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Interdisciplinary Studies Science Teaching, M.A.

  • Application Deadline
  • Unknown
    Duration
, CA,
The Department of Science Education at California State University, Chico is committed to providing the North State with the highest quality science education for all learners, programs for teacher subject matter preparation and professional development, and research on teaching and learning to promote scientific appreciation and understanding.

About

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 is designed to provide training for students with broad science interests. The 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:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses:

a) A comprehensive core of units in the chosen disciplines.

b) 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).

c) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU, Chico Open University credit (correspondence courses and University of California extension course work are not acceptable).

d) Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.

e) 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).

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time Part-time
    • Duration description
      All requirements for the degree are to be completed within seven years
  • Languages
    • English
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  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

  • Minimum required score:

    80

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    550

    The TOEFL®PBT is administered in a paper format and measures your ability to use and understand English in a classroom setting at the college or university level. It accurately measures how well you can listen, read and write in English while performing academic tasks. Read more about TOEFL®PBT.

    Schedule TOEFL®

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 2.5

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

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 Fee

  • International

    2739 USD/full
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 2739 USD for the full programme and a duration of 0 .

  • National

    2739 USD/full
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 2739 USD for the full programme and a duration of 0 .
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Chico

  • 1100 - 1600 USD/month
    Living Costs

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

Funding

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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