Ed.M. in Science Education
- Degrees & Programs
- Students will learn pedagogical content knowledge (i.e., content-specific teaching methods) of disciplines such as physical science or biological science.
- Students will understand the historical and philosophical contexts of the discipline (i.e., physical science or life science) that they are teaching.
- Students will develop their knowledge of the epistemology of the discipline that they are teaching (i.e., how scientific knowledge is constructed in physical science or life science).
- Students will expand and deepen their understanding of the learning theories that undergird our current understandings of how students learn science and how to design effective science education learning environments.
- Students will participate in scholarly communities through collaborative development and sharing of knowledge.
- Students will develop an understanding of what culturally responsive teaching is and how science instruction can be responsive, consequential, and just for students.
- Students will understand the importance of the role of social justice in educational settings and promote educational equity by creating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives (educational, cultural, personal, social, economic) are an integral part of the learning experience.
- Students will engage in inquiry/research experiences in physical science or life science to better understand how discipline-specific science knowledge develops.
- Students will develop knowledge of how to apply the results of current research related to science instruction to their practice.
- Students will develop knowledge of current research and theory related to science instruction in formal or informal settings through analysis and synthesis of seminal work in the field.
- Students will learn effective ways of designing assessments, providing feedback, and analyzing learners’ knowledge as evidenced in assessments toward improving instruction.
- Students will develop knowledge of professional development resources related to teaching within their discipline.
- Students will learn and practice/implement effective methods of self-reflection in order to improve their teaching practice.
- Students will develop a plan for future learning and professional development.
- Download the program guide (includes course list and application requirements)
- Contact Matt Winkler, Assistant Dean for Advisement in the Office of Student and Academic Services
Program Overview
The Ed.M. in Science Education program at the GSE is designed to promote the exploration of topics in physical science, biological science, or general science education depending on the student’s expressed field of interest, and allows for a comprehensive and truly personalized educational experience. From the very start of the program students will work closely with faculty to identify and characterize their goals for the degree and how various course work and experiences in the program can help them attain these goals. Through a variety of courses and guidance from expert faculty, students will expand and deepen their understanding of science knowledge and learning, improve their professional practice in both formal and informal settings, develop knowledge of current research and theory related to science instruction.
This program does not include coursework resulting in a NJ school personnel license. New Jersey teacher certification is not required for entry into the program, though many enrolled students are already certified.
Program Goals as of 2022-2023
(Last updated: 7/19/2022)
Knowledge/Understanding
Communication/Community Building
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Research/Professional Practice
Assessment
Professional Development/Self-Reflection
For more information about this program:
Program Details
Application Deadline
Feb 1 / Nov 1
Entry Term(s)
Fall / Spring
Program Level
Masters
Program Type
Degree
Format
On-Campus
Credits
30
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What You’ll Learn
Through completion of the coursework, students in the Ed.M. in Science Education program will learn content-specific teaching methods in biological, physical, and or general science studies. They will gain a grounding in the historical and philosophical contexts of the discipline and participate in experiences that challenge them to think critically about the subject matter. Expert faculty will guide students through the curriculum, providing research-backed perspectives regarding science knowledge and learning, cognitive and instructional psychology, and best practices for science instruction in formal and informal settings.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:
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- 30 Graduate Course Credits*
- 15 Credits – Science Education Core Courses
- 6 Credits – Cognitive and Instructional Psychology Core Courses
- 9 Credits – Elective Courses
- Portfolio
- To provide evidence of the achievement of the goals the student and faculty jointly set for the degree program, the student will create a portfolio. The portfolio should demonstrate deep knowledge of core program topics (as related to the goals). Students will begin developing their portfolio in the first semester of study, and build upon it throughout the course of the program. For more information, click here.
- 30 Graduate Course Credits*
*All courses must be approved by faculty advisor
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Careers and Outcomes
Given timely recognition of the importance of science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) education programs in the United States and abroad, graduates of this program that have teacher certification are especially poised to pursue teaching, administrative, and educational leadership roles in science education immediately following conferral of their degree. Students who are not certified to teach in public schools may pursue roles in government or legislative offices, non-profit organizations, informal science education settings including zoos, wildlife centers, science centers, and museums, research institutions, and or science and technology corporations.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts
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How to Apply
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition:
For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.
Financial Aid:
While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:
Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.
To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.