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Degree Program
The program is unusual in two important ways. First,
it is an intercollege, interdisciplinary effort. Second,
many of the courses will be taken by distance learning
asynchronous, computer-mediated communication.
The program of study may begin with distance learning
courses in any semester or summer classes at the MSU-Bozeman
campus. Study continues with distance learning courses
that students take from their homes or workplaces, and
ends with a second visit for presentation of the results
of a personalized science education capstone project.
Over 80% of the courses and credits may be taken off-campus
by asynchronous, computer-mediated communication. Thirty
semester credits are required for the degree. Students
typically will complete the degree in two or three years.
In addition to completing a group of core courses (12
credits total) which includes a 3-credit capstone project,
students develop interdisciplinary combinations of science
courses (12 credits minimum) from offerings in biology,
chemistry, earth science, microbiology, plant sciences,
physics, and other related areas. The final 6 credits
in the 30-credit program are electives selected from
education and/or science courses. See
Courses.
Interdisciplinary efforts and incorporation of both
science content and pedagogy have been encouraged during
the development of courses. Each student seeking the
degree is advised by a three-person faculty committee,
and programs are designed taking into account the student's
background, interests, and career goals.
The Program Features:
- A special design for middle and high school science
teachers involving experienced science, science education,
and mathematics faculty with the collaboration of
outstanding classroom teachers.
- Over 80% of the courses may be taken on-line by
asynchronous, computer-mediated communication.
- The opportunity to work at home without frequent
trips to campus.
- The chance to participate in classes when it is
most convenient for you.
- On-campus summer experiences that vary in length
from one to four weeks.
- Emphasizes the National Science Education Standards.
- Personalized science education capstone project
for each student.
- Interdisciplinary-intercollege program.
- Large selection of science content courses.
- Self-paced program
Because different students have different responsibilities
at work and home, not all students will progress in
the program at the same pace. It is possible to complete
the degree requirements in two academic years and three
summers. It is expected that most students will complete
the degree in 2-3 years. The Division of Graduate Studies allows
up to six years to complete the degree.
History
The intercollege-interdisciplinary Master of Science
in Science Education (MSSE) degree program was approved
in May, 1996, by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher
Education and is offered by Montana State University-Bozeman.
This program is sponsored jointly by the Colleges of
Agriculture; Education, Health and Human Development;
Letters and Science; and the Division of Graduate Studies. The Office
of Intercollege Programs for Science Education coordinates
the MSSE Program, and the Burns Telecommunications Center
provides technical support.
MSU-Bozeman has gained valuable experience in offering
on-line courses through its National Science Foundation-funded
National Teachers Enhancement Network (NTEN) project.
Since the early 1990's, those participating in MSU's
NTEN project have offered many on-line science courses
to teachers nationwide. In addition to increasing awareness,
acceptance, and expertise among faculty and administrators,
such experience with distance delivery has resulted
in the development of an infrastructure for both faculty
and student support that enables MSU to provide high
quality learning experiences at a distance.
Instructors
The MSSE degree program was developed by Montana State
University faculty members who are active in science,
science education, and mathematics. The program is a
unique, cooperative effort of several colleges and departments.
Faculty members of the departments of Biology, Chemistry
and Biochemistry, Earth Science, Education, Health and
Human Development, Land Resources and Environmental
Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Plant Science and
Environmental Science, Physics, and other related areas
will teach most courses. Faculty members of other departments
and units will play a major role in some courses. When
appropriate, courses may be taught by faculty members
of other institutions. Instructors have doctorate degrees
in the subjects they teach; science courses are offered
through the appropriate science content department.
| Teacher Quote |
| Being
a part of MSSE, I could work toward my degree and
continue to participate in my school community -
teaching, coaching, advising, and simply being available
to my students. |
North
Carolina MSSE Teacher |
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| Teacher Quote |
|
I
chose the MSSE program over a straight education
program because of its emphasis on science coursework.
The discipline of science changes so rapidly that
teachers need to keep up with the current changes
in their fields. MSSE provides a way to keep the
science in science teaching. |
|
Illinois
MSSE Teacher |
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