skip page navigationOregon State University
Oregon State Home  |  College of Science  |  Find Someone
Home » Academic Programs » Masters Programs

Credit Requirements

Overview

For the Master's degree in Science Education or Mathematics Education, the student must complete a program of study totaling not less than 45 credit hours of approved graduate credit courses. Two-thirds of the work (30 credit hours) must be in the major and one-third (15 credit hours) in an appropriate minor. Of the 45 hours in the program: at most six (6) blanket numbered credits (50X and 60X) are allowed; at most 15 accredited graduate credits can be transferred into the program from other accredited universities or from prior to admission to the graduate program upon the approval of the graduate committee and the Graduate School. The residence requirement for the master’s degree is 30 graduate Oregon State University credits after admission as a degree-seeking graduate student. These 30 graduate credits must appear on the master’s degree program. (This requirement does not include credits reserved as an undergraduate or post baccalaureate student, credits taken as a post baccalaureate or graduate non-degree-seeking student, nor transfer courses.) Deviation from the residence requirement requires a petition to the Graduate School.  The term ‘residence’ refers to the identification of the credits as earned at Oregon State University and includes on-line courses completed by students physically residing elsewhere. Rules and regulations may change. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed about rules and regulations and to meet all deadlines and requirements.  Please see Graduate Student Information at :
http://catalog.oregonstate.edu/Default.aspx?section=Graduate

Specific Requirements

Major Department: Science and Mathematics Education
Major Field: Science Education or Mathematics Education

MAJOR includes a minimum of 30 credit hours distributed as follows:

  • 9 credits of core coursework in science and/or mathematics education
    • Curriculum [Science SED 598, Mathematics SED 588, 3 credits]
    • Assessment [SED 595, 3 credits]
    • Research [SED 580, 3 credits]
  • 9 credits of project or thesis   
    • A. Project option (9 credits)
      • Advanced Teaching Strategies [Science SED 593; Mathematics SED 594, 3 credits]
      • Professional Development in Math and Science Education [SED 597, 3 credits]
      • Mathematics/Science and Free Choice Learning Practicum designed to address professional objectives and may include K-12 classrooms, college teaching, science centers, museums, summer camp, SMILE, or other teaching and learning environments. [Mathematics SED 581, Science 592, 3 credits]
    • B. Thesis option (9 credits)
      • Thesis SED 503 for a minimum of 6 credits
      • Research tool [statistics or qualitative methods for a minimum of 3 credits]
  • The Graduate Committee will work with the student in identifying coursework to meet the degree goals. SED 582, 583, 584, for example, would be appropriate for students interested in Free Choice Learning. Students interested in mathematics or science education could enroll in courses such as SED 520, 564, and 565. Other examples include related areas in education or additional subject matter coursework.

MINOR includes a minimum of 15 credits from any approved major or minor at OSU or may be an integrated minor.

Recommended minors are from the content fields such as biology, chemistry, geoscience, mathematics, or physics.  Science Education or Mathematics Education minors are possible but students must select an option such as K-8, middle level, or secondary.