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M.S. Science & Math Education - School-Based

Curriculum

The topics and curriculum aim to provide M.S. Science and Mathematics Education - School-Based participants added expertise and creative classroom teaching strategies, while integrating innovative technology elements into everyday learning experiences.

A core curriculum is required for all M.S. Science Education and Mathematics Education students. For the School-Based option, this requirement includes a 30-credit Major in Science Education -or- Mathematics Education. The core coursework includes a final master's capstone professional development project with an oral exam, as well as a 15-credit Minor. All coursework can be taken online;  the oral exam for the final project also can be conducted remotely.  These program requirements are aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  Many of the assignments are similar in nature to requirements for application for the National Board Certification.

Usually, students in the School-Based program enroll in one course each quarter during the regular academic year and two courses during the summer for three years in order to complete the minimum 45 credits of graduate study. The department major codes to use when applying for admission are 6100 for Science Education and 5620 for Mathematics Education. Visit the main M.S. Science and Mathematics Education page for admission information.

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)
• Teaching Strategies - Science SED 593 or Mathematics SED 594 (both 3 credits)

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

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

These three courses are highly recommended in the School-Based master's program:

• SED 520 - Integrating Technology and Literacy in Learning Mathematics and Science (3 credits)
• SED 522 - Dynamic Spreadsheets as Learning Tools in Science and Mathematics (3 credits)
• SED 565 - Inquiring into Science and Mathematics Learning and Teaching (3 credits)

For the additional course, students can choose another mathematics or science education course such as SED 521, SED 564, SED 566, SED 568 and SED 599. Students can also choose their electives from the Free-Choice Learning curriculum, including SED 582, SED 583, SED 584. Other examples could include related courses in the College of Education or additional subject matter coursework decided by the student and their adviser.

Final master's capstone project courses – 9 credits

These three courses are designed to address objectives for professional development experiences in K-12 classrooms, college classrooms and other teaching and learning environments.

• Professional Development in Mathematics and Science Education - SED 597 (3 credits)
• Research and Evaluation – SED 580 (3 credits)
• Mathematics and Science Education Practicum - Mathematics SED 581 or Science SED 592 (both 3 credits).

All coursework can be taken online. In addition, the oral exam for the Master's final project can be arranged via video conferencing software such as Skype.

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 advisers, students will identify a minor of relevance to their interest/career path and find appropriate online courses to fulfill this requirement. Examples of approved School-Based minor topic areas include:

• Mathematics education - K-8, middle school or high school
• Science education - K-8, middle school or high school
• Science content courses - biology, chemistry, geosciences, physics
• Mathematics content courses - mathematics and statistics
• Social sciences courses: anthropology, psychology, sociology, design and human environment, etc..