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. 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.

A core curriculum is required for all M.S. Science and Mathematics Education students. The student's adviser and Graduate Committee will work with him/her to identify coursework which meets degree goals.  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 the Oregon State University campus.

Major - 30 credits

Free-choice learning core - 9 credits

• 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)

Science and/or mathematics education core - 9 credits

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

Elective - 3 to 6 credits

• SED 599 - Communicating Ocean Sciences to Informal Audiences
• SED 599 - Field Trips
• SED 520 - Integrating Technology and Literacy in Learning Mathematics and Science (3 credits)
• SED 564 - Engineering and Science in the Lives of Students (3 credits)
• SED 565 - Inquiring into Science and Mathematics Learning and Teaching (3 credits)
• Relevant electives decided by the student and their adviser.

Final master's project courses 9 credits

• SED 509 - Practicum (3 credits)
• SED 506 - Projects (6 credits)

Minor - 15 credits

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

• Science: e.g.Wildlife Biolgy, Fisheries Science
• Social Sciences: e.g. Sociology
• Education: e.g. K-12 Education
• Integrated: Consists of a series of cognate courses from two or more areas.

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.