Masters in Science Education
(Distance Learning)
Earn your master's degree in science education online!
"My work in the master's program really has helped me hone my teaching, making it more effective. It has helped me to provide richer educational experiences for students from all backgrounds." ~2006 graduate
The Science Education Program at Florida State University is pleased to announce there are a limited number of openings for the online master's degree program in science education for distance learners.
This program is designed for science teachers who:
- are currently teaching,
- would like to pursue a master's degree in science education but may be unable to attend regular class sessions,
- want to become more reflective and effective science teachers.
Program Characteristics
- The program allows you to contribute to a community of science teachers — a community that builds on the strengths of a variety of colleagues who teach K-12.
- The program emphasizes current learning theory and instructional approaches that are mindful of these theories (i.e ., inquiry, learning cycle, conceptual change, etc.) with the goal of teaching "science for all."
- The courses in the program are built around the national reform efforts in science education while recognizing the need to be mindful of the realities of teachers' classrooms.
- Program courses ask teachers to apply the course material in their own teaching and analyze the success of these efforts.
- If you choose, this program can support National Board Certification activities.
- All courses in the program will be offered on-line. No class attendance or travel to Tallahassee is required.
- 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.
- Most students will complete the program in seven to eight semesters. However, it is possible to complete the program in six semesters by taking a heavier course load.
"The master's program in science education has not only changed the way I teach; it has given me a new perspective on what I am teaching as well as my role as an educator." ~2006 graduate
"I entered the program wanting to improve my skills as a teacher for the benefit of the students whose lives that I have the privilege to touch. I feel that goal was accomplished [during the program] with great success." ~2006 graduate
Program Flexibility
Professional development needs will be individualized through the selection of approved electives, field laboratory science experiences or directed individual study.
Coursework
The program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours, with nine of these being electives.
| Course Number | Semester Hours | Course Title |
| SCE 5340 | 3 | Teaching and Learning Science |
| SCE 5140 | 3 | Curriculum in Science Education |
| SCE 5740 | 3 | Research Methods |
| SCE 5545 | 3 | Teaching Science in Diverse Classrooms |
| SCE 5746 | 3 | Statistical Applications to Science Teaching |
| SCE 5642 | 3 | Science Teaching and Educational Policy |
| SCE 5895 | 3 | Nature of Science and Science Teaching |
| SCE 5921r | 3 | Colloquium* |
| Science Electives | 9 | (can be satisfied by SCE 5943 -Field Lab Internship) |
*Students are required to take three semesters of Colloquium (SCE5921r) for one credit hour (one at outset of program, one the semester before the portfolio defense is anticipated and one the semester in which the portfolio is defended).
What else should I know?
- You must be admitted to the program as a regular graduate student at Florida State University. You can begin the application process online at: https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/
- Although most teachers are able to access the Internet from school, it will be very helpful to have a reasonably current computer at home and Internet browser.
Who can I contact for more information?
- For information on application procedures, contact Leigh Brown in the School of Teacher Education (lbrown@coe.fsu.edu or 850-644-4880).
- For more details about the program itself, see http://www.coe.fsu.edu/ste/Programs/Science/onlinemasters.html or contact Dr. Nancy Davis, Science Education (ndavis@fsu.edu or 850-644-7804).
Program in Science Education
School of Teacher Education
G107 Stone Building
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4459
Phone: 850-644-4880
Fax: 850-644-8715
http://www.coe.fsu.edu/ste/
http://www.coe.fsu.edu/
http://www.fsu.edu/