MS Science Education

The MS in Science Education is a flexible program designed for secondary science teachers, and for science educators and specialists working in informal or outdoor education. The curriculum is designed to augment and broaden an educator's background in science education theory and practice, as well as to enhance scholarly teaching. All Science Education Master's students create and produce a culminating project which allows them to exhibit the knowledge and skills they learn from participating in this program.

Prospective students do not need a teaching credential to apply, but a teaching credential is required to teach secondary school science in California public schools. If you would like to earn a credential, you may be interested in our joint credential and MS program. Accepted science credential students have the option to take additional graduate coursework that counts towards a master's degree in science education. This is a very flexible program tailored to each individual student.

The MS program is 30 units in total. Students without a credential can complete the program in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time). Students who have already completed a credential can transfer between 9 and 12 units, and can therefore complete the program in two years, part-time.

If you have any questions, please email scied@sjsu.edu and your email will be directed to the Science Education Program's Graduate Coordinator. 

• How to Apply to the Master's Program

  • Students applying for admission to only the MS Science Education program will interface with both the Science Education program AND the University's Graduate Application and Evaluations program (GAPE). Here's a brief guide to help you know what the requirements and procedures are for each. We strongly encourage you to go to the GAPE website for prospective students for important additional information.

    Students applying for admission to the joint MS/Credential program should apply to the single-subject credential program following all guidelines and deadlines here. Students should also send their Statement of Purpose to Science Education at scied@sjsu.edu, by the MS Science Education application deadline. Statements from applicants to the joint MS/Credential program will be reviewed following admittance to the Credential program.

• Application Deadlines

  • Application Deadlines:

    Please visit the GAPE website for admissions deadlines for the MS Science Education Program in the College of Science.

     

• Requirements for Admissions

  • The following are requirements for admission to the MS Science Education only. Applicants to the joint MS/Credential Program should review and follow the requirements for the Single-Subject Credential Program.

    Step 1: Requirement for Admissions

    The MS Science Education is open to qualified science educators from different content backgrounds. However, before the MS degree may be conferred, a student must demonstrate subject matter competency in science and have "classified" standing. Depending on your bachelor's degree or your science subject matter competency, you may be admitted as either a classified or a conditionally classified student.

    Requirements for Admission to Classified Standing

    Minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate Division are in the catalog. In addition, classified standing requires the following:

    - An undergraduate major with a grade point average of 2.75;

    - Demonstrated subject-matter competency in science, either through a baccalaureate degree in science or by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Science Subtests I (test code 215) and a Specialized Science CSET Subtest II test in one of the following areas: Life Sciences 217, Chemistry 218, Earth and Space Science 219, or Physics 220;

    - Evidence of appropriate goal(s) and commitment to graduate-level study as demonstrated by a letter of intent written by the applicant and letters of recommendation from two or more persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential as a graduate student;

    - Approval of the graduate advisor and/or graduate committee;

    - We do not require the GRE.

    Requirements for Admission to Conditionally Classified Standing

    A student who meets all requirements for admissions to classified standing except subject matter competency in general science may be admitted to conditionally classified standing. Classified standing may be achieved by demonstration of subject matter competency, as evidenced by an undergraduate degree in a science discipline or through successful completion of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Science Subtest I and II (test codes 118 and 119). Lower division and/or general education coursework used to achieve subject matter competency may not be used for credit towards the master's degree. 

    Step 2: Check the deadlines for applications and supporting documents

    Your best source of information is on the deadlines page of the GAPE website. The MS Science Education program is listed under College of Science - Science Education.

    Note: The MS Science Education program currently accepts students in the Fall Semester only. 

    Step 3: Complete the Application for Admissions

    Applications may be obtained from calstate.edu.

    Overview of Application Quadrants in Cal State Apply:

    There are four quadrants in the application process. Quadrants one (top right, Academic History), and two (top left, Personal Information) should be fairly self explanatory, and need to be completed. The third quadrant (bottom left, Supporting Information) does NOT need to be completed for our degree. If the online system requires you to write something there in order to submit the application, you may write, "N/A" in those required fields in quadrant three. There is information required from you in the fourth quadrant (bottom right, Program Materials).

    Quadrant 4 (Program Materials):

    The two required elements in quadrant four (bottom right) are a "Personal Statement" and two letters of recommendation. When you click on the fourth quadrant, some instructions will pop up. If you click the "Documents" tab at the top of the page, you will be provided instructions for what to include in your Personal Statement and how to upload it. Follow those directions to submit your personal statement.

    In the same quadrant, next to the tab called "Documents" is a tab called "Evaluations." This is where you will request letters of recommendation. Follow the instructions there to have the online system email the individuals you would like to write you a letter of recommendation. (It's a good idea to also email those individuals and let them know to expect the email, as we can't ensure that the system generated email won't go to the recipient's spam folder).

    Submission:

    Once you have requested the letters of recommendation through the Cal State Apply system (and completed all other parts of the application), you may submit the application for review. You DO NOT need to wait for your letter writers to complete and submit their letters before submitting. We will be notified when those letters show up.

    Other Questions:

    If you have other questions about the application process and/or the Science Education master's program itself, please email Science Education at scied@sjsu.edu. If your question is specifically about technical difficulties with the website, you should contact admissions@sjsu.edu for help. If you want to know more about the minimum graduate CSU requirements, you may visit the Graduate Admissions and Programs Evaluations (GAPE) website. This is also a handy flowchart for understanding how your application is processed.

    Step 4: Write and submit a Statement of Purpose

    This should describe your interests in science education, background and current goals. The letter should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator in Science Education.

    Graduate Coordinator
    Science Education Program
    San José State University
    1 Washington Square
    San José, CA 95192-0099

    or by email: scied@sjsu.edu 

     

    Step 5: Arrange for original copies of your transcripts to be sent to GAPE

    Graduate Admissions and Programs Evaluations (GAPE)
    San José State University
    1 Washington Square
    San José, CA 95192-0017

    It is essential that you follow up with GAPE to ensure your transcripts are received. An alternative to having the transcripts sent from your previous schools to SJSU is to have your official transcripts sent in a sealed, unopened envelope to you directly. Leave these in their sealed, unopened envelopes and bring them in person to the front desk at GAPE in the Student Services Center (SSC) (first floor of the North Garage at S. 10th St. and E. San Fernando St.) to request that they be added to your application file.

    Step 6: Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to the Graduate Coordinator in Science Education

    Graduate Coordinator
    Science Education Program
    San José State University
    1 Washington Square
    San José, CA 95192-0099

    or by email: scied@sjsu.edu 

    Step 7: See the GAPE website for information on tracking the status of your application

    Please note that the Science Education program cannot make a determination until your application is complete and it is forwarded to us from GAPE.

• Course Work and Tracks

  • Students enrolled in the Master's program should discuss their course interests and constraints with their faculty advisor and the Science Education Graduate Coordinator. The program is flexible, but students usually follow a part-time track so that they can remain employed. All of our classes begin at 4:00pm or later and most meet only once per week in order to accommodate schedules for working professionals. Below are sample tracks for students who are interested in enrollment.

    MS Science Education (part-time)

    EXAMPLE #1

    Science Education Part-Time tuition, 30 units program total.

    Year 1

    Fall: SCED 273 (3)* & Elective (3)

    Spring: SCED 285 (3) & Elective (3)

    Year 2

    Fall: SCED 220 (3)* & SCED 297 (1)*

    Spring: SCED 205 (3)* & SCED 297 (1)*

    Year 3

    Fall: SCI 255 (3) & SCED 297 (2)*

    Spring: Elective (3) & SCED 298 (3)

    Notes: SCED 220, SCED 205, 3 units of SCED 298 and 3 units of SCED 297 are required. Project Proposal due at end year 2, Project completed and culminating experience fulfilled by end year 3.

    EXAMPLE #2

    Transfer in with SJSU Credential: Part-Time, 12 units transfer in with 3 units being from SCED 273.

    NOTE: Credential units have a 7-year expiration date.

    Year 1

    Fall: SCED 220 (3)* & SCED 297 (1)*

    Spring: SCED 285 (3) & SCED 298 (3)*

    Year 2 

    Fall: SCI 255 (3) & SCED 297 (1)*

    Spring: SCED 285 (3) & SCED 298 (3)*

    Notes: SCED 220, SCED 205, 3 units of SCED 298 and 3 units of SCED 297 are required. So is SCED 273, which is a credential program requirement. Project Proposal due at end of one year, Project completed and culminating experience fulfilled by end of year 2.

    Elective courses other than those that are listed require the approval of the graduate coordinator and should either enhance the student's science content knowledge (courses through the College of Science), or educational background (courses through the College of Education).

    Joint MS/Single-Subject Credential

    Students interested in working towards completing both programs concurrently are encouraged to begin both programs in the fall. Since the MS program only accepts new students in the fall, this allows students to move through both programs with efficiency, and allows for maximum savings in fees. The below example shows one example track for how coursework can be completed. Upon beginning the MS program, each student should meet with the graduate coordinator to create a personalized pathway to graduation.

    EXAMPLE #1

    (credential courses are in bold italics)

    Year 1

    Fall: EDSC 173, EDSC 162, EDEL 294, SCED 273, SCED 220 (3) & SCED 297 (1)

    Spring: EDSC 172A, EDSC 184X, EDSC 246, SCED 205 (3) & SCED 297 (1)

    Year 2

    Fall: EDSC 182, SCED 184Y, SCED 184Z, SCED 375 & SCED 297 (1)

    Spring: SCED 255 (3), SCED 285 (3) & SCED 298 (3)

    Note: Courses with a SCED prefix are offered through the Science Education Program. All other courses are offered through the Teacher Education Department. Questions about coursework should be directed to the appropriate program/department.

    To speak with an advisor in the Single-Subject Credential Program, please contact Teacher Education in the College of Education. As you advance through the credential program, steps need to be taken to ensure you are awarded both degrees on time. In the final semester of your credential program, you will need to submit a form requesting a transfer into the Science Education MS program. This form will be processed immediately following the conferral of your credential, but must be submitted early in the final semester of your credential in order to allow for GAPE processing times. You will also submit a candidacy form at the same time as your transfer form. The Science Education graduate coordinator can help you with these forms. Following the completion of your credential program, you will be considered a graduate student, and therefore, different tuition and fees are calculated.

    Science Education Master's Course Work Rules

    - At least 15 of the units must be at the 200 level. Most students take the full 6 units of SCI 298 or 299 and the required SCI 220.

    - No more than 40% of your units can be non-graded (Credit/No Credit).

    - Students are limited to 9 units from outside the College of Science (COS).

• Electives

  • Discuss these options with your faculty advisor and the graduate coordinator. (A list of approved courses is coming soon).

• Choosing a Faculty Advisor and a Committee

  • Faculty Advisor

    All Science Education Masters students must have a faculty advisor. Your faculty advisor will help you shape your master's project, give you feedback along the way, and will ultimately decide (along with your other committee members) if you've met the requirements for your culminating experience. On acceptance into the program you will be assigned a temporary advisor. This advisor is someone who has looked at your application and has determined that you might be a good fit to work with them. As part of your SCED 220 course, you will be allowed the opportunity to interact with multiple faculty members, and at the end of the course you may decide that a different faculty member is a better fit for your interests, if that is the case you are encouraged to switch advisors. It is not necessary to select a faculty member that has the same disciplinary interests as you (although this can be synergistic). It is more important to select a faculty member that has similar educational interests to you, and whose current projects sound like something you are interested in. See our About Us page for a current list of faculty and their interests. You may change your advisor at any time, but this should be discussed with the graduate coordinator before doing so.

    Second Committee Member

    Your second committee member must have a PhD and be associated with SJSU, but does not need to be a faculty member in Science Education (although, they can be). Often times students select committee members from the College of Education or College of Science in their discipline. You should talk this over with your advisor and select this individual when you are taking SCED 220 or SCED 205.

    Third Committee Member

    Your third committee member can be a faculty member at SJSU, but also could be a community member or professional mentor. This individual must have at least a master's degree, can not be a family member, and should be someone who has some expertise in the area of your project. Discuss options with your faculty advisor, the graduate coordinator, and/or your SCED 220 and SCED 205 instructors. You should have selected this individual prior to completing SCED 205.

    Your second and third committee members will provide you with feedback at the proposal stage of your candidacy, and also be present for your culminating talk, and provide feedback on the written component of your culminating experience.

• Advancing to Candidacy

  • It's a good idea to advance to candidacy after you have submitted your project proposal to your faculty advisor. Usually this will be done at the end of your first year, but should absolutely be completed during your third semester in the program. Before applying for candidacy, you will need to have determined your target graduation date, and all the courses that you plan to take to get there. Candidacy forms are typically due 1.5 semesters prior to graduation. Schedule a meeting with the graduate coordinator in order to make a plan to graduation that suits your needs. You will also want to run this by your faculty advisor to check for feasibility given the state and nature of your master's project. Check the Graduate Studies website for important deadlines, as there are forms that need to be completed up to two semesters ahead of graduation: Candidacy and Graduation Deadlines.

• Applying for Graduation

  • After you have completed, submitted, and received word that your candidacy form has been approved, you need to submit the Application to Graduate form, which can be found on the GAPE website. Pay close attention to the deadlines listed there. Candidacy and Graduation Deadlines.

• Project and Culminating Experience Requirements

  • All students in the Science Education MS program complete a multi-semester project as a part of their master's degree. Students often have lots of questions about what project and culminating experience will look like. Here are some general guidelines for our projects:

    The essential components of project and culminating experience are:

    - The project is grounded in educational literature

    - The student engages in reflection and analysis

    - The student writes a paper (to promote reflection and demonstrate expertise in research or research to practice)

    There are three typical types of projects that work well with these components:

    1. Empirical study grounded in literature, including reflection/analysis as appropriate, for example:

    - Some kind of treatment and analysis of treatment

    - Qualitative examination of learning environment

    2. Grounded curricular/research design project including the following elements:

    - Discuss design principles strongly grounded in literature

    - Produces novel curricular artifact

    - Includes reflection (metacognitive piece)

    3. Conceptual paper that draws deeply on existing literature to create new knowledge through development of theory (pushing theory forward)

    - Requires analysis of literature, historical documents, policy and/or available data

    - Result is recommendation or theory generation

    This list is not exhaustive, it merely provides an example for how the criteria for the project can be met. In recent years, most students have chosen to do empirical studies, but recent students have also chosen to design projects. In general, all culminating experiences consist of a project paper, and a culminating oral presentation. Different advisors have slightly different guidelines for their students given the norms that are consistent with their field of expertise. Talk with your advisor about this often, so that you know your expectations are the same.

• Final Consideration for Graduation

  • Your advisor needs to do the following before you can graduate:

    1. Submit change of grade forms for any SCED 298 or SCED 297 units that you earned an "RP" or "NC" in. It's a good idea to remind your advisor of this, and when you do, tell them which semesters, how many units and what grade you previously received. This form is closely guarded by the registrar, so your advisor will need to get it from the Office Administrator or the Program Director.

    2. Indicate to the graduate coordinator that all aspects of the culminating experience (talk and written portion) have been met and approved by the three committee members. Remind your advisor to tell the graduate coordinator to submit the "Culminating Experience" memo.

• Walking in Commencement

  • Commencement is held every year in the spring. It's a really exciting time, and we love being able to "hood" our master's students. We strongly encourage you to attend when you graduate, and would love to meet your family and friends. Notify your advisor and the graduate coordinator ASAP if you plan to walk. All students walking are required to have graduation regalia, and the deadlines for rental are often as early as March.