Form, UNC Graduation Deadlines for current MA students. These forms must be completed with the student's Advisor, and submitted to the MAST Insitute Director and then to UNC's Graduate School. Also UNC Graduate School policy and forms can be found at the Current Student page.
For further information, please contact Lori Reinsvold, (lori.reinsvold at unco.edu), or 970-351-1280.