Science and Mathematics Education, M.Ed.

John Peters, Program Director
843.953.1422
petersj@cofc.edu

https://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 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 and Application Deadlines

Institutional Admissions Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $60.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information” section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the degree program, an applicant is required to have a bachelor’s degree. 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

Must have GPA of 2.500 or better, both overall and in the major.
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.
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.
A valid teaching certificate, if held.
TOEFL scores must be submitted if English is not the applicant’s primary language.

Application Deadlines

Fall: January 15, priority*; July 1, final
Spring: November 1, priority; December 1, final
Summer: January 15, priority; April 1, final

*Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.

Transfer Credit Policy

An applicant or student of the M.Ed. Science and Mathematics Education (SMFE) 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. Science and Mathematics 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 scholarships, fellowships and assistantships are available for full-time students. The awards will normally be made by April 15 for the following academic year, but award applications will be considered on an ongoing basis depending on enrollments and availability. Applications are found on the Graduate School’s website.

Program Requirements

Science and Mathematics Education, M.Ed.

Program Learning Outcomes

Science and Mathematics, M.Ed. (PDF)