Science and Math for Teachers, M.Ed.

John Peters, Program Director
843.953.1422
petersj@cofc.edu

http://medsm.cofc.edu/

Mission Statement

The mission of the MEd. Science and Math program is to develop K-12 science and math teachers and informal educators who are more effective at helping their students learn.  The program seeks to increase and broaden students’ knowledge in the natural sciences and mathematics, their ability to integrate knowledge across scientific disciplines and between science and mathematics, and develop more sophisticated and diverse pedagogical content knowledge and instructional skills.  The program also seeks to develop professional teachers who are able to critically and effectively reflect on teaching practice and contribute to improving science and math teaching at the school, district or state-wide levels.

Program Description

The School of Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Education, Health and Human Performance jointly offer a Master of Education in Science and Mathematics. This program offers graduate-level courses in the sciences, mathematics and education that address the needs of science and math teachers and informal science educators. The program’s intention is to strengthen and broaden the practicing teacher’s science, mathematics and education knowledge and understanding for use in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and informal science centers. It also provides a solid background for those who might eventually pursue a doctoral degree in science and mathematics education. Content courses in science and mathematics will be offered by STEM faculty using pedagogical practices consistent with the discipline and appropriate for the K-12 classroom curriculum. Integrated courses blend several disciplines along a theme. Education content courses complement the science and mathematics content component of the program by emphasizing the relationships that exist among science and mathematics areas and across the K-12 curriculum.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the degree program, an applicant is required to have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a GPA of 2.500 or better, both overall and in the major. This program is designed for certified elementary, middle, and secondary teachers, but it is possible to be admitted without certification. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Also required for admission are a $50 nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework, a statement of professional goals, two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or work experience and which indicate evidence of potential for success in graduate work, and official GRE or PRAXIS scores for content area exams. If Praxis II or content area scores are not available then scores from an equivalent state licensure test, which is approved by the South Carolina Department of Education, must be submitted. Additionally, the applicant is requested to submit a valid teaching certificate, if held. TOEFL scores must be submitted if English is not the applicant’s primary language.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: March 1, Priority; July 1, Final
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: March 1

Transfer Credit Policy

An applicant or student of the M.Ed. in Science and Mathematics for Teachers (SMFT) program can seek approval from the Program Director to accept up to six transfer credit hours. These courses must have a grade of B or higher, and can count toward the M. Ed. in the SMFT degree requirements. Courses with a grade of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” will not be accepted. Also, note that the courses must be catalog courses and not professional development courses to count in a program.

Assistantships

A number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students. The awards will normally be made by April 15 for the following academic year. Assistantship applications should be completed by March 15. However, assistantships will be considered on an ongoing basis. Applications are found on the Graduate School’s website. There is one graduate assistantship aligned with the SMFT program. This assistantship is connected with work associated with the Program Director. Please contact the program director personally if interested in this assistantship.

Program Requirements

• Science and Math for Teachers, M.Ed.  

Student Learning Outcomes

• Science and Math for Teachers MEd (PDF)