Master of Science in Science Education
Overview
The on-line MS program in Science Education is designed to help teachers become more reflective and effective science teachers. Many of the activities employed throughout the courses in this program will be aligned with and supportive of National Board Certification activities.
The online Science Education program is designed to meet the professional needs goals of practicing science teachers who:
- Are currently teaching and who are already certified,
- Would like to pursue a Master's Degree in Science Education but may be unable to attend regular class sessions,
A professional portfolio will be the culminating product of the MS program. A thesis will not be required. So although the program is not designed for students who wish to go on to enter a Ph.D. program, graduates from the program who later decide that they would like to continue advanced study may be admitted on submission of proof of writing competency.
All courses in the program will be offered on-line. No class attendance or travel to Tallahassee is required. But students must have Internet access. While the program can be completed with low-speed (modem) access, occasional access to high speed Internet (school LAN, DSL, or cable modem) will be helpful. It is possible to complete the program in 6 semesters by taking a heavier load during the second year.
Admissions
The process of starting an online education is involved, but it can be easy. Everything can be done online - from applying to learning whether you are accepted - and after acceptance, getting oriented to the University and online learning. Check this website for details: http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/apply.cfm
To be admitted into the Science Education Master's Program the prospective student needs to complete an application to the Florida State University. The graduate application is available online at https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/. A supplemental application found at https://wapps.oddl.fsu.edu/student/supp_app/index.jsp should be completed in order for the university's distance education program to provide assistance during the application process.
In addition to submitting an application, the student will need to send a personal letter stating his or her educational goals, three letters of recommendation, official undergraduate (and graduate) transcripts, and an official record of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A grade point average of 3.0 on upper division course work OR a minimum combined score of 1000 is needed on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE to be admitted into the program. All letters should be sent directly to the Science Education Program, Master/Specialist Coordinator, Department of Middle and Secondary Education 209 Milton Carothers Hall, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4490.
The following website provides a timeline which should be followed in order to ensure timely completion of all the university requirements necessary for regular admission to the program: http://www.fsu.edu/prospective/graduate/minadminreqs.shtml#deadlines. Please see the Graduate Bulletin for updated information, or http://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/grad/apdefault.htm
Courses
The program requires a minimum of 38 semester hours. Generally 4 semester hours are offered each fall and Spring Term. Six semester hours are offered each summer. It is possible to complete the program in 6 semesters by taking a heavier load during the second year.
Program Description:
The on-line program has a minimum of 33 hours, with 9 of these being elective hours.
| Course Number | Semester Hours | Course Title |
| SCE 5340 | 3 | Teaching and Learning Science |
| SCE 5140 | 3 | Curriculum in Science Education |
| SCE 5740 | 3 | Research in Science Education |
| SCE 5545 | 3 | Diversity in Science Education |
| SCE 5635r | 3 | Using Statistics in Science Education |
| SCE 5635r | 3 | Policy of Reform in Science Education |
| SCE 5895 | 3 | Nature of Science and Science Teaching |
| SCE 5921r | 3, 1 hr | Colloquium* |
| Science electives | 3 | (should include SCE 5943 and/or other 4000+ level science content courses) |
Costs
FSU's online programs are developed and delivered by the faculty who teach on-campus or adjuncts. Students at a distance, therefore, receive the same high quality instruction plus special assistance to ensure their success. Prior to admission online academic advising staff guide students in making appropriate choices. Online orientations and help manuals are available for graduate students. At the beginning of the program, mentors are typically provided to serve as learning coaches, monitoring student progress and helping with administrative and content issues in a course. In addition, online courses have required FSU to make investments in course design and production, as well as hardware and network support. The University's Board of Trustees establishes tuition and fees.
The costs associated with distance learning programs at FSU vary by department and program. Distance learning students are expected to pay tuition costs and associated fees. For information about costs, go to http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/graduateprograms/scienceed.cfm
Contact Information
- Admission/Registration Information - Leigh Brown
- E-mail: lbrown@coe.fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-7810
- Admission/Registration Information - Beth Enfinger
- E-mail: enfinger@coe.fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-7810
- Program Contact - Dr. Nancy Davis
- E-mail: ndavis@garnet.acns.fsu.edu
- Phone: 850- 644-7806
- U.S. Mail
Department of Middle and Secondary Education
Attn: Online Masters in Science Education
209 Milton Carothers Hall
Florida State University
Tallahassee , FL 32306-4490
- Websites