Masters in Science Education Online
Additional Program Offerings
The Master of Arts in Science Education program at Aurora University equips secondary-level science teachers with the science content and science pedagogy needed to instill a passion for science in young learners. Participants will increase their knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in general as well as biology, chemistry, physical science, and earth and space science. Participants will learn new strategies to work with students in the classroom to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. The program will explore teaching methods alongside content knowledge, with coursework demonstrating the interconnected nature of STEM fields. Courses are designed so that teachers can experiment at home and take these ideas directly to the classroom. The program helps teachers grow to become leaders and advocates for mathematics and science education in their own school and district.
Program Requirements
The online Master of Arts in Science Education degree requires 37 semester hours, including 1 semester hour of required field experience.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should hold a current teaching certificate/license and an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher from a regionally accredited institution. Prior undergraduate coursework should include one year of biology or a combination of biology and chemistry. Additional admission requirements include a resume or curriculum vita, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation and all transcripts from previously attended institutions. The GRE is not required for admission.
Opportunities
Students nationwide are in an educational deficit, ranking far behind most other developed countries in the fields of math (25) and science (17). School systems across the country are looking to bolster academic achievement levels by hiring qualified, master’s-level educators that specialize in math and science. A Business-Higher Education Forum report suggests that the United States will need an estimated 280,000 math and science teachers by 2015 to become competitive in the global economy.
While overall career growth for post-secondary teachers remains stagnant through the next decade, math and science teachers are seeing tremendous growth as school systems nationwide look to bolster their students’ academic achievement level. Many local and state governments are looking to increase education spending and incentives in the near future for targeted hiring in the math and science areas. Check out more information about the different careers in education.
Course Details
NSM5400 Curriculum Development and Assessment in Mathematics and Science (3 hours)
NSM5410 Scientific and Engineering Practices (3 hours)
NSM5420 Physical Science I: Matter and Energy (3 hours)
NSM5430 Physical Science II: Forces, Energy and Motion (3 hours)
NSM5440 Hierarchical Organization of Life – from Cells to Organisms (3 hours)
NSM5450 Hierarchical Organization of Life – from Organisms to Ecosystems (3 hours)
NSM5470 The Universe (3 hours)
NSM5900 Field Experience in STEM (1 hour)
NSM6100 Educational Research in Mathematics and Science I (3 hours)
NSM6200 Educational Research in Mathematics and Science II (3 hours)
NSM6410 Exploring Planet Earth (3 hours)
NSM6420 Technology and Instrumentation (3 hours)
NSM6430 Biochemical Applications in Technology (3 hours)
