MISE

Science Education Degrees

Masters of Arts | Doctor of Philosophy | Ph.D. Graduates 1969 to Present

Concurrent-Enrollment

WMU offers a special program for those wishing to become college teachers of science or researchers regarding the learning of science. Learn more.

Master of Arts in Science Education

Advisor:William W. Cobern
For appointment, contact: Deb Stoyanoff, 269-387-5398

This program is designed for secondary science teachers who wish to expand their teaching skills as well as for students beginning work toward a Ph.D. in science education. Elementary school teachers with a strong science background may qualify for admission.

Admission Requirements

Complete the WMU online application. In addition to the general admission requirements of The Graduate College, applicants must have:

an undergraduate degree in a science or science education,
teacher certification (or appropriate education courses)

Note: the GRE is NOT required for the master's application.

Applicants not meeting these requirements may be admitted provisionally.

Applicants should also write at least two pages (total) on the following questions:

Why do you want to enter a graduate program at this stage?
Why do you want to do research in science education?

Application Deadlines
Spring Semester - September 30
Fall Semester, Summer I and II Sessions - February 15

Core Requirements
(30 credit hours)

Science Education Core 12 credits	SCI 6140 Hist/Phil of Science SCI 6150 Hist/Phil of Sci Ed SCI 6160 Models of Teaching & Learning SCI 6260 Science Curriculum
Science Content 6-12 credits	Any 5000-6000 level science course Up to 6 credits at 3000-4000 level Up to 6 credits at the graduate level transferred from another institution.*
Science Education 0-6 credits	Any 5000-6000 level science course including Summer Workshops Up to 6 credits at the graduate level transferred from another institution.*
Final 6 credits	6 elective credits (with advisor approval) OR 6 credits of SCI 7100 (independent project) OR 6 credits of SCI 7000 (thesis)
TOTAL	30 Credits

Printable Version of Requirements: Word or PDF format

Graduate Assistantships - Application deadline is February 15
For the past several years, most qualified full-time students in the Mallinson Institute for Science Education have received adequate funding through graduate assistantships offered each year by the Institute and the Graduate College. (Most students are part-time and support themselves by other means.)

A limited number of these assistantships are competed for each year. They typically include a stipend, remission of the out-of-state portion of tuition, and, in some cases, remission of all tuition. (They do include health insurance.) Typical duty is teaching a section of one of the introductory science courses for prospective teachers. The courses are in the disciplines of life, physical, and earth science. These courses provide opportunities for research as well as invaluable teaching experience.

Information about student loans and other federal, state, and University need-based financial aid programs may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.