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Graduate Interdisciplinary M.A. Degree in Natural Sciences, K12 Teaching Emphasis

For Fall 2009, courses,

• SCED 520 Principles and Teaching of Ecology (3 credits, on line)
• MET 595 Meteorology for Educators (3 credits, on line)

are being offered for the MA program and for those teachers interested in professional development opportunities in science and science education. Contact Lori Reinsvold, lori.reinsvold at unco.edu for further information about how to register for these courses. Contact Lori Reinsvold for more information (lori.reinsvold at unco.edu, 970-351-1280)

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. The majority of the course are on line. 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 for this program to achieve HQ status. A presentation of the action research or thesis reserach must be provided to complete the degree.

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 (www.unco.edu/grad/general/home.htm) and provide the graduate school with all required documentation. They must also send the following information to the MAST Institute, MA Program, 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 specific list of course offerings follows:

Required Core Courses - (12 semester hours)

PSY 681 Cognition and Instruction (pdf file) (3 credits, on-line)

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, on-line)

SCED 578 K-12 Science Inquiry (3 credits, on-line and face-to-face)

SCED 530 Laboratory, Field, and Studio Safety (pdf file) (1 credit, on-line)

Required Research Courses (3-6 credit hours)

SCED 697 Action Research in Science Education (3 credits) Non-thesis option

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.

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, Comprehensive Exam) 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.

Science Course Descriptions

For further information, please contact Lori Reinsvold, (lori.reinsvold at unco.edu), or 970-351-1280.