SJSU Catalog

Science Education Program

MA - Natural Science

The MA - Natural Science is directed at secondary school science teachers and others involved in science education. The curriculum is designed to broaden the candidate's background in basic sciences as well as increase academic proficiency and professional competence in special areas of interest within the field of science education.

Requirements for Admission to Classified Standing

Minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate Division are outlined in this catalog. In addition, classified standing requires:

An undergraduate major equivalent, or demonstrated competence in a field of science appropriate to the candidate's graduate objectives, with a grade point average of 2.75, and the approval of the graduate advisor and/or graduate committee.

Evidence of appropriate goal(s) and commitment to advanced study in natural science as demonstrated by a letter of intent written by the applicant and letters of recommendation from two or more persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential as a graduate student.

Requirements for Admission to Conditionally Classified Standing

A student who meets all requirements for admission to classified standing except for some undergraduate prerequisites may be admitted to conditionally classified standing. Classified standing may be achieved by satisfactory completion of prerequisites. Prerequisites may not be used for credit towards the master's degree.

Requirements for Admission to Candidacy for the MA - Natural Science

Satisfy general university requirements for candidacy as outlined in detail in this catalog. The University requires that all graduate students demonstrate competency in written English as a condition for advancement to candidacy. Please refer to the SJSU catalog section titled “Competency in Written English” for details. For graduate courses that meet the competency in written English requirement, please refer to the Graduate Studies and Research website at www.sjsu.edu/gradstudies.

Plan A (with Thesis)

Requires a thesis in science education issues approved by the master's committee of no less than three members. The thesis is credited under SCI 299 units. At the end of the program, the candidate must successfully deliver an oral seminar and defense of the thesis. The written thesis must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.

Plan B (with Project)

Requires a project related to science education approved by the master's committee (credited under SCI 298 units). At the end of the program, the candidate must submit a written report of the project to the master's advisor and/or graduate committee in natural science.

Plan C (with Creative Project)

Requires a science education-related creative project approved by the master's committee of no less than three members. The creative project is credited under SCI 299 units. At the end of the program, the candidate must successfully deliver an oral seminar and defense of the creative project. A written report of the creative project must be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.

Course Requirements
SCI 220			3
Two graduate research seminars			3-5
Approved 200 level courses (Plans A and C require SCI 299; Plan B requires SCI 298)			7-9
SCI 108 or equivalent, plus approved 100- or 200-level science courses (or education courses, maximum 9 units)			15
Total Units:			30