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MEd in Instructional Leadership: Science Education
MEd in Instructional Leadership: Science Education (with optional Type 09 certificate - Strand A)
The Science Education concentration within the MEd in Instructional Leadership offers graduate study for those interested in science education careers across a wide range of institutions in urban settings:- early childhood centers, elementary and secondary schools, and community colleges
- science or science-affiliated museums
- science or science education related organizations (e.g., not-for-profit environmental agencies, after-school programs, etc.)
- Strand A -- This strand offers teacher certification (Type 09 certificate) for those interested in teaching middle and high school science in an urban setting. Certification options include biology, chemistry, earth and space science, environmental science and physics. Strand A can be done as a one year program (May to May) or as a two year or more program. See the advising guides below for the layout of courses by semester for each program plan.
- Strand B -- This strand emphasizes science education in urban settings for the following students: already-certified science teachers from early childhood through college; those working at, or interested in, not-for-profit science-related museums and organizations; or those seeking advanced studies in science, including those interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.
For more information, download a flyer, contact the Office of Student Services at (312) 996-4532, email Ana Valenta at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Strand A, Dr. Maria Varelas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Strand B, or learn how to apply!
* UIC seniors in their final spring semester may begin program coursework that may be transferred into this graduate program.
Outcomes
Graduates of Strand A of this program pursue teaching positions including:
- Middle Grades Science Teacher (Grades 6-8)
- High School Teachers (Grades 9-12)
Graduates of Strand B of this program can be successful in a variety of teaching and leadership positions (depending on previous education and experience) including:
- PK-12 science classroom teachers
- PK-12 science specialists
- Community college science instructors
- Science or science-affiliated museum educators
- Not-for-profit science or science-affiliated agency facilitators
Options
Degree Requirements
In order to be certified in science education through the MEd program, you must complete both the degree and certification requirements (strand A). The degree requirements are also listed for the specialization in Advanced Studies in Science Education (strand B).
The degree requirements are listed below and you will find the science education certification requirements on the Council on Teacher Education website. Some of the courses required for certification may be waived based on courses you may have previously completed.
Depending in the strand, a minimum of 32-36 semester hours of course credit are required for the degree, at least 9 of which must be at the 500 level.
Strand A (with Type 09 certificate)
Strand A can be done as a one year program (May to May) or as a two year or more program. See the advising guides below for the layout of courses by semester for each program plan.
Education Core 9 semester hours:
- ED 402 Philosophy of Education and Urban School Policy or ED 403 Policy Issues in the History of American Education
- ED 445 Adolescence and the Schools (preferred) or ED 421 Advanced Educational Psychology
- Assessment Course (consult with advisor)
Science Education Core 8 semester hours:
- CI 529 Secondary Science Education in Urban Settings
- CI 551 Practitioner Research in Science Contexts
Secondary Science Teacher Certification Specialization 16 semester hours
- ED 432 Instruction and Assessment in the Urban Classroom
- Science content methods course
- SPED 410 Survey of Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities
- CI 504 Secondary Literacy
- CI 551 Practitioner Research in Science Contexts
Student Teaching 12 hours
- ED 470 Student Teaching I
- ED 471 Student Teaching II
Student Teaching hours are hours beyond the degree requirement of 32-36 hours.
Strand B
Education Core 9-12 semester hours:
- ED 402 Philosophy of Education and Urban School Policy or ED 403 Policy Issues in the History of American Education or EDPS 500 City Schools: Education in the Urban Environment
- ED 445 Adolescence and the Schools or ED 421 Advanced Educational Psychology or EPSY 501 Cognition and Instruction
- EPSY 553 Assessment for Teachers or EPSY 416 Systematic Approaches to Program Quality
Science Education Core 8 semester hours:
- CI 570 Critical Issues in Science Education
- CI 551 Practitioner Research in Science Contexts
Advanced Studies in Science Education Specialization 15-16 semester hours
- CI 518 Race, Identity, and Agency in Mathematics and Science Education
- CI 573 Multimodality, Multiliteracies, and Science Education
- Nature, Practice, and Content of Science & Engineering course
- SPED 473 Teaching Math and Science with Adaptations or LRSC 503 Foundations of Scientific Inquiry
Advising Guide
Advising guides offer a checklist for class completion requirements. If you have questions regarding the content of this guide, please contact Mike Herkes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the Office of Student Services.Current materials
- Advising guide for MEd in Instructional Leadership: Science Education Strand A - one year program - May to May (pdf)
- Schedule overview - Strand A - one year program (pdf)
- Advising guide for MEd in Instructional Leadership: Science Education Strand A - two or more years program (pdf)
- Advising guide for MEd in Instructional Leadership: Science Education Strand B (pdf)
Handbook
- Master’s handbook (pdf)