MSE Degree Requirements
A candidate for the MSE must complete a minimum of 30 credits, of which 21 must be earned at Lebanon Valley College. There are eight required core courses, (24 credits), an elective of the student's choice (3 credits), and a research project (usually 3 credits) for a total of 30 credits. A candidate must achieve at least a 3.00 cumulative average to be certified for graduation.
Required Courses:
MSE 800 Intro. to Science Education| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Plus ONE additional Elective Course.
MSE Thesis Requirements