C&I Master's Degree with Science Education Concentration

Inservice science teachers may now earn a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (M.S. in C&I) from Illinois State University with a science education concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and possibly other content areas. The program is intended primarily for those with at least two years of teaching experience. Earning this Master's degree will provide credit toward teacher recertification, as well as allow teachers to move up the salary scale. The official C&I Master's degree website his here.

Model of the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction

 
Core Curriculum Based on NBPTS and IPTS
18 Semester Hours Required

  • C&I 401 - Instructional Media and Technology
  • C&I 402 - Reflective Teaching Practice
  • C&I 407 - Learning in Educational Settings
  • C&I 409 - Student Diversity and Educational Practices
  • C&I 411 - Curriculum
  • EAF 410 - Research Methodology and Statistics in Education I


 Specializations and Electives
12 Semester Hours Required
9 s.h. discipline specific focus plus 3 s.h. elective

 Biology

Required Courses

  • BSC
  • BSC
  • BSC

Elective Courses

  • BSC
  • BSC - Indep. Study

Chemistry

Required Courses

  • CHE
  • CHE
  • CHE

Elective Courses

  • CHE
  • CHE - Indep. Study

Physics

Required Courses (pending approval)

  • PHY 413 - Teaching High School Physics II (3 s.h.)
  • PHY 414 - Quantum Mechanics & Relativity for Teachers (3 s.h.)
  • PHY 498 - Professional Practice (1-3 s.h.)

Elective Courses (300-level courses are intended primarily for those desiring better physics education background. 400-level courses pending approval.)

 
Professional Research
6 Semester Hours Required

 Synthesizing Experience Option

  • C&I 481 - Professional Research I
  • C&I 482 - Professional Research II

Thesis Option

  • C&I 499 - Master's Thesis

 Please note that this is a DRAFT plan of study for the science concentration disciplines.

Formal details must be worked out and agreed upon by all departments involved.

 

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum consists of 18 semester hours (s.h.) of course work. This core represents the broad knowledge base from research, practice, and theory in educational curriculum, instructional theory, assessment of learners, learning theory, meeting the needs of learners, and educational technology. The 18 s.h. core will provide teachers with a background for the specializations and the action research project.

Six courses comprise the 18 s.h. core.

  •  C&I 401
Instructional Media and Technology (3 s.h.)
  Applications of technology to theories of learning and methods of instruction. Developing and evaluating courseware to facilitate classroom instruction.
  •  C&I 402
Reflective Teaching Practice (3 s.h.)
  The study of the relationship between teacher reflection, planning, decision-making, and teaching practice.
  •  C&I 407
Learning in Educational Settings (3 s.h.)
  The study of classroom learning and assessment.
  •   C&I 409
Student Diversity and Educational Practices (3 s.h.)
  Examination of student diversities found in classrooms and the impact of diverse learners on curricular and instructional practices.
Prerequisites: C&I 402 and C&I 407.
  •   C&I 411
Curriculum (3 s.h.)
  The study of curriculum models, planning, and evaluation.
Prerequisites C&I 402 and C&I 407.
  •   EAF 410
Research Methodology and Statistics in Education I (3 s.h.)
  The development of basic skills required in the understanding, planning and execution of a research study; introduction to analysis of statistical and qualitative data.


Specialization and Electives

Several science concentration specializations are available based upon master teacher's interests or professional needs. Among these specializations are the secondary science concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Other science concentrations (Geology, Environmental Science, Meteorology, Integrate Science, Multidisciplinary Science, etc.) may be developed based on teacher needs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and faculty expertise. For information about each of the science concentrations, contact the following individuals.

   


Professional Research

Teachers may choose from two professional research options to complete the Master's degree. Under the first option, a teacher may choose to complete a year-long (6 s.h.) action research project. The action research projects will build on teachers' knowledge of theory, research, and practice. Teachers may complete the coursework and portfolios leading to National Board certification as an action research project.

The action research option is completed in C&I 481 and C&I 482.

  • C&I 481
Professional Research I (3 s.h.)
  Design a curricular or instructional research project in an educational setting.
  •  C&I 482
Professional Research II (3 s.h.)
  Conduct a curricular or instructional research project in an educational setting.

Under the second option, a teacher may choose to complete a Master's thesis (6 s.h.).


Course Sequence

C&I 402 and 407 are prerequisites to C&I 409 and 411. C&I 409, 411 and EAF 410 are prerequisites to either C&I 481 and 482 or 499. C&I 401, the specialization courses and electives may be taken at any time.

 

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