Master of Science Education Courses

MSE 800.Introduction to Science Education in the Classroom. This is an introduction to the content and methodology of science instruction as it relates to hands-on, minds-on science process skills appropriate for school classrooms. This course showcases constructivist strategies which will be used in subsequent courses.  3 credits.

MSE 801.Principles of Biology and Life Science. This course addresses biology and life science concepts prevalent in virtually all science curricula, as well as those set forth in the National Science Education Standards. Students engage in the use of scientific methods to address topics typically taught in biology and life science courses.  3 credits.

MSE 802.Principles of Chemistry. This course utilizes concepts in chemistry to make connections to common substances. Establishing chemistry as an integral part of everyday life, as well as discoveries made by chance, will make this topic relevant to all students.  Prerequisite: MSE 800. 3 credits.

MSE 803.Principles of Physics and Physical Science. This course utilizes hands-on experimental methods to gain confidence and experience with inquiry-based learning of physics. Topics include motion, heat, light, electricity and magnetism.  3 credits.

MSE 805.Principles of Earth and Space Science. The interaction and effects of geology, meteorology, and space exploration will be explored in this course. Field study is combined with experimental inquiries from exemplary curricula to illustrate critical connections of physics, chemistry and biology with the earth sciences.  3 credits.

MSE 809.Curriculum Design I. This course will address the question: "How does a standards driven science curriculum enhance student learning that is focused on science literacy?" Focusing on curriculum design using a "backward design" model, students will identify the desired results of a science curriculum based on the National Science Education Standards, the PA Academic Standards for Science and Technology, the PA Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology, and the PA assessment anchors. Students will explore research-based rational for reform in science education and address the use of statistics in analyzing science education research as well as local, state and national assessments. Enduring understandings, content worthy of understanding and the development of essential questions for science courses will be addressed.  Prerequisites: MSE 800 and nine credits of required science courses. 3 credits.

MSE 810.Curriculum Design II. This course is a continuation of Curriculum Design I and must be scheduled for the semester following Curriculum Design I. After identifying the desired results of a science curriculum, students will determine and develop acceptable and appropriate assessments that probe evidence of student understanding. A variety of assessment techniques with a focus on differentiated and authentic performance-based assessment will be presented. Finally, using clearly identifiable results and appropriate evidence of understanding, students will plan differentiated learning experiences and instruction to develop student understanding.  Prerequisite: MSE 809. 3 credits.

MSE 820.Seminar. This course will permit some flexibility to explore current topics in elementary/middle school education as they arise. Seminar courses permit special topics to be included in the course of study. Recent offerings include literacy in science, forensics, and multimedia science. In addition, certain transfer courses may be valid for degree accreditation but may not be a complete match in the courses listed.  May be repeated for credit. 1-3 credits.

MSE 829.Research Methods. This course is designed to develop the understanding of the methods employed in planning and developing research in science. You will gain experience in generating ideas for research, critically evaluating literature, synthesizing and presenting results of research and writing in a clear and organized way.  3 credits.

MSE 830.Independent Research in Science Education. A topic relevant to the teaching of science in the classroom will be researched with the approval of the student's advisor. The topic of research should be well documented in professional journals and studies.  Graded pass/fail. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MSE 829. 1-3 credits.

MSE 850.Independent Study.   May be repeated for credit. 1-6 credits.

Lebanon Valley College™ in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,630 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business, and music and science education. Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.