The Master of Natural Sciences Education, Plan C (M.N.S.E.) is an online degree program designed for:
- Current science teachers hoping to learn new pedagogical techniques that contribute to student learning and engagement;
- Current science teachers who want the flexibility to teach other natural science disciplines by solidifying their knowledge in biology, chemistry, earth science, physics and environmental science.
- Current non-science teachers with a natural science undergraduate degree who would like to pursue science teaching positions;
- Current non-science teachers with a related undergraduate degree (computer science, agriculture, engineering) and a strong science background who would like to pursue science teaching positions; and,
- Individuals with strong science backgrounds and past or current experience in educational settings who would like to earn a master's degree in science education and separately pursue a teaching certification.
The M.N.S.E. program will:
- Expand natural science knowledge in the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and environmental science for use in middle and high school classrooms;
- Immerse students in coursework related to curriculum development, science theory and practice, instructional theory, and pedagogy;
- Advance instructional skills with coursework that explores classroom management, presentation skills, communication, and discipline;
- Offer hands-on teaching tools and lesson enhancements that can be brought into the classroom immediately; and,
- Provide Science Lab Kits created specifically for individual courses within the program.
Students select one of two options for completing the degree:
- Option 1 requires 9 credits from the education core, 18-19 credits from the science core, and a 3-credit independent study (NSCI 695).
- Option 2 is available to students who are able to arrange a research experience supervised directly by their graduate advisor or by a qualified individual designated by the advisor at an research facility located near the student’s place of residence. This option requires 9 credits from the education core, 15-16 credits from the science core, and a 6-credit summer research experience (NSCI 698).
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate creative teaching strategies to become more effective science educators.
- Understand natural science knowledge in the content areas of biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, and environmental science.
- Apply science content and pedagogy to the teaching of middle and high school students.
- Create secondary science curricula that informs curriculum development with science theory and practice, instructional theory, and metrics for learning effectiveness.
- Apply hands-on teaching tools, methods, and lesson enhancements that engage students and facilitate learning.
Effective Fall 2026
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTION 1: | ||
| Education Courses | ||
| EDRM 602 | Action Research | 3 |
| EDUC 619 | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| or NSCI 612 | Myth Busters – Science/Controversy/Evaluation | |
| EDUC 660 | Advanced Methods-Science and Math Instruction | 3 |
| or NSCI 614 | Theory and Practice of Learning in Science | |
| Natural Science Courses | ||
| Select at least 18 credits from the following: | 18-19 | |
| Physics for Educators: Optics | ||
| Physics for Educators: Mechanics | ||
| Chemistry for Science Educators | ||
| Spectroscopy for Science Educators | ||
| Energetics for Science Educators | ||
| Pollution and Environmental Biology for Educators | ||
| Evolutionary Biology for Educators | ||
| General Ecology for Science Educators | ||
| Earth Sciences for Educators | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| NSCI 695 | Independent Study for the MNSE 1 | 3 |
| Program Total Credits: | 30-31 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTION 2: | ||
| Education Courses | ||
| EDRM 602 | Action Research | 3 |
| EDUC 619 | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| or NSCI 612 | Myth Busters – Science/Controversy/Evaluation | |
| EDUC 660 | Advanced Methods-Science and Math Instruction | 3 |
| Natural Science Courses | ||
| Select at least 15 credits from the following: | 15-16 | |
| Physics for Educators: Optics | ||
| Physics for Educators: Mechanics | ||
| Chemistry for Science Educators | ||
| Spectroscopy for Science Educators | ||
| Energetics for Science Educators | ||
| Pollution and Environmental Biology for Educators | ||
| Evolutionary Biology for Educators | ||
| General Ecology for Science Educators | ||
| Earth Sciences for Educators | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Research | ||
| NSCI 698 | Research Experience in Natural Sciences 2 | 6 |
| Program Total Credits: | 30-31 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
The independent study requires enrollment in the summer session after completing the program’s course requirements. It involves weekly meetings of the student with her/his research advisor, but does not require full-time residency on campus.
- 2
The research experience requires full time enrollment in the summer session after completing the program’s course requirements. Instructors are graduate student advisors who hold regular faculty appointments in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |