If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child - become a teacher. Your country needs you.
–
President Barack Obama (1/25/11)
Master's in Science Teaching (MIST)
Currently in Suspension - No new admissions
Download the MiST brochure (PDF)
Courses Offered and Degree Requirements
Requirements of the Program
Admission requirements include a valid teaching credential, teaching experience at the K-12 level, a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline (for those seeking a secondary science teaching focus), or a bachelor of arts degree inclusive of three science courses (for those seeking an elementary science focus), 3.0 GPA in the last 30 semester units of college work, and requirements as described in the university catalog for graduate education.
Program requirements: 30 units of upper division/graduate level course work, including:
- Three science core courses (9 units)
- Four education courses (12 units)
- Two California Science Project (CSP) professional development summer institutes or approved professional development program (4 units) and CSP follow-ups during the year (2 units)
- Masters Thesis (NSCT 699); must meet with MiST Coordinator for prior registration approval (3 units)
Teachers could finish the program in approximately 2.5 -3 years taking two courses per semester, a project/thesis in the 4th semester, and two summer institutes with follow-ups. Most teachers complete the program in 3-4 years; however, the maximum time limit to complete the program is 7 years.
MiST Courses
NSCT 498: Special Topics1 INQ This course is offered for 1.0-3.0 units.
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Typically the topic is offered on a one-time basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections.
3 INQ Admission to master's degree program in science teaching, NSCT 687, faculty permission.
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The course focuses on quantitative and qualitative methods to conduct research in science education that informs and strengthens their classroom practice. Successful completion of the course requires students to develop a research proposal.
3 INQ Teaching credential; 3 college science courses.
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This course will explore natural phenomena that are fundamental to all physical sciences. Teachers will explore the connections between ideas in physical science -- such as light, sound, color and motion, and work with problems and home activities that will deepen their content knowledge and be applicable to teaching elementary science.
3 INQ Bachelor's degree in a science discipline; teaching credential.
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This course will explore natural phenomena that are fundamental to all physical sciences. Teachers will explore the connections between ideas in physical science -- such as energy, force, motion, and atomic theory, and work with problems and home activities that will deepen their content knowledge and be applicable to teaching secondary physical science.
3 INQ Teaching credential; 3 college science courses.
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This course examines fundamental concepts for teaching earth science in elementary school. An emphasis is placed on the design of field trips in the local landscape to connect elementary earth science curriculum with real-world applications.
3 INQ Bachelor's degree in a science discipline; teaching credential.
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This course addresses the professional development needs of secondary earth science teaching. Emphasis is placed on developing students conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts in earth science, and the integration of technology into the science classroom.
3 INQ Teaching credential; 3 college science courses.
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This course will explore central life science concepts through an inquiry approach. Course content will integrate plant and animal physiology, photosynthesis, respiration, ecology and evolution. Using these topics, participants will develop lesson plans for implementation in their own classrooms.
3 INQ Bachelor's degree in a science discipline; teaching credential.
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This course emphasizes the application of biological principles in the real world. Course content will be driven by participant interest and may include cell biology with human disease implications, genetics with biotechnology applications, and/or ecology and evolution with an outdoor exploration emphasis.
3 S2 Teaching Credential; four college science courses (elementary track) or science bachelor's degree (secondary track).
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Typically the topic is offered on a one-time basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections.
3 FA
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Develops an understanding of assessment of learning, focusing on assessment instruments, design of multidimensional assessments, and appropriate use of assessment techniques and the data derived from them.
3 INQ
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This course focuses on curriculum development theory, techniques, and practices in science education and applications of instructional strategies for improvement of K-12 science learning. Examination of current state and national standards.
MiST Course Schedule
| Term | Course | Units |
| Fall 2008 | Curriculum Development in Science (EDCI 625) | 3 units |
| Fa/Sp 2008 | California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) | 1 unit |
| Spring 2009 | Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (EDCI 602) | 3 units |
| Spring 2009 | Earth Science (NSCT 683/684) | 3 units |
| Summer 2009 | California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) | 2 units |
| Fall 2009 | Research Methods in Science Education (NSCT 680) | 3 units |
| Fall 2009 | Physical Science (NSCT 681/682) | 3 units |
| Fa/Sp 2009 | California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) | 1 unit |
| Spring 2010 | Life Science (NSCT 685/686) | 3 units |
| Spring 2010 | Special Topics (NSCT 698) | 3 units |
| Summer 2010 | California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) | 2 units |
| Fall 2010 | Curriculum Development in Science (EDCI 625) | 3 units |
| Fa/Sp 2010 | California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) | 1 unit |
| Spring 2011 | Assessment and Evaluation of Learning (EDCI 602) | 3 units |
| Spring 2011 | Earth Science (NSCT 683/684) | 3 units |
| Summer 2011 | California Science Project Summer Institute (NSCT 498) | 2 units |
| Fall 2011 | Research Methods in Science Education (NSCT 680) | 3 units |
| Fall 2011 | Physical Science (NSCT 681/682) | 3 units |
| Fa/Sp 2011 | California Science Project Follow-up (NSCT 498) | 1 unit |
| Spring 2012 | Life Science (NSCT 685/686) | 3 units |
| Spring 2012 | Special Topics (NSCT 698) |
3 units |
Computer Capabilities and Internet Connectivity
Students in this program should have a computer with Internet connectivity to view course work, send and receive curricular materials. Often materials are delivered via WebCT Blackboard which has minimum recommended system requirements.
Cost of the Program
- Application fee to the graduate program.
- Registration fees each semester.
- Books and materials vary by course.
- Travel to Chico also varies by course and distance.
For more information and application deadlines please contact the Department of Science Education.