COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Teaching: Science at Northwest Missouri State University requires completion of 30 credit hours designed to enhance both teaching skills and science content knowledge. The program includes core education courses such as Issues in Education, Data Literacy and Assessment for Schools, Multicultural Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a Practicum for a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, each carrying three credit hours. In addition, students complete science education courses, including Seminar in Science Education, Science Assessment and Evaluation, and Curriculum Development in Science, supplemented with electives from 500- and 600-level courses in biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, physical science, or science education. These electives can total up to 18 credit hours, especially for students seeking dual credit eligibility. Admission requirements include a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, or a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 with at least a 3.0 in six hours of graduate coursework at Northwest. Candidates must hold a valid teaching certificate, have two years of prior teaching experience, or be enrolled in an Alternative Certification program. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in analytical writing, which can be satisfied through a 3.5 or higher on the GRE analytical writing measure, completion of another master’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, National Board Certification, successful completion of a nationally normed educational performance assessment, or a school-based analytical writing assessment scored 4.0 or higher. This program is designed to prepare science educators to implement inquiry-based learning, assess student performance effectively, develop rigorous and engaging curricula, and meet the diverse needs of K-12 students. Graduates leave the program with enhanced content knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and the practical skills necessary to inspire and support students in science classrooms.