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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.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

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 List

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, sport, 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 List

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.