This is the first version of the 2025–26 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- demonstrate understanding of and ability to analyze theoretical concepts and research in their field of study;
- express ideas effectively in written and spoken communication;
- connect research to practice and practical questions in their professional context;
- effectively apply their knowledge and skills to their professional context; and
- demonstrate curiosity, inquiry, and critical and data-based decision making.
The Master of Science in teaching and learning with a science education subprogram requires a minimum of 38 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a Graduate College program grade-point average of at least 3.00.
The program is designed for teachers and supervisors (K–college) and professionals in related fields, such as medical education, college teaching, museum program management, and outreach programs. It is intended to provide experience in understanding teaching and learning and the research processes required to advance the field. Students complete coursework in four areas: science education, education, research, and science. Their individual programs of study are approved by the science education faculty.
The MS in teaching and learning with a science education subprogram requires the following coursework.
Required Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| EDTL:6757 | Learning in the Science Classroom (no substitute for this course) | 3 |
| EDTL:6759 | Advanced Pedagogy (no substitute for this course) | 3 |
| EDTL:7755 | Independent Study in Science Education Research (taken two times for 3 s.h. each) | 6 |
| Two science content courses chosen in consultation with advisor. Courses numbered 3000 and above in biology (BIOL), chemistry (CHEM), computer science (CS), earth, environment, and sustainability sciences (SEES), health and human physiology (HHP), and physics and astronomy (PHYS) may count. | 6 | |
| A minimum of 12 s.h. chosen from these: | ||
| EDTL:6758 | Writing in the Science Classroom | 3 |
| CSED:7338 | Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry | 3 |
| PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:6200 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| PSQF:6220 | Quantitative Educational Research Methodologies | 3 |
| PSQF:6275 | Constructivism and Design of Instruction | 3 |
| One additional qualitative or quantitative research methods course chosen in consultation with advisor: | ||
| EDTL:6761 | STEM Research and Leadership Seminar | 3 |
| EDTL:6765 | STEM Independent Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7040 | Advanced Topics in Teaching and Learning | arr. |
| EDTL:7070 | Qualitative Research Methods in Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDTL:7071 | Critical Discourse Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7072 | Advanced Methods of Literacy Research: Qualitative Data Analysis and Reporting | 3 |
| EDTL:7093 | Research Project | arr. |
| EDTL:7756 | Research Apprenticeship in Science Education | 3 |
| EDTL:7953 | Seminar: Single Subject Design Research | 3 |
| EPLS:7373 | Qualitative Research Design and Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods (if not used to satisfy the 12 s.h. requirement) | 3 |
| PSQF:6243 | Intermediate Statistical Methods | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| EDTL:7004 | Schooling in the United States | 3 |
| EDTL:7033 | Seminar on Teacher Education | 3 |
Thesis
Students must complete a thesis, for which they earn 2–4 s.h. of credit.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDTL:6393 | Master's Thesis | 2-4 |
Final Examination
A final oral examination is administered on campus in which candidates defend their thesis. This examination includes a critical inquiry into the purposes, methods, and results of the thesis research investigation.
The final examination is conducted by a committee of no fewer than three members of the graduate faculty. In some cases, the committee must include a member from outside science education; consult the department.
Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They should hold an undergraduate major in a science area (or combination of science areas), in science education, or in elementary education with a science emphasis. The department recommends that applicants have teaching licensure/certification unless they are preparing for careers in allied health, museums, or community colleges.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Teaching and Learning, MS
This sample plan is currently being reviewed and will be added at a later date.