Statement of Purpose

The Secondary Science Education Program through course work and field experiences strives to prepare students to become teachers that are committed, confident, effective, and dedicated to the teaching profession.  Secondary science educators demonstrate the knowledge, skills, dispositions and characteristics essential for providing enriched learning experiences designed to engage students in the meaningful learning and understanding of science developmentally appropriate for students from grades 6-12. Moreover, in this increasingly diverse, technological society the secondary science program prepares science teachers to be reflective practitioners, exhibit professionalism, and promote equity, social justice, and diversity in the science classroom.  

The purpose of the Science Education master's degree program, building upon the undergraduate science education degree program, is to strengthen science educators' skills and competencies to teach science on the 6-12 grade level.  This program is designed for students to attain their master's level (A-level) teacher certification an initial licensing program.  The courses required are designed to enhance students' current knowledge and skills on pedagogical techniques in science-related content, educational psychology, curriculum and teaching, evaluation of teaching and learning, and foundations of education. 

The purpose of the Science Education alternative master's degree program is identical to the purposes for preparing teachers at the undergraduate level with the exception that students who complete the Alternative Master's  Certification Program will be expected to demonstrate more complex knowledge and skills in science education than students completing the undergraduate teacher certification program.  The knowledge and skills necessary to effectively complete this program encompass the following areas: subject matter content knowledge, knowledge of working with students from diverse populations, pedagogical strategies, classroom management, assessment, reflective practice, professionalism, and collaboration.