2008-2009 curriculum
Science education
Master of education/initial licensure
(Minnesota state licensure in science education)
Information session
Before applying to this program, applicants are strongly
encouraged to attend an information session for an overview of
admission and program requirements. Hour-long sessions are held at
Student Services, Wulling Hall. Register
online.
Note: The following program requirements apply to students admitted for the 2008-2009 academic year. Program requirements are subject to change. Students should consult a program adviser at the College’s office of Student Services to stay abreast of changes.
Program
The science education initial licensure program at the University of Minnesota is designed to help you become an accomplished professional science educator. The program seeks to prepare inquiring, analytical, and reflective educators who can teach in the classroom and lead in the schools.
Master of education (M.Ed.)/initial licensure programs are for individuals with bachelor’s degrees who want to become licensed teachers. These graduate-level programs provide rigorous, professional teacher preparation in accordance with Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers (SEPT) and content standards adopted in fall 1998 by the Minnesota Board of Teaching.
Included in the program is preparation on understanding student learning, working with diverse learners, developing a variety of instructional strategies, creating positive learning environments, and preparing for a collaborative positive professional relationship with colleagues. Students develop skills and understanding of National Science Education Standards.
Students enter a 15-month program integrating educational theory with classroom practice. This program is offered through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Practicum experiences and 10 weeks of student teaching create a strong experience base in which to apply the principles and methods learned in University classes.
An important advantage of this program is its cohort nature. Students in each emphasis area begin classes together and continue through their course of study as a single group, building a valuable sense of community. Throughout their student teaching, prospective teachers work closely with experienced teachers, observing firsthand the daily rewards and challenges of the profession.
This program includes two components: initial licensure and M.Ed. degree. After successfully completing licensure requirements, students are recommended for state teaching licensure in one or more of the following licensure specialty areas:
- chemistry (9-12)
- earth and space science (9-12)
- life science (9-12)
- physics (9-12)
In addition to completing requirements for at least one of the four licensure specialty areas listed above, students can also choose to complete requirements for general science (grades 5-8). While general science licensure is optional, it is highly recommended by the College.
After completing an additional 12 graduate credits (see “M.Ed. completion” section of this page), students are awarded a master of education (M.Ed.) degree in teaching. Students have seven years to complete their degree, beginning with the first course(s) used in the program, and must maintain a 2.80 grade point average (GPA) for M.Ed. courses.
Timeline
- December 15—All application materials due
- February—Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for financial aid
- February/March—Committee review of applications
- Late March—Notification of admission decisions.
- May 1—Deadline for University of Minnesota application for summer financial aid (eligible only if FAFSA has been submitted)
- Mid-May—Orientation and summer registration
- Early June—Summer term begins. To be eligible to start the program in June, the student’s official Praxis I test scores must be submitted to Student Services by June 1.
Admission criteria
Admission to the program is based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge of content area—Applicants must have a fully
developed knowledge base of the subject area. A transcript
review should be completed by the Student Services program adviser before
applying. These reviews may be done by mail or in person.
Students completing degrees outside of the United States
must arrange for a transcript evaluation (see #3 under the
“Application materials” heading below).
- Required: Content area courses for grades 9-12 in at least one licensure specialty area from the following list: chemistry, earth and space science, life science, physics (see content area). Applicants who meet content requirements for more than one specialty area can pursue licensure in those areas.
- Optional: Although it is not required for the program, applicants are also encouraged to complete content area courses for middle school science licensure (grades 5-8) (see content area).
- Classroom experience with grades 5-12—100 paid or unpaid hours (for more information, see Classroom Experience).
- Cultural and other diversity experience
- Reflective essay
- Grade point average (GPA)—2.80 overall GPA at the time of application. The bachelor’s degree must be completed by the time of matriculation.
Application materials
Applicants are encouraged to check with a Student Services adviser to keep abreast of possible changes to admission requirements. All applicants must submit the following items:
- M.Ed./initial licensure application form [.pdf]
- Application fee: Make check, money order, or bank draft in the amount of $55 payable to the University of Minnesota. This fee must be paid each time an application is submitted.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary
institutions you have attended or are currently attending,
except the University of Minnesota. Transcripts must be
received from the issuing school in a sealed and stamped
envelope.
Any student with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a comparable foreign degree from an accredited college or university may apply to CEHD. Official transcripts of all previous post-secondary academic study must be submitted.
If you completed coursework at a university outside of the United States, your transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation center. Request a “course-by-course” evaluation. This process can take four-six weeks, so please plan in advance. A suggested provider of this service is Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 (414-289-3400, fax: 414-289-3411). - Résumé highlighting classroom experience, diversity
experience, and other experiences relevant to your teaching
field. The résumé must include the following details for
each experience:
- Dates and total hours (e.g., October 2007-December 2007; two days/week to total 100 hours)
- Name and location of site
- Supervisor’s name and phone number
- Description of activities
- Description of the cultural background of the population with which you worked
- Reflective essay: Discuss how the experiences listed on your résumé have influenced your decision to become a teacher. Limited to two double-spaced pages, typed or word-processed, size-12 font.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your education-related experience, work style, and personal attributes. Include at least one letter from a 5-12 site supervisor listed on your résumé. Sealed or unsealed recommendation letters may be submitted. Letters may be submitted in the application packet (preferred) or sent separately to CEHD Student Services.
Additional application materials are required for the following student groups:
Nonnative English speakers and/or international students
All nonnative English speakers must submit an official score
report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
(Exceptions may be granted for applicants who will have
completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24
months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited
institution of higher learning in the United States before
entering the University of Minnesota.)
Minimum TOEFL score requirements are listed below:
| Internet-based test | 79-80 |
| Computer-based test | 213 |
| Paper-based test | 550 |
Applicants may also be required to demonstrate spoken English proficiency in an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and/or oral interview with faculty or staff. Contact Student Services for more information.
International applicants who will require an I-20 for a student visa must submit a Financial Certification Statement, which will be mailed to you upon admission to the program.
Submission of application materials
- Applicant’s first and last names must appear on all pages of application materials.
- Submit all application materials on white paper (using paper clips, not staples) in a single envelope.
- Keep a copy of all application materials you submit.
- In the lower left-hand corner of the envelope, write the name of the program to which you are applying (e.g., M.Ed./initial licensure: science education).
- Submit application packets to:
Student Services
College of Education and Human Development
110 Wulling Hall
86 Pleasant Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Notification
All applicants will receive written notification of the admission committee’s final decision. Notification letters are typically mailed within eight to ten weeks after the application deadline. To reserve a space in the program, admitted students must include a nonrefundable $50 confirmation fee with the completed CEHD Intent to Enroll form. This fee offsets the costs of credential file, fingerprinting, and final official transcript processes required for licensure clearance.
The $50 confirmation fee is in addition to the $55 fee paid at the time of application.
Testing
The Minnesota Board of Teaching requires licensure applicants to pass several standardized Praxis Series tests administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). These tests are offered several times a year; students are responsible for registering for and taking Praxis Series tests by the required deadlines. Test information is available from The Praxis Series Information and Registration Bulletin, available at Student Services (612-625-6501) or the ETS Web site.
Students must pass the following tests to be recommended by CEHD for teaching licensure:
- Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST). Students must take this test before starting the licensure program. To be eligible to begin the program in June, the student’s official Praxis I test scores must be submitted to Student Services by June 1.
Additional Praxis tests must be taken before licensure program completion. See more details at Praxis testing.
Curriculum
Students complete foundations, methods, and clinical experience coursework for licensure.
Students begin classes in June and continue through August of the following summer term. During the first and second summers, students complete any remaining science prerequisites. Before taking CI courses, students must have completed at least 80 percent of their major science courses; the remainder is completed during the program.
Note: Foundations of education coursework may be completed throughout the program, including summer, fall, or spring terms.
Summer term
Foundations of education
- EDHD 5001—Learning, Cognition, and Assessment (3 cr)
- EDHD 5003—Developmental and Individual Differences in Educational Contexts (3 cr)
- EDHD 5005—School and Society (2 cr)
- EDHD 5009—Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society (1 cr)
- PUBH 6003—Fundamentals of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (1 cr)
Note: PUBH-designated course listed above may not be applied toward the M.Ed. degree.
Throughout the program, students take courses in foundations of education. Courses on the psychological, sociological, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of education allow students to develop a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in education. Through inquiry, analysis, and reflection, prospective teachers learn to examine educational issues from multiple perspectives.
Fall term
Middle school science
CI 5452—Reading in the Content Areas for Initial Licensure Candidates (1 cr)
CI 5531—Teaching Middle School Science (4 cr)
CI 5596—Clinical Experience in Middle School Science (4 cr)
EDHD 5007—Technology for Teaching and Learning (1.5 cr)
In the fall, student teachers enroll in a field-based course that combines instruction on current methods of planning and teaching science and technology integration in the classroom, along with a clinical experience in a local middle-school classroom. Working one-on-one with University of Minnesota faculty and practicing teachers, student teachers are immersed in a middle-school classroom, which provides the day-to-day interaction with students essential to teaching science effectively.
Spring term
High school science
CI 5532—Teaching Secondary School Science (4 cr)
CI 5597—Clinical Experience in Secondary School Science Teaching (8 cr)
CI 5644—Working with Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students in the Mainstream Classroom (1 cr)
In the spring, students complete a course on teaching science in the high school. The course provides an in-depth examination of critical issues faced by science teachers. Case studies are used to analyze issues such as student learning, instructional strategies, positive learning environments, technology, authentic assessment, multicultural science, and ethical and philosophical issues in science teaching. During a 10-week student teaching experience, each student teacher is assigned a mentor science teacher who can assist with teaching responsibilities.
Second summer term
Curriculum design and development
- CI 5533—Current Developments in Science Teaching (3 cr)
In the second summer of the program, students take a course on curriculum design and development. Student teachers design an entire course based upon state and national standards.
M.Ed. completion
After teaching for one year, students complete the M.Ed. degree with the following courses. Students must choose an instructional or research focus area:
Instructional focus
- CI 5534—Studies in Science Education (3 cr) [available fall semester]
- CI 5535—Foundations of Science Education (3 cr) [available spring semester]
- CI 5536—Equity, Policy, and Assessment in Science Education (3 cr) [available fall semester]
- CI 5539—Improving Secondary Science Instruction: Surviving the First Two Years (3 cr) [available every semester]
Research focus
- CI 5534—Studies in Science Education (3 cr) [available fall semester]
- Choose two courses from the following options:
- CI 5535—Foundations of Science Education (3 cr) [available spring semester]
- CI 5536—Equity, Policy, and Assessment in Science Education (3 cr) [available fall semester]
- CI 5539—Improving Secondary Science Instruction: Surviving the First Two Years (3 cr) [available every semester]
- CI 5538—Research-Based Decision-Making in Science Education (3 cr)
See course descriptions and course schedules.
Student Services program adviser
Rudy Hernández
Student Services
210 Wulling Hall
612-626-1513
E-mail: r-hern@umn.edu
Core faculty
Fred Finley,
612-625-2074, e-mail:
finle001@umn.edu
Earth/environmental science, biology
Leslie Flynn, 612-625-3267, e-mail:
gehls002@umn.edu
Chemistry, physics, physical science
Gillian Roehrig,
612-625-0561, e-mail:
roehr013@umn.edu
Chemistry, physical science
Bhaskar
Upadhyay, 612-625-3286, e-mail:
upadh006@umn.edu
Physics, physical science
Revised June 2008