Overview

The Science Education Department (SCED) is an interdisciplinary community of faculty, staff, and students from the College of Natural Sciences who work to improve the teaching and learning of science in formal and informal settings. In collaboration with our colleagues in the School of Education and science teachers in public and private schools, we contribute to an expanding knowledge base of theory, innovation, research, and practice. The department of science education offers programs in:

Science teacher subject matter preparation (pre-service)
Professional development for in-service teachers
Informal science education

The B. A. in Natural Sciences at California State University Chico is designed to provide training for students with broad science interests. The Interdisciplinary Studies Science Teaching program provides excellent preparation for careers in:

Formal educational settings, such as teaching science at the elementary, intermediate, or introductory high school level, or serving as an elementary science specialist
Informal educational settings, such as museums, observatories, nature centers, preserves, state parks, or national forests
Interdisciplinary arenas such as environmental law, science policy, and science writing

The strengths of the B.A. in Natural Sciences program include:

Faculty with degrees from multiple science disciplines who offer a strong pedagogical and content background in the natural sciences.
A concentration in one specific content area
Professional knowledge and skills needed for success in a chosen profession.

Students interested in teaching high school science must complete a designated major in that discipline (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics). For advising on career paths in a specific science discipline, see related department.

Advisors in the Department of Science Education help students develop individual plans that include meeting all the requirements for teacher certification programs in the State of California, if that is a student’s eventual goal.

Career Outlook

The need for well-educated science teachers has never been greater. In response to our nation's necessity for cutting-edge science educators, the CSU system has made a long-term commitment to increasing the number of science teachers. As a result, the Department of Science Education strives to meet those needs by offering a program geared toward an innovative future in science education. Come in to discuss your goals and get started on your journey toward a fulfilling career in science education.

Programme Structure

Completion of all requirements as established by the graduate advisory committee and Graduate Studies, to include:

Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses:
A comprehensive core of units in the chosen disciplines.
At least 18 of the units required for the degree in stand-alone 600-level courses (those not cross-listed with 400/500-level courses).
Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU, Chico Open University redit (correspondence courses and University of California extension course work are not acceptable).
Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697), Comprehensive Examination (696), and Master's Study (699) combined; not more than 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (696) or 6 units of Master's Study (699).

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chico, United States

Disciplines

Teaching View 1408 other Masters in Teaching in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

To be admitted to graduate and postbaccalaureate study, a student must hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or must have completed an equivalent acceptable to the Office of Graduate Studies at California State University, Chico.
Applicants who wish to pursue a master's degree must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units of course work attempted and at least 3.0 in the last 30 units attempted. Applicants for unclassified status, such as qualifying for a teaching credential, must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in their last 60 semester units of course work attempted.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15444 USD / year

≈ 15444 USD / year
Out-of-State

15444 USD / year

≈ 15444 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9108 USD / year

≈ 9108 USD / year

Living costs

Chico

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studies Science Teaching.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

The strengths of the B.A. in Natural Sciences program include:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Chico

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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