Natural Sciences MA: K-12 Teaching
Emphasis (Grad Interdisciplinary Program)—
Online + Short Field Workshops

Natural Sciences MA: K-12 Teaching Emphasis
Academic Program Coordinator

Lori Reinsvold
lori.reinsvold@unco.edu
(970) 351-1280

Required Coursework

The Natural Sciences MA: K-12 Teaching emphasis is 30 credit hours (33 if choosing the thesis option) which can be completed in 2 years.

• The non-thesis option requires an Action Research Project centered on a science educational topic, developed with the help of the student's advisor, and defended in front of a faculty committee.
• The thesis option requires a thesis on a science educational topic, designed and implemented with the student's advisor, and defended in front of a faculty committee.

Required Courses—12 hours

• EDF 619 Pluralism in Education (3) (or any approved course on diversity and equity)
• PSY 681 Cognition and Instruction I (3)
• SCED 530 Laboratory, Field, and Studio Safety (1)
• SCED 578 K-12 Science Inquiry (3)
• SCED 600 Science Education Research for K-12 Teachers (2)

Required Research Courses—1 of the following options, 3 to 6 hours

For the research experience, students are required to form an advisory committee with a minimum of three qualified faculty.

• Non-thesis option:
  • SCED 695 Action Research in Science Education I (1)
  • SCED 696 Action Research in Science Education II (1)
  • SCED 697 Action Research in Science Education III (1)
• Thesis Option: SCED 699 Thesis (1-6)

Required Science Content Courses — 15 hours
Courses are selected from 500+ level with the following prefixes: AST, BIO, CHEM, ENST, ESCI, GEOL, MET, OCN, SCED and SCI; courses must be from at least two prefixes (please contact the Academic Program Coordinator for advisement).

For a List of Program Eligible Courses Being Offered for Upcoming Terms
Please visit the MAST Natural Sciences MA: K-12 teaching Emphasis page.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your most recent 60 semester hours of college work
• One year of teaching experience in K-12 education; current professional teaching position is preferred

Eligibility by State

UNC has secured approval from almost every state, as required by new federal regulations, so that students are eligible to apply to online programs at UNC. However we are unable to accept applications at this time for our online programs from students residing in a few select states because their requirements, particularly application fees, for such approval are prohibitive. Please verify your Eligibility by State before applying.

Note: All international students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Students attending online while residing outside of the United States do not need student visas for admission.

Transferring Credit

Applicable graduate credit may be applied towards this academic program. In order for credits to be accepted toward a degree they must be graduate level credits, be approved by the Academic Advisor, and have a grade of A or B.  Once approved by the advisor, students must complete a Petition to Count Work in a Degree Program to have the credit approved by the Grad School.  Master’s and specialist degree students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at the University of Northern Colorado. All work counted in a degree program must be within five years for a master’s degree and six years for a specialist degree.  The time limit is calculated from the beginning of the first class transferred in and counted in the degree program.

Tuition

This program is offered through the UNC Office of Extended Studies, which means a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students in the program. There are no student fees. Certain courses may carry specific course fees for additional services and materials.

Tuition rates are set each academic year (which begin each Fall semester). The tuition rate for the 2011-12 school year for this program is $430 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA priority filing date for each academic year (which begins each August) is March 1. Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted but may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.

Master’s degree students require a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance
Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Extended Studies degree seeking students may contact Nancy Gray in Financial Aid for more specific help at (970) 351-2502 or visit UNC Financial Aid website.

Students can also find information in the Guide to Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

Additional Aid through MAST
Speak with the Academic Program Coordinator about funding opportunities through the UNC Mathematics and Science Teaching Institute (MAST).

The Natural Sciences K-12 Teaching Master of Arts program accepts applications throughout the year, and you can begin the program at the start of any academic term (Fall, Spring or Summer). It is recommended that you apply at least 60 days before the start of the semester for which you desire admission, but you can contact the Academic Program Coordinator to confirm upcoming deadlines.

Once you apply to the UNC Graduate School and your application packet is complete, admission to this program is a two-stage process. Your application will be reviewed by the graduate school then sent to the faculty/program for an admission decision. A completed application typically takes four to six weeks to process. Applicants must also send the following information to the
MAST Institute, MA Program
University of Northern Colorado
Ross Hall 1210, Box 123
Greeley, CO 80639:

• Two letters of recommendation from individuals that can speak to your education and teaching experiences
• Cover letter identifying the science discipline(s) you are interested in strengthening, your educational goals, topics of potential research interest, and your preference of thesis and non-thesis (action research) options
• A current resume

Take the Next Step—Begin the Application Process

Apply Now