The SCI Master
Program, the Master of Science in Science Teaching (for elementary teachers) degree is
built upon an innovative degree program that offers breadth and depth of study in life,
earth, and physical sciences. The curriculum embodies the philosophy of "less is
more", that is, a limited number of topics are studied in depth to foster acquisition
of conceptual knowledge. The science course content is coordinated with the elementary
curriculum and is relevant to elementary classroom instruction. Instruction emphasizes the
integration of and connection between the various science disciplines. Classroom
instruction focuses on and is centered in hands-on instruction. Coursework includes
relevant topics from physics, chemistry, geology, biology, oceanography,
ecology/environment, and meteorology/astronomy.
Twenty-seven (27) of the thirty-six (36) hours in the degree program are science
content, six (6) hours are science education, and three (3) hours are for a research-based
thesis. The science education courses focus on enhancing leadership and mentoring
abilities, on familiarization with contemporary science-reform programs, and on
familiarization with contemporary instructional materials and classroom technology.
A new teaching approach--conceptually oriented science instruction (COSI)--emphasizes
hands-on learning. COSI encourages and nurtures conceptual development which involves
critical thinking and incorporates technological advancement. The courses are team taught
by scientists and educators.
Coursework for the master's degree can be completed in four to five years. The class
schedule is designed for the working teacher. Currently, one course is offered evenings
during the fall and spring semesters and two courses are offered in the summer, if funding
is available. Because of the structure of the program, new students are encouraged to
apply for spring admission. Total hours: 36; 27 hours in science, 6 hours in education, 3
hours thesis.
Assistantships: The department offers graduate teaching assistantships each year.
Research assistantships may be awarded for sponsored research in specific areas.
Out-of-state tuition may be waived for those with assistantship appointments.
Departmental Admissions Requirements: The minimum GRE score expected is 700 on the
verbal and quantitative portions. In addition these general requirements, the Department
of Chemistry and Physics requires that the application for admission to graduate study
leading to the Master of Science in Chemistry hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry,
equivalent to a chemistry major offered at Texas Woman's University as described in the
General Catalog. An applicant with a bachelor's degree in another discipline may be
admitted provisionally until all undergraduate deficiencies are removed.
International students must meet specific deadlines for
admission, as follows: April 1 for fall admission, August 1 for spring (January)
admission, and January 1 for summer sessions. A score of at least 550 on the
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
and a minimum score of 200 on the
Test of Spoken English (TSE) are
required to admission. All transcripts from foreign institutions are submitted
to the Educational Credential Evaluators in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for evaluation.
