Earth Sciences and Science Education - Buffalo State - Programs

Science Education, M.S.Ed.

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About the Program

This master of science in education (M.S.Ed) in science education program is designed for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in a core science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geology, or Physics). Candidates who complete 37 credit hours (which includes student teaching and a master's project) in education coursework, may quality for NYSED initial certification allowing them to teach science in grades 7-12 in New York State.

Admissions Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (4.0 scale).

2. Science certification area (biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, geology, or physics) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale).

3. Thirty hours of science in biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, geology, or physics.

4. One year of foreign language.

5. Completion of the Supplemental Graduate Application for Admission (available from the department or PDF download).

6. A written statement of intent describing the applicant’s:
a.) reasons for pursing graduate study in science education
b.) career aspirations
c.) special interests within the field
d.) any unusual features of background that might need explanation or be of interest to the program's admissions committee.

7. Letter of reference that includes an assessment of the applicant's ability to work with others.

8. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the program coordinator for a transcript evaluation and a pre-application interview.

Choose a Science Certification Area (select one):
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Sciences
Physics

Select an Admission Option (choose one):

1. Buffalo State Quick Admit/Fast Track Option:

This option is for candidates with an undergraduate degree from Buffalo State. The Earth Sciences and Science Education Department (upon agreement with the content science departments) will fast track applicant majors wishing to become certified to teach. Students in selected degree programs at Buffalo State who meet the foreign language and GPA requirements of 2.50 (4.0 scale) overall and 2.75 (4.0 scale) in a science discipline can move directly into the Science Education, M.S.Ed. program. Official transcripts are not required.

2. Regular Admission Option:

This option is for candidates new to Buffalo State. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree with sufficient academic background in the prospective area of teaching to take graduate coursework in the discipline.

Program Requirements

Program course requirements are subject to change with prior notice. Candidates may substitute alternative courses only with advisement.

Exceptional Education and Social and Psychological Foundations (6 credits)
EXE 500 Individuals with Special Needs
SPF 503 Educational Psychological Literacy

Literacy (6 credits)
SCI 545 Literacy for Teaching Science
EDU 609 Improving Reading in the Content Areas

Science Teaching Methods (3 credits)
SCI 502 Secondary Science Education Teaching: Theory, Content, and Pedagogy

Science Education Pedagogy (7 credits)
SCI 650 Current Topics in Science Education
SCI 664 Teaching Science with Technology
SCI 679 Seminar in Science Education

Student Teaching (12 credits)
SCI 677 Middle School Science Teaching Experience
SCI 678 High School Science Teaching Experience

Master’s Project (3 credits)
SCI 690 Master's Project

Total Required Credit Hours 37 credits
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.