Science Education MA Program Requirements

The degree of Master of Arts (M.A.) is intended for those interested to teach in community colleges or informal science settings; it will not provide courses needed for licensure in K-12 science teaching.  After a student has been admitted by the ECU Graduate School, the student will be considered for admission by the Science Education program. Procedures and forms facilitating the application process may be obtained from the Graduate School Office (252-328-1464) or by request via the web (http://www.ecu.edu/gradschool/).

Minimum requirements for admission to the Science Education MA program include:

1. Currently hold a license to teach.
2. Overall GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate work from an institution accredited by a regional association.
3. Satisfactory entrance examination scores on either the GRE or MAT. This should be accomplished prior to completion of 9 hours of graduate credit.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to the applicant's academic competence or ability to do graduate work directly submitted to the Office for Research, Graduate Studies.
5. A completed Graduate School application

Upon acceptance into the MA program, the student will be assigned an adviser in the Science Education program. The MA degree in Science Education will require completion of the following general requirements:

1. Thirty-six (36) semester hours of coursework
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00
3. Complete a masters thesis

Students will be advised on specific courses to complete a program of study in Science Education for the MAED. A minimum of 36 semester hours with at least 18 hours at the 6000 level or above are required; several Core Courses are required while others are to be selected under advisement:

1. Twelve semester hours of Science Education Core Courses, including:  SCIE 6020, 6200, 6310, and 6600.
2. Three semester hours of thesis credits: SCIE 7000.
3. A minimum of 18 hours of 6000 level coursework in either biological physical, and /or earth science. Appropriate course prefixes include: BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, GEOL
4. Three hours of electives from either SCIE 6505, 6506 or 6507.

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Science Education MA Course Checklist

A minimum of 36 semester hours with at least 18 hours at the 6000 level or above are required. Core Courses are required while others are to be selected under advisement.

Science Education Core Courses
(12 hours are required, all of the following must be taken)

_____  SCIE 6020: Recent Trends and Issues in Science Education
_____  SCIE 6310: Advanced Methods in Science Teaching
_____  SCIE 6200: Environmental Science
_____  SCIE 6600: Action Research

Science Content Courses
(18 hours are required, select on advisement)

_____  Biological Sciences (BIOL prefix)
_____  Physical Sciences (PHYS prefix)
_____  Earth Sciences (GEOL prefix)
_____  Science Education Content Courses (SCIE prefix) 
 

Master's Report or Thesis
(3 hours are required)

_____  SCIE 7000: Thesis

Required Comprehensive Exam or Portfolio

MAED students are required to complete either the Comprehensive Exam or Portfolio. Guidelines are for these are to be reviewed with the Science Education Graduate Program Director.