Master of Education in Secondary Science Education - Biology

Program Description

The M.Ed. program in secondary science education is designed for teachers who hold a clear renewable T-4 teaching certificate. The program provides advanced professional and pedagogical studies that develop expertise in the knowledge, skills, and habits of accomplished teachers.

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• demonstrate expertise in understanding and using content knowledge
• demonstrate expertise in implementing effective instruction to help every student succeed
• demonstrate expertise in assessing instruction, both the effect on individuals and on programs, and using assessment data to improve teaching and learning
• display values, commitments, dispositions, and habits associated with accomplished teaching including application of educational research to teaching and learning.

Additional Program Requirements

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student’s advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment

An active LiveText account is a required resource for this program because selected assignments must be submitted electronically using this online platform. LiveText (www.livetext.com) is used by the university to maintain our accreditation, to demonstrate the quality of our academic programs, and to improve teaching and learning.

Program of Study

Area 1 Professional Core Required Hours: 7
EDUF 6115 Educational Psychology
EDUF 6116 Educational Research Methods
EDUF 6795 Seminar: Foundations of Collaborative Student Support

Area 2 Secondary Education Core Required Hours: 5
EDCI 6158 Trends/Issues in Middle Grades/Sec Education
EDCI 6255 Teacher Inquiry and Investigation

Area 3 Electives (Emphasis in Biology) Required Hours: 18
EDSE 6135 Teaching Science n the Secondary School
Select 12 semester hours from 5000G level BIOL courses
Select three semester hours from the following:
BIOL/CHEM/ENVS/GEOL/PHYS (6000 level or above)*

OR
Area 3 Electives (Emphasis in Chemistry) Required Hours: 18
EDSE 6135 Teaching Science in the Secondary School
Select 12 semester hours from the following:
CHEM 5000 level and above
Select 3 semester hours from the following:
BIOL/CHEM/ENVS (6000 level or above)*

OR
Area 3 Electives (Emphasis in Earth Science) Required Hours: 18
EDSE 6135 Teaching Science in the Secondary School
GEOL 5115 Geochemistry
GEOL 5135 Intro to Oceanography
GEOL 5215 Geomorphology
GEOL 5555 Selected Topics in Geology
Select 2 semester hours from the following:
BIOL/CHEM/ENVS (6000 level or above)*

Area 4 Electives Required Hours: 6
Select 4 semester hours from the following:
ATSC/BIOL/CHEM/ENVS/GEOL (5000 Level or above)
Select 2 semester hours from the following:
6000 level or above course with approval of Program Coordinator
(18 or more of the required hours must be 6000 level or above)

Total Hours Required: 36

*Note: Admission to upper level science courses may require prerequisites