M.S. Science & Math Education - Free-Choice Learning

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Curriculum

The topics and curriculum investigated and practiced in the M.S. Science and Mathematics Education - Free-Choice Learning program will provide tools to optimize personal learning through non-traditional and free-choice learning strategies.

A core curriculum is required for all M.S. Science and Mathematics Education students. For the Free-Choice Learning option, this includes a 30-credit Major in Science Education -or- Mathematics Education. The core coursework includes three keystone courses in free-choice learning and a final master's project with an oral exam, as well as a 15-credit Minor. All coursework can be taken online, however, the oral exam for the final project must be held on campus.

Major - 30 credits

Science and/or mathematics education core - 9 credits

• Curriculum - Mathematics SED 588 or Science SED 598 (both 3 credits)
• Assessment - SED 595 (3 credits)
• Research - SED 580 (3 credits)

Additional planned combination of science and/or mathematics education courses - 12 credits

The student’s advisor and Graduate Committee will work with him/her to identify coursework which meets degree goals.

Nine of these 12 credits are the following three keystone free-choice learning courses:

• SED 582 - Personal Dimensions of Free-Choice Learning (3 credits)
• SED 583 - Socio-cultural Dimensions of Free-Choice Learning (3 credits)
• SED 584 - Physical Dimensions of Free-Choice Learning (3 credits)

For the additional course, students can choose another mathematics or science education course such as SED 520, SED 564, SED 565 or SED 567. Other examples could include related courses in the College of Education or additional subject matter coursework decided by the student and their advisor.

Final master's project courses - 9 credits

• Teaching Strategies - Science SED 593 or Mathematics SED 594 (both 3 credits)
• Professional Development - SED 597 (3 credits)
• Mathematics, Science and Free-Choice Learning Practicum - Mathematics SED 581 or Science SED 592 (both 3 credits). These courses are designed to address professional objectives and may include experiences in science centers, museums, summer camps, university outreach programs or other free-choice learning environments.

Although all coursework can be taken online, the oral exam for the master's final project requires a trip to the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, OR.

Minor - 15 credits

The 15-credit Minor can be from any approved undergraduate or graduate major or minor at OSU and can also be an integrated minor. With the help of their advisor, each student will identify a minor of relevance to their interest/career path and find appropriate online courses to fulfill this requirement. Examples of approved Free-Choice Learning minor topic areas include:

• Science content courses
• Mathematics content courses
• Social sciences courses: anthropology, psychology, sociology, design and human environment, etc.

Visit the main M.S. Science and Mathematics Education page in the College of Science for admission information as well as on-campus course options.