Graduate Program Master of Education Science Education

Clarion Graduate Catalog page

Program Objectives

Clarion University has a strong commitment to help teachers and schools improve science experiences for their students.  Our courses in science education are exciting, useful, and relevant to elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high school teachers.  They are taught in the same style of inquiry and investigation that we encourage teachers to use in their own classrooms.  By enrolling in the science education program, teachers can learn to teach investigatively in their own classrooms, to make and use science materials and equipment, to design science curricular, to incorporate the broad principles of science into their own classrooms, and provide leadership in science education.

The graduate program in science education requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved course work for completion.  Required courses have been kept to a minimum to allow maximum flexibility in tailoring course plans to individual needs and career aspirations.  The program is designed to serve in-service teachers of science, as well as prepare graduates to assume positions of science leadership or to pursue doctoral programs in science education. 

One track of the program serves self-contained elementary classroom teachers who wish to improve their skills as science teachers.  Several courses are available which combine science content and processes, and teachers learn how to apply them to their own classrooms.

Another track serves middle, junior high, and senior high school science teachers.  They may use the program to learn about and develop new curricula and teaching methods for their own classrooms and schools.  In addition, a large number of graduate science courses are available for those who wish to increase their strength in various content areas.
   

Other tracks exist for students seeking positions as environmental educators, students seeking science leadership positions upon completion of the master's degree, or students wishing to enter higher education after completing the graduate program here at Clarion University.  Graduates of Clarion's Master of Education in science education program have entered Ph.D. programs in science education at such schools as the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Colorado, and others.  Graduates of the Clarion program who have continued their education have been most successful and are filling teaching and research positions at colleges and universities across the country.

Admission Requirements 

College of Graduate Studies admission requirements apply with the following additions:

• The applicant should have an undergraduate major in elementary education or secondary education with certification in either of those areas.  If the applicant does not meet this requirement, the graduate faculty of the department shall determine existing deficiencies and how they may be met.
• Admission to provisional status may be granted at the discretion of the faculty if the applicant's QPA is less than 3.00/4.00.  Regular status may be granted upon completion of 12 semester hours of graduate study with a minimum of 3.00/4.00 average.
• For further information email Dr. Bruce Smith: bsmith@clarion.edu, Dr. Sue Courson :scourson@clarion.edu; or call the graduate office for admission materials - 814-393-2337

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