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Master of Education Program
 
M. Ed. (SCIENCE EDUCATION):
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Responses to questions frequently asked by teachers entering into or already enrolled in the M. Ed. (Science Education) degree program are posted here.
What is the M.Ed. in Science Education?
This is a non-thesis graduate degree option designed for individuals who are already secondary science teachers. (A thesis option is available for candidates who do not have access to a teaching environment.) The program consists of graduate courses in science and education, an action research project, and a comprehensive oral exam. The program is designed to enhance teachers' understanding of science, inquiry, and effective teaching practices. The M.Ed. (Science Education) program is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to reflect the importance of applied research and content development of educators.
 
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The degree can be completed in about 3 to 4 years, with full time commitment to six-week sessions offered June-July each summer. The Education Core is available via IVN, as well as on-campus.
 
What are the criteria for admission into the graduate program?
  1. Undergraduate science or science education degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (For applicants who do not meet this requirement, the School of Education may consider a conditional admission until a competency for graduate work has been demonstrated).

  2. Satisfactory performance on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), if your GPA is below 3.0. The MAT is administered by request at NDSU. To register for the exam, phone the NDSU Counseling Center (701-231-7671) at least two days in advance of your intended test date. The exam lasts about an hour. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.

    To receive information on taking the MAT at Dickinson State University, Minot State University, University of Mary, or the University of North Dakota, contact the Counseling Center at the site of interest.

    The GRE is given less frequently. For further information on the GRE's, including registration, click here. Applications can be sent to you from the NDSU Counseling Center.

  3. Complete the application for admission to NDSU Graduate School, which includes an application form, three reference reports, one official transcript sent from each of your undergraduate institutions, application fee if you have not attended NDSU previously, and a reflective essay over the five principles of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

    More information about the M.Ed. program is available through the School of Education's graduate handbook. To download other application forms, click here. Your MAT and GRE scores should be mailed to the Graduate School as soon as they are available.

 
What is the cost?
Costs will vary. For Summer, 2006, M.Ed. (Science Education) students paid about $65 per credit hour for their science courses, thanks to external support for this program. Students paid for their own textbooks. Small living stipends were available to help offset expenses for those teachers who require taking up residence at NDSU-Fargo for the six-week program.

For education courses, or courses taken during the regular academic year, full graduate tuition rates may apply. North Dakota residents, however, may be eligible for a State Board of Higher Education tuition scholarship. Such support is provided for a maximum of four semesters. Please note that completed applications are due at the NDSU Graduate School at least 15 days prior to the beginning of classes.

North Dakota residents will need to prove residency. Please contact the NDSU Registrar's Office to determine your present residency status. If believe yourself to be a North Dakota resident but are listed as a "non-resident," you can prove residency by providing to the Registrar:
1. A copy of your North Dakota high school diploma or transcript, or
2. Complete the proof of North Dakota residency form available here.

 
When should I apply?
If you wish to begin this summer, send your application materials to the Graduate School by March 15th. Application forms are available on-line here. The Graduate Bulletin in available only on-line and is continuously updated.
 
Do I need to be enrolled in the M.Ed. program in order to take the Summer Science course series?
No, non-degree teachers are encouraged to participate in these courses for graduate credit. However, each teacher must have completed at least a "Non-Degree Enrollment" (= "unofficial status") application to the NDSU Graduate School. This requires a completed application form, copies of your transcripts, a $35 application fee, and a $10 processing fee. Further information about non-degree enrollment is available from the NDSU Graduate School. Please note that no more than 9 semester hours taken under this status can be tranferred to any program of study should you, at any future date, seek full degree classification.
 
What courses are required?
Degree plans are customized to each student. All candidates take four core education courses, and work with their committee to create an appropriate plan of study. For more information on core requirements click here. To see science course selections from summer 2006 click here.
 
Can I simply take graduate courses at NDSU without enrolling in the M.Ed. (Science Education) program?
Yes, but you must first file an application for "Non-Degree" (= "Unclassified") status with the NDSU Graduate School. This requires completion of an application form, submission of transcripts, a $35 application fee, and a $10 processing fee. No more than 9 semester hours taken under this status can be tranferred to any program of study should you, at any future date, seek full degree classification. Admission to the "Non-Degree" status in no way guarantees full-status admission in the future. For further information on "Non-Degree" enrollment, contact the NDSU Graduate School.
 
Must I be enrolled in a credit-bearing course in order to defend my action research project?
Yes, you must be enrolled in at least 1 semester hour (SH) of credit during the term that you defend your action research project. If no other classes are being taken during that term, you will enroll in 1 SH of Education 793. Please contact the M.Ed. (Science Education) Program Director prior to the defense so as to arrange for this registration.
 
What's the story about resident tuition rates?
Please note that resident-tuition rates apply to: 1) North Dakota residents, and 2) all graduates of a North Dakota high school, even if you now reside out-of-state. To obtain resident rates, however, everyone must provide proof of residency to the Registrar's Office at NDSU.
 
Can I apply any of the graduate-level science field course credits at NDSU toward my graduate program of study?
Yes, but because it might change, this policy should be reviewed directly with your science education advisor.
 
What should I double-check on before entering in the program?
  • If you are a North Dakota resident, be sure that you have provided proof of residency to the NDSU Registrar's office.

  • If you are applying for a North Dakota Board of Higher Education Scholarship, be sure that you have submitted all of the signed paperwork to the Graduate School at least 15 days prior to the beginning of classes. This paperwork must include a letter of reference from your NDSU advisor or the M.Ed. (Science Education) program director.

  • If you plan to take our science graduate courses without formal entry into the M.Ed. (Science Education) program, you must first file an application for "Non-Degree" status with the NDSU Graduate School. This requires completion of an application form, submission of transcripts, a $35 application fee, and a $10 application processing fee. For further information on "Non-Degree" enrollment, contact the NDSU Graduate School. Please be advised that no more than 9 semester hours taken under this status can be tranferred to any program of study should you, at any future date, seek full degree classification.

 
  Center for Science & Mathematics Education
Tel: (701) 231-6357
E-mail: ndsu.csme@ndsu.edu
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