Elementary Science Specialist MA

Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies
College at Florham, Metropolitan Campus, web-based

Fairleigh Dickinson University's Master of Arts in Science degree program is specifically designed to train teachers to become elementary science specialists. Secondary school science teachers with an undergraduate degree who want to broaden their professional skills and career options also may find the program attractive. The program is open to anyone with a baccalaureate degree in any area of study.

FDU's MA in Science ss New Jersey's only graduate interdisciplinary degree program focused on preparing elementary science specialists and science teaching specialists.

Career Opportunities

The need for qualified science educators has never been greater. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that America will need more than 220,000 new teachers a year by 2008 -- compared to 150,000 a year in the recent past. Already, most big-city schools have experienced severe teacher shortages, particularly in areas of math and science.

In September 2000, the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 2lst Century proposed a comprehensive plan to ensure that every American student receives excellent instruction in math and science -- instruction critical to maintaining the U.S. edge in the competitive global economy.

"We as a nation must take immediate action to improve the quality of math and science teaching in every classroom in this country. If we delay, we put at risk our continued economic growth and future scientific discovery," said Senator John Glenn, chairman of the Commission.

The Commission's report, entitled Before It's Too Late, sets three specific goals:

  1. To establish an ongoing system to improve the quality of math and science teaching;
  2. Increase the pool of science and math teachers and quality of teacher preparation; and
  3. Improve the working environment and make the teaching profession more attractive.

Science Education and FDU

Since its founding in 1942, FDU has offered quality undergraduate and graduate programs in science. Today, it is recognized as a statewide and national leader in the effort to upgrade science education at the pre-college level. Through its Science Education Center, the University has held hundreds of hands-on science workshops for thousands of elementary teachers in school districts throughout the state. Also through the Center, FDU has provided science training during the summers for large numbers of elementary teachers.

FDU is proud to lead the way in meeting the critical need for science educators in New Jersey. It is also proud to build on its record of experience and innovation in elementary and secondary science education by offering its Master of Arts in Science through the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies.

Coursework

The 32-credit curriculum of the MA In Science degree program prepares students with either a non-science or science background to become elementary science specialists.

The program requires successful completion of 23 credits of science courses, plus 9 credits of electives.

Required courses include seven World of Science classes:

Through World of Science: History and Methods, students investigate the interdisciplinary history and methods of Science and its cultural impact and recreate several classic science experiments. The hands-on, process oriented, problem-solving approach continues in the investigation of six other World of Science courses.

Prerequisites for World of Science: Technological include SCIE6507, SCIE6508, SCIE6509, SCIE6510 and a working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and database storage.

Also required in the 32-credit curriculum is a seminar in the

  • EDUC6870 Practice of Elementary Science Education

Through this class, students analyze the design and construction of instruction units, application of research in cooperative learning, learning styles, effective teaching, and peer coaching in clinical practice of elementary science.

Electives are selected from graduate science, education, psychology, and computer science or mathematics offerings with approval by the student's academic advisor.

Summer Science Study Tour

FDU's Science Education Center will conduct an environmental study tour of Costa Rica in Summer 20001. Graduate students can earn three credits while other participants earn 25 professional development hours through their study of the Costa Rican environment. During the study tour, the group will observe exotic wildlife and hike through untouched forests and along remote beaches. For more information on CREST (Costa Rica Environmental Studies Tour), contact the Science Education Center at 973-443-8678.

Faculty

All faculty members involved in the Master of Arts in Science program have 10 to 30 years of teaching experience, primarily as school science supervisors. The typical class consists of 12 to 15 students and the student/faculty ratio is about 12:1.