The Science for Educators Specialization works synergistically with the Masters of Applied Science (MAS) program is designed to enhance educators science content knowledge, demonstrate pedagogy that drives learning experiences and support educators to create applicable, standards-based curriculum.
The Science for Educators Specialization, MAS program emphasizes science content inquiry, integration and application by:
- Acquiring new and enhanced knowledge of science concepts and examining science in the context of the world around us
- Integrating standards-based science content with age-appropriate pedagogy and establishing connections between the natural and designed world, linking science and technology
- Applying science content to real-world challenges, developing relevant, standards-based curriculum materials and inspiring students with science in action
Career Outlook
The Science for Educators specialization will benefit individuals interested in strengthening their science literacy, including:
- elementary-, middle-, high school- science teachers
- cooperative extension educators
- agricultural business and industry professionals
- public health professionals
- consultants
- government agency professionals
Why choose the MAS program?
The program offers:
- A professional degree in agricultural science, community development and natural resources at the master’s level
- Flexibility that allows you to design an area of study that addresses your educational goals
- Online courses allowing you to earn the degree remotely
As a college-wide degree program, there is flexibility in the selection of course work to create a personalized program built around the specialization. You will work with an advisor and examining committee to customize a program of study best fitting your educational objective(s), enabling you to gain immediate value to apply to your workplace or career advancement.
Degree requirements include 30 credit hours of course work.
Options
Option B
- Minimum 30 credit hours
- No thesis required.
- Minor required, at least 9 cr.
- 15 credit hours must be in the major (area of concentration)
- 15 credit hours must be graduate-only courses
- May include a minor of at least 9 credit hours
Courses
Core Courses
NRES 809: Laboratory Earth: Earth and Its System (3 credits)
The earth as a system and the "real world" applications of fundamental physical science processes in this system. Interaction of energy and matter in the geosphere, in the hydrosphere, and in the atmosphere. The earth's relationships to the sun, moon, and other astronomical objects in the solar system.ENTO 810: Insects as Educational Tools for the Classroom (3 credits)
Overview of insects. Insect diversity, insect structure and function, insect ecology and behavior, and the beneficial and detrimental roles insects play. Integrating the study of insects into the classroom to enhance science education. Prereqs: Introductory entomology course. Offered online during fall semester of even-numbered calendar years.FDST 801: Teaching Applications of Food Service (3 credits)
Overview of the science of food and how food can be used in the classroom to enhance science education.NRES/AGRI 897: Master of Applied Science Project (3 credits)
Project activity for the Master of Applied Science degree. Design, develop and complete a project that requires synthesis of the course topics covered in the primary area of emphasis.Elective Courses
NRES 822: Laboratory Earth: Earth’s Changing Systems (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts related to understanding Earth's changing natural systems in the past, present, and the future. The cycling of matter and energy; the relationship between human activity and environmental change; and the consequence of these relationships.AGRO 821: Learning Biotechnology (3 credits)
Investigate biotechnology and its application in solving problems and connect biotechnology to basic science concepts in biology and chemistry. Integrate individually-designed biotechnology lessons into learning standards. Crosslisted as HORT 821.AGRO 832: Learning Plant Science (3 credits)
The biology of plants grown for food, fiber, fuel and fun. Connect applied plant science to basic science concepts in biology and chemistry. Integrate individually-designed plant science lessons into learning standards. Crosslisted as HORT 832.SCIL 400/800: Experiential Learning in Food, Energy, and Water Systems II (3 credits)
A multifaceted experience that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students. Students will complete an internship or a research project in an approved professional or academic setting that will provide them with a challenging and engaging experience. As part of this experience, students will cater knowledge and skills from the minor as appropriate for a professional career, begin to build a network for support and future employment, and clarify individual professional goals and strategies for career development. The experience will culminate in the development of a creative product that illustrates the students' knowledge and skills relevant to food, energy, and/or water systems.ENTO 806: Insect Ecology (3 credits)
Biotic and abiotic factors as they influence insect development, behavior, distribution, and abundance.NRES 814: Laboratory Earth: Earth’s Natural Resource Systems (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts in the Earth and physical sciences in the understanding of Earth's natural resource systems. Rock and mineral, water, soil, and energy resources. Social factors, human dependence, and the impact of these on natural resource systems.NRES 830: Laboratory Earth: Climate Change Research Applications (3 credits)
Climate-change issues serve as a context to develop research questions and design a discete, locally oriented research project through which they define a problem, analyze data, and develop conclusions to potentially impact decision-making in their community.NRES 832: Laboratory Earth: Human Dimensions of Climate Change (3 credits)
Examine science behind global climate change. Use primary data sets to understand the implications for climate change at global and regional/local scales. Focus on potential impacts on human systems including drought, sea level rise, severe weather and populations most likely to be impacted by climate change.Other Courses In:
- ASCI Animal Science
- AECN Agricultural Economics
- AGRO Agronomy
- ALEC Agricultural Leadership
- ENTO Entomology
- FDST Food Science and Technology
- NRES Natural Resources
- TEAC Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
Additional Information
Students in this program work with their adviser to develop a program of study that is consistent with their interests and expertise. The project is developed in consultation between the student and the adviser.
The elective courses outlined are an outline of current options. However, the program is flexible and additional options are available to meet the needs of the student.
Clicking "How to Apply" takes you to the Graduate Studies website for additional program and application information.
Graduates may find careers in a multitude of areas, including:
- Elementary teachers
- Middle & high school science teachers
- Community college educators
- Extension Educators
- Home school instructors
I like that it's diversified and I can take classes that interest me. It's also easier to get a minor in whatever I want without having to invest additional time in college.
To be accepted to this program
- A bachelor's degree
Degree should be in the life sciences, education or an undergraduate degree (or higher) in a related area. - Taken the TOEFL or IELTS
(Only required if English is not your native language) - A written personal statement
Submit a letter of intent outlining the following: Explain why you want to pursue a Master of Applied Science degree. Elucidate how obtaining this degree will help your personal, career, and/or professional goals. Describe what you are you doing now that relates to this degree. Describe your level of commitment to successful completion of the degree. - 3 letters of recommendation
- Official/Unofficial transcripts from all previous schools
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.