The program is designed to offer a sound preparation to teachers who have little or uneven background in the sciences. Teachers will find that the program helps them acquire the preparation to move from one science discipline to another, or to move into science teaching from a non-science discipline.
Individuals who lack certification will normally be required to become certified as part of the M.S.T. program. Certification requires additional course work, some of which may be at the undergraduate level. See the list of licensure courses in the Natural Science Department section of the Lyndon State College Undergraduate Catalog.
The M.S.T. program utilizes primarily Science Education (SED) courses. All SED courses are 5000 level. The number system for SED courses is as follows:
- SED 5010-5275 reserved for Biology
- SED 5280-5435 reserved for Chemistry
- SED 5440-5540 reserved for Geology
- SED 5550-5680 reserved for Physics
- SED 5690-6040 reserved for Science
- SED 6050-6070 reserved for Independent Study in Science Education
Each SED course consists of three components:
- An undergraduate science course.
- Additional analytical work of an appropriate nature and complexity. This includes more advanced work with relevant problems, assignments, labs, papers, and projects.
- Development of a methodology to apply course content in the classroom. This may include collecting and organizing teaching materials, compiling and documenting age-appropriate laboratory procedures, and preparation of study units.
For each course, plans regarding items 2 and 3 above are documented on an M.S.T. Study Contract. Students develop content for the study contract in conjunction with the course instructor. The contract form shall be completed and submitted to the Academic Dean in the early weeks of the semester. M.S.T. Study Contract forms are available from the Registrar. Registration for a SED course is not official until a completed contract is approved by the faculty member, advisor, Natural Science Department Chairperson, the Academic Dean, and then filed with the Registrar’s Office.
Admissions
Applicants must submit required materials to the Admissions Office and complete an interview in order to be considered for admission to the M.S.T. program. Application forms are available from the Office of Admissions Office.
Written Portfolio
- A completed Graduate Program Application form.
- Official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with professional performance. A letter is required from a Principal or Headmaster, Department Chairperson, or if the applicant has not taught, from an undergraduate degree advisor.
- Minimum of an appropriate undergraduate degree and teaching certification, or one year acceptable teaching experience
- A non-refundable application fee of $35.00.
Interview
Interviews are a required part of admission to the M.S.T. program. Applicants will meet with the Natural Science Department Chairperson as a minimum and may also be asked to interview with other faculty in the Natural Sciences Department. The purposes of the interview are to assess the applicant’s ability to do graduate work, to clarify the applicant’s goals in pursuing the graduate program, to determine the fit between the program and the student’s plans, and to lay a foundation for study plan development if the applicant is accepted. Interviews are scheduled on an as-needed basis throughout the year.
Matriculated Status
Shortly after completion of the interview process, applicants will be contacted by the Admissions Office regarding the status of their acceptance for graduate study. If the applicant is accepted to the program, the applicant becomes a matriculated graduate student.
Faculty Advisors
Within one semester of acceptance into the M.S.T. program, students are assigned an advisor with whom they develop a Study Plan. The Study Plan is documented in writing, signed by the student, advisor and Natural Science Department Chairperson. A signed copy is submitted by the student to the Academic Affairs Office.
Completing the M.S.T. Degree
Study Plan
A study plan will be developed between the student and the M.S.T. advisor for approval by the Natural Science Department. Changes in the study plan may be made with the approval of a student’s advisor and the Department Chairperson. A copy of approved study plan changes must be filed with the Academic Affairs Office in a timely fashion.
In the development of the study plan, correction of academic deficiencies does not count toward graduation. To assess possible deficiencies in preparation, see the LSC Undergraduate section regarding recommended courses for students planning to major in science. Needed background course work will be specified at the time the study plan is approved.
Course work specified in the study plan must be completed with a grade of “B” or better for a student to be eligible for graduation. The degree program must equal at least 36 credits and be completed within five years of matriculation.
Teaching Practice
Students are expected to complete SCI 6070 Graduate Science Teaching Internship for 1-3 credits. This course typically involves a teaching component in the field, as well as sessions on campus with the instructor and other graduate students involved in SCI 6070.
M.S.T. Study Contracts
Students must complete a M.S.T. study contract for each SED course. This form constitutes a learning contract and specifies the graduate level components which will be completed in addition to the appropriate undergraduate course. Students will not receive a grade for an SED course until the three elements of the course are complete. Forms are available from the Graduate Office.
Transfer Credit
Up to twelve (12) credits of course work may be transferred into the M.S.T. program. To be eligible for transfer credit, course work must have a minimum grade of “B” and have been completed five years prior to matriculation. All transfer credit must be approved by the advisor, the Natural Science Department Chairperson, and the Academic Dean.
Electives
Students may take up to six (6) approved graduate credits in non-science disciplines. Possible topic areas include writing, special education, mathematics, and computer science.
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