The Master’s in Education Program (MEd) in Science Education offers graduate study for educators in the sciences across a range of institutional, community, career, and disciplinary contexts. There are two options: Strand A includes entitlement to an Illinois Professional Educators (PEL) license with high school or middle grades science endorsements; Strand B has an emphasis on out-of-school science education contexts, or an advanced-studies focus for experienced teachers or educators interested in exploring career trajectories in research. The MEd in Science Education program is aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the UIC College of Education. We prepare science educators who transform education to advance justice and liberation. We envision science education that fosters human flourishing. And we value engagement, hope, and justice in and through science learning contexts within and beyond schools.
The licensure strand (A) of the MEd in Science Education can be completed in as little as 12-months for students who begin in the Summer term. Either strand may also be completed over two academic years, with most courses meeting in the evenings.
Degree Requirements Heading link
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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What can I do with a degree in Science Education?
The professional educators who graduate from our program pursue many exciting and rewarding careers in science education in Chicago and beyond. Many of our graduates serve the city’s youth as high school science teachers in the Chicago Public Schools while many others work at other grade levels or in other school systems across Illinois or even in other parts of the U.S. or the world. Some of our graduates contribute to innovative science curricula or equity initiatives in science education. We have alumni who work in the city’s science institutions like museums, conservatories, zoos, aquariums, and parks. We are proud to also have alumni who contribute to science and environmental education efforts with grassroots community organizations. Some of our graduates pursue and earn doctoral degrees and contribute to science education research focusing on equity- and justice-centered work.
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What is the focus of the MEd in Science Education?
Our program is aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the UIC College of Education. We prepare science educators who transform education to advance justice and liberation. We envision science education that fosters human flourishing. And we value engagement, hope, and justice in and through science learning contexts within and beyond schools. Some of our students focus on earning teaching licensure while others focus on the latest developments in out-of-school science teaching and learning, or career trajectories in science education research.
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How long does the program take?
This is a 32-hour master’s degree program, with an additional 12 hours required to complete the degree with licensure (Strand A requires 44 total hours). Licensure students who begin in the summer term and follow a carefully designed course sequence (with an average of 15 credit hours and substantial field experiences each semester) can complete the degree and licensure requirements in one calendar year (May-to-May). Licensure students (Strand A) who pursue a less-intense pace or students who are not pursuing licensure (Strand B) can expect to complete the program in about two years.
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Is transfer of course credit allowed?
Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. The MEd in Science Education will only transfer 8 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog.
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Can I hold a job while in the program?
It depends. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules. For students who are not pursuing licensure, it is very feasible to work full time while pursuing the degree. For licensure students, the penultimate semester includes 190 hours of field experiences in secondary schools, which makes full time work very difficult and the final semester includes a 10-week student teaching experience which makes full time work impossible. Licensure students can hold a full-time job prior to these final two semesters.
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When do courses meet?
College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday.
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Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.
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What undergraduate degree do I need to have to apply to the program?
The licensure strand (A) of the MEd in Science Education is designed for candidates who completed an undergraduate degree in a science field. We also consider candidates for admission who have at least 18 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in a science field. For Strand B, there are no specifications for the undergraduate degree.
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Can I afford the degree?
UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our College Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.
Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website.
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Can I get housing on campus?
Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.
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What student support does the College of Education provide?
The UIC College of Education is committed to the success of its students. If you have concerns or questions you can stop by the Office of Student Services, or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The College encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.