Department of Science Education - CSU, Chico
Programs
Inservice Degree Programs
Master's in Science Teaching (MiST)
The MIST program is the outcome of interest by teachers who have come to the CSU, Chico campus for workshops indicating a need for more science enhancement to their credential and expressing their desire to obtain an advanced degree. We responded by creating this distance program that offers accessibility and hands-on learning through Web-based courses during regular academic semesters. Although most of the course work is done via the Web, students are required to attend Saturday sessions once per month as a part of the program. The program offers teachers science content that includes societal issues (e.g., global warming) for integrating the three strands of sciences, earth, physical and life as delineated in the new California Science Content Standards.
Students in the MiST program should have a computer with Internet connectivity to view course work, and send and receive curricular materials. Often materials are delivered via WebCT Vista which has minimum recommended system requirements.
The California Science Project (CSP)
The California Science Project is a university-based professional development network for teachers of science at ALL levels. This statewide network works toward the common goal of improving science education for all students in California. CSU, Chico is a CSP site. For the past 12 years, the CSP in Chico has been, and continues to be, a regional provider of services to schools and districts seeking to strengthen their science programs and science instruction consistent with the California Science Framework and the California Science Content Standards.
Preservice Degree Programs
The Department of Science Education is currently applying to the CSU system to offer the BA in natural sciences with a concentration in science and environmental literacy. This degree permits individuals to enter the teacher credential program in the School of Education and ultimately to qualify for a single subject credential in general foundational level science primarily at the middle school level or in a K-12 non-departmentalized integrated science program.
For students who are interested in teaching at the high school level, the science departments offer the following programs:
- BS Biological Sciences – General Biology Option
- BS Biological Sciences
- BS Chemistry
- BS Geosciences – Option in Science Education
- BS Physics – General Physics Option (CCTC Approved)
Program Advisors
Biology and General Science
Bev Marcum (Holt 330; 898-5539)
Joel J. Mintzes (Holt 101; 898-4599)
Irene Salter (Holt 341; 898-6340)
Chemistry
Chris Nichols (PHSC 308; 898-5541)
Geology
Anne Bykerk-Kauffman (PHSC 205; 898-6305)
Physics
Leslie Atkins (PHSC 126; 898-6724)
David Kagan (PHSC 106C; 898-4575)