Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Masters in Science Teaching (MiST)

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Courses Offered and Degree Requirements

Many teachers who have come to the CSU, Chico campus for workshops have indicated a need for more science enhancement and have expressed their desire to obtain an advanced degree. We responded by creating this distance program that offers accessibility and hands-on learning through web-based courses during regular academic semesters. Although most of the course work is done via the web, students are required to attend Saturday sessions once per month as a part of the program. This allows better communication between students and faculty and allows for networking between teachers from various geographical areas. While most of the program is conducted during regular academic semesters, candidates for the Master's degree must also attend two summer's worth of a professional development program such as that offered on the CSUC campus by the California Science Project (a two-week residential program usually taking place the last two weeks of June). The goal of this Master's program is to enhance science education by providing teachers with a comprehensive professional development program leading to an advanced degree.

The program offers teachers science content that includes societal issues (e.g., global warming) for integrating the three strands of sciences, earth, physical and life as delineated in the new California Science Content Standards.

Requirements of the Program

Admission requirements include a valid teaching credential, 3.0 GPA in the last 30 semester units of college work (particularly in the science and math courses), a bachelor degree in a science discipline; and requirements as described in the university catalog for graduate education. Most participants in the program are currently either middle or high school science teachers.

Program requirements include 30 units of upper division/graduate level course work:

  1. three science core courses
  2. four education courses
  3. two summer institutes of the California Science Project (CSP) and follow-ups (or similar professional development program).
  4. three units of Masters Thesis (NSCT 699).
Teachers could finish the program in approximately 2.5-3 years taking two courses per semester, a project/thesis in the 4th semester, and two summer institutes with follow-ups. Most teachers complete the program in 3-4 years; however, the program time limit is 7 years.

Science Core Courses

Focusing on content, application and integration:
  1. Earth Science (NSCT 683/684) - This course will explore topics in geosciences with a constructivist approach. Participants will learn to create curricular materials suitable for classroom use.
  2. Life Science (NSCT 685/686) - This course will focus on the direct involvement with life forms around us (flowers, bugs, birds, ourselves), their adaptations to the environment and importance to ecosystems.
  3. Physical Science (NSCT 681/682) - This course will explore natural phenomena that are fundamental to all physical sciences. Teachers will work with problems and home activities that will deepen knowledge and be useful to their teaching. This course involves teachers in producing hands-on, inquiry-based lessons for their classes and sharing in lab.

Education Courses

Focusing on contemporary education issues and research:
  1. Curriculum Development in Science (EDCI 625) - This course focuses on curriculum development theory, techniques, and practices in science education and applications of instructional strategies for improvement of K-12 science learning. Examination of current state and national standards.
  2. Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (EDCI 602) - Develops an understanding of assessment of learning, focusing on assessment instruments, design of multidimensional assessments, and appropriate use of assessment techniques and the data derived from them.
  3. Research Methods in Science Education (NSCT 680) - The course introduces students to quantitative and qualitative research methods needed to conduct research in mathematics or science education. In addition to examining the characteristics of various types of research, students will be expected to begin to design their own studies, culminating in the completion of a research proposal. This is a required course in the MA and MS programs in mathematics education.
  4. Special Topics: Critical Thinking Issues in Science Education (NSCT 698) - All of us are taught that critical thinking is the most important thing to teach our students, no matter our discipline. What is critical thinking, are we critical thinkers ourselves, how can we integrate critical thinking into our classrooms?

CSP Summer Institutes & Follow-ups:

  1. California Science Project Summer Institutes - Teachers will be supported by state funds to participate in two residential weeks of integrated, K-12 science each year. Participants worked on teaching strategies for enhancing literacy, equity and assessment. In addition, they explored techniques of facilitating school wide change to include a standards-based science curriculum. Presenters include a cadre of faculty and teachers from K-12 levels.
  2. Follow-ups - Participants will develop a unit of study for their own classroom. They will also meet on some weekends for reinforcing their learning.

Course Calendar

TERM COURSES OFFERED UNITS
Summer 2008 California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) 2 units
Fall 2008 Curriculum Development in Science (EDCI 625) 3 units
Fa/Sp 2008 California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) 1 unit
Spring 2009 Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (EDCI 602) 3 units
Spring 2009 Physical Science (NSCT 681/682) 3 units
Summer 2009 California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) 2 units
Fall 2009 Research Methods in Science Education (NSCT 680) 3 units
Fall 2009 Earth Science (NSCT 683/684) 3 units
Fa/Sp 2009 California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) 1 unit
Spring 2010 Life Science (NSCT 685/686) 3 units
Spring 2010 Special Topics (NSCT 698) 3 units
Summer 2010 California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) 2 units
Fall 2010 Curriculum Development in Science (EDCI 625) 3 units
Fa/Sp 2010 California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) 1 unit
Spring 2011 Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (EDCI 602) 3 units
Spring 2011 Physical Science (NSCT 681/682) 3 units
Summer 2011 California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) 2 units
Fall 2011 Research Methods in Science Education (NSCT 680) 3 units
Fall 2011 Earth Science (NSCT 683/684) 3 units
Fa/Sp 2011 California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) 1 unit
Spring 2012 Life Science (NSCT 685/686) 3 units
Spring 2012 Special Topics (NSCT 698) 3 units

Computer Capabilities and Internet Connectivity:

Students in this program should have a computer with Internet connectivity to view course work, send and receive curricular materials. Often materials are delivered via WebCT Vista which has minimum recommended system requirements.

Cost of the Program

  • Application fee to the graduate program.
  • Registration fees each semester.
  • Books and materials vary by course.
  • Travel to Chico also varies by course and distance.
For more information and application deadlines please contact the Department of Science Education at scied@csuchico.edu.