Degree Requirements
Degree requirements include those outlined for the master’s degree by the Graduate School (see “Requirements for the Masters Degree” in the current Graduate Catalog). Additional requirements are outlined below.
Scientific Core Requirements It is assumed that applicants are interested in increasing their current competencies in one or several scientific domains. All degree candidates must successfully complete courses designated as the scientific core. The purpose of this group of required courses is to present aspects of fundamental theory and practice specific to scientific endeavor.
Students in the program will enroll in the following courses:
SCI 5000 Contemporary Issues and Ethics in Science for Natural Science Teachers (3 SH)
SCI 5002 History of Science for Natural Science Teachers (3 SH)
SCI 5004 Special Projects for Natural Science Teachers (non-thesis students only) (2 SH)
SCI 5005 Seminar for Natural Science Teachers (1 SH)
Students are required to enroll in SCI 5005 three summer terms for a maximum of 3 SH credit In addition to the required scientific core, each student must choose one area of concentration and complete courses as specified below:
Biological Sciences: Minimum of 15 semester hours in biological sciences with thesis option: 18 semester hours minimum with non-thesis option.
Physical Sciences: Minimum of 15 semester hours in physical sciences (chemistry, earth sciences/geology, and/or physics) with thesis option, 18 semester hours minimum with non-thesis option.
The student, in consultation with the advisor, shall select appropriate elective courses to complete the remaining hours for the degree. These courses may be taken in a single discipline or in more than one discipline; the unifying principle is their significance to the teaching field or the specialized professional work of the candidate. The unity displayed in the selection of courses of this group is the primary consideration in the process of approving the study plan.
Non-Thesis Option If the student elects not to submit a thesis, the minimum credit required for graduation is 32 semester hours, to include the 11 semester hours of the required scientific core, 18 semester hours in an area of concentration, and 3 semester hours of electives to be determined by the candidate in consultation with the advisor.
Thesis Option Although preparation of a formal paper or thesis is not required of candidates for the degree, Master of Science in Natural Sciences, a student may elect this alternative. If the student elects to submit a thesis, the minimum credit required for graduation is 30 semester hours to include the 9 semester hours of the required scientific core, 15 semester hours in an area of concentration, 6 semester hours of thesis and research to be determined by the candidate in consultation with the advisor. The thesis must be read by at least two faculty members other than the advisor before it is given final approval. Candidates who contemplate graduate study beyond the master’s degree are urged to write a thesis. An oral presentation of research results is required for graduation.
Education Theory Courses Students may elect to include graduate courses from the Department of Secondary Education and Foundations to satisfy a portion or all of the elective hours beyond the scientific core and discipline concentration requirements. Selection of appropriate courses should be made after consultation with the student’s advisor and the program coordinator
Comprehensive Examination and the Examining Committee The candidate for the Master of Science in Natural Sciences must successfully complete a final comprehensive examination. The nature of this examination will be determined by the Graduate Committee from the candidate’s area of concentration. The candidate’s examining committee shall consist of a minimum of the candidate’s advisor and two other faculty members agreed upon by the candidate and advisor. Successful completion of the examination in a specific concentration must be filed in the Graduate School at least one week prior to the graduation date.
Transfer Credit Up to six semester hours of transfer credit from another accredited graduate school may be applied to the degree. Course work must be applicable to the degree program. The concentration coordinator must approve transfer credit. All transfer credit must meet the requirements for transfer credit established by the Graduate School.
Study Plan Approval The student, in consultation with the advisor, must obtain approval of the study plan from the program coordinator prior to the completion of 12 semester hours of graduate credits which count toward the graduate degree.
