About the Program

Major Code: SBI (Leading to Initial NYS Teacher Certification in Biology 7-12)
SCH (Leading to Initial NYS Teacher Certification in Chemistry 7-12)
SEA (Leading to Initial NYS Teacher Certification in Earth Science 7-12)
SPH (Leading to Initial NYS Teacher Certification in Physics 7-12)

Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog. Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

This Master of Science in Science Education program is designed for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in a core science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geology, or Physics). Candidates who complete 31-37 credit hours (which includes student teaching and a master's project) in education coursework may qualify for NYSED initial certification allowing them to teach science in grades 7-12 in New York State.

Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops.

About the Career, Technical and Science Ed Department

122 Bacon Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-4717
Fax:
https://cte.buffalostate.edu/

Admission Requirements

Candidates new to Buffalo State

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree with sufficient academic background in the prospective area of teaching to take graduate work in the discipline. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the department's program coordinator for a transcript review and a pre-application interview.

The following criteria must also be met:

1. Official transcripts from all institutions that the candidate has attended.

2. Overall GPA 3.0 or higher.

3. Proficiency in a foreign language through the 102 level (one year of foreign language).

4. Science certification area (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geology or Physics) GPA of 3.0 or higher.

5. A minimum of 30 credit hours in the science discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geology, or Physics) in which certification is sought.

6. Statement of intent that should include:

a. reasons for pursuing graduate study in science education;
b. career aspirations;
c. special interests within the field;
d. any unusual features of background that might need explanation or be of interest to the program's admissions committee.

7. Letter of reference that includes an assessment of the applicant's ability to work with others.

Buffalo State Quick Admit

For candidates with undergraduate degrees from SUNY Buffalo State, Science Education has agreements with the content science departments to "Buffalo State Fast Track" their majors wishing to become certified to teach. Students in the following degree programs at SUNY Buffalo State who meet the above admission requirements can move directly into the M.S.Ed. program with this Buffalo State Fast Track option:

1. B.A. Biology
2. B.S. Chemistry
3. B.A. Geology; B.S. Earth Sciences
4. B.A. Physics; B.S. Physics

Official transcripts are not required for candidates on Buffalo State Fast Track.

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (31-37 credit hours)

Professional Education and Science Education (15-21 credit hours)
SCI 502 SECONDARY SCIENCE EDUCATION TEACHING: THEORY, CONTENT AND PEDAGOGY 3
SCI 545 LITERACY FOR TEACHING SCIENCE 3
SCI 650 CURRICULAR RESEARCH TOPICS IN SCIENCE 3
SCI 664 TEACHING SCIENCE WITH TECHNOLOGY 3
EXE 500 INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 3
SPF 503 EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY 3
EDU 609 RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN ADOLESCENT LITERACY 3

Practica (13 credit hours)
SCI 677 INITIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHING EXPERIENCE 6
SCI 678 INITIAL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHING EXPERIENCE 6
SCI 679 SEMINAR IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 1

Culminating Project (3 credit hours)
SCI 690 MASTER'S PROJECT 3

Total Credit Hours 31-37

Professional Licensure Disclosure
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.

Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.

Review full disclosure and licensure by state (PDF, 132 KB)