The M.S. in Science Education is designed primarily for credentialed K-12 teachers and experienced informal educators interested in deepening their understanding of science, education, and the teaching and learning of science. The program includes a blend of courses from the Department of Science Education, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the College of Education. The program introduces candidates to Science Education as a field of study, with its own journals, issues, and research areas.
Application
Prospective graduate students in M.S. in Science Education, including CSULB graduates, must formally apply for admission to CSULB as described previously in this Catalog and must also apply directly to the Department of Science Education. All applicants must submit the following documents directly to the department office:
Prospective graduate students must also receive a positive recommendation following an interview with graduate faculty.
Review by the Graduate Studies Committee
The Graduate Studies Committee will review all completed applications and recommend either accepting the applicant as a Classified or Conditionally Classified graduate student, or denying admission. All accepted students should contact the departmental graduate advisor before their first semester for advisement and orientation.
Classified Graduate Student
The Department of Science Education will recommend for admission as a Classified graduate student any applicant who has met all prerequisites and been accepted by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Conditionally Classified Graduate Student
An applicant who fails to meet the criteria for Classified admission to the department may be considered by the Graduate Studies Committee for admission as a Conditionally Classified graduate student. The Graduate Studies Committee will determine what deficiencies each applicant has and specify what the individual must do to make up those deficiencies. The applicant must make up all such deficiencies before attaining Classified status.
Admission to the Department Prerequisites
In addition to the prerequisites for entrance into CSULB as a graduate student stated in this Catalog under Graduate Degrees and Post Baccalaureate Studies, the Science Education department requires:
Students are expected to exhibit high standards of writing proficiency. Students missing any admission criteria may only be admitted after receiving the approval of a department graduate faculty committee.
The option in Elementary Science Education is designed for teachers who are K-8 generalists. Although aimed at those with a Multiple Subject credential, the program may also be appropriate for Single Subject teachers interested in increasing the breadth of their scientific knowledge.
Students completing this option will be prepared to assume positions of greater science leadership at their schools or districts, or go on to further graduate study in science education.
Program of Study
The Program of Study includes successful completion of:
The Option in Secondary Science Education is aimed at teachers currently holding a Single Subject credential in Science. Graduate students enrolled in this option complete 9 units of graduate coursework in a Science discipline. The option is ideal for teachers interested in broadening their backgrounds in both Science and Science Education.
Students completing this option will be prepared to assume positions of greater science leadership at their schools or districts, or go on to further graduate study in science education.
Program of Study
The Program of Study includes successful completion of:
The option in Informal Science Education is aimed at educators currently working in non-classroom settings such as museums, zoos, and nature centers, as well as those charged with fostering the public understanding of science. Graduate students enrolled in this program will strengthen their understanding of science, gain a deeper conception of the objectives and theories of science education, and examine the contexts of learning beyond the traditional classroom. This option is ideal for informal educators who wish to better understand and facilitate the learning that occurs within their institution. Students completing this option will be prepared to assume positions of greater science leadership within their institutions, or go on to further graduate study in science education.
Program of Study
The Program of Study (33 units) includes the successful completion of:
Advancement to Candidacy
