Note: The University is no longer accepting applications to this program.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education Option, M.Ed.

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Learn More About UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Education Programs

The online Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education Option, offered by UMass Lowell's School of Education, is designed to help K-12 teachers enhance their school's science curriculum and learn about new pedagogical techniques that can be used to improve science learning in their classrooms. Available entirely online, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares teachers to facilitate inquiry-based, hands-on science learning. Participants will have the opportunity to select from courses featuring science topics such as evolution, energy, meteorology and cell biology.

Best Online Education Program in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report Ranked as the Best Online Graduate Education Program in New England

Curriculum Outline

- Total Number of Courses Required for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education Option, M.Ed.: 10 (30 credits)
- Note: Candidates pursuing the Science Education option must include 6 courses (18 credits) of science education and/or science content course work in their program.

Program Requirements

To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell master's degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered. Any additional requirements for this program are either listed below or may be found in the University's Graduate Program Catalog.

General Requirements:

  • Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
  • Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned. See Academic Standing.
  • All financial obligations, including tuition, fees and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
  • Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.

Graduate Program Policies

In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.

The Benefits of Learning Online with UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell has built a solid reputation by offering one of the largest selections of online programs available through a traditional university. Courses are taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields, and by adjunct faculty who, as practicing professionals, bring real-world experience to online class discussions.

We are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable online programs that make earning your degree or certificate more convenient than ever before. Our students have access to online course technical support 24x7, and our academic advisors are here to help every step of the way.

Course Descriptions

BIOL.5080 Cell Biology for Teachers (3cr)

This online course will examine the structure and function of cells and the regulation of cellular processes characteristics of living organisms. Students will explore the complexity of the eukaryotic cell and gain an understanding of the mechanisms of cellular control and regulation. Course activities will make connections to state frameworks and national standards, and lead to the development of grade-appropriate curriculum materials for use in the elementary and middle school classroom. Class activities will include discussions, quizzes, lesson plans, web reviews, current events, and a final project.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

BIOL.5470 Evolution in Context for Teachers (3cr)

This course empowers life science teachers of all levels with the skills and knowledge to more effectively foster student understanding of evolution by natural selection. By exploring evolution in multiple contexts, the Darwinian framework for how life evolved (and continues to evolve) are presented in an interactive and engaging manner. Teachers learn to use virtual resources to enhance their students learning while digging deep into some of the most profound and interesting science conducted in the last 100 years. Evolution in context makes the science of evolution come alive in a real and relevant manner. From the historical and scientific to the environmental and political, Teachers will learn about evolution in ways they never imagined.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6300 Educating Diverse Populations (3cr)

As the world becomes increasingly diverse, educators must be prepared to examine, confront, and manage the factors that affect the education of all children. This course addresses several central issues focusing on how teachers address the problems that confront students who differ from the majority population in language, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexual orientation. Ensuring that their families and communities are actively involved in the educational process is also an important component of the course.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6350 Dynamics of Curricular Change (3cr)

This course considers alternative perspectives of curriculum and explores issues and strategies involved in the process of changing the curricular visions and practices of schools.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6370 History & Theory of Curriculum (3cr)

This course examines the historical development of American curriculum from the colonial period to the present, with a focus on theories that shaped what was taught in schools, and how those theories reflected social, cultural and political values and conflicts. Particular attention will be paid to curriculum theories that have shaped contemporary curriculum, and to examination of programs that reflect those theories.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6380 Curriculum Design K-12 (3cr)

A review of state mandates which, by law, shape the curriculum of the school. Examination of "new" curricula and their sources, as well as the development of a rationale for curriculum design and an evaluation of the personnel and techniques by which these curricula can be developed.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6750 Leadership in Science Education (3cr)

There are many issues in science education that can be clarified as a result of reading current literature and engaging in discussion with other teachers. In this course, we will examine some of the most pressing issues that face us as science teachers e.g. What is science literacy? What role should inquiry play in a science curriculum? What is the role of technology in science education? Is ability grouping appropriate for learning in science? Each week we will examine a different issue and share our expertise, as we explore what it means to be a leader in science education. You will share your own science teaching expertise by developing an article to be submitted to an NSTA publication via a peer review process. Additionally, you will put your program learning into practice and will be assessed through written evidence captured in a professional portfolio.

EDUC.6760 Exploring the Nature of Science (3cr)

If you were asked to describe the characteristics of science what would you say and would you know whether professional scientists agree with you? National professional societies such as the NSTA and the AAAS, believe that if middle and high school students understand how science has been and is practiced, they will be more likely to question their own thinking, recognize the power of scientific theories and understand that there are no absolute truths. This course will take you on an exploration of some fascinating discoveries in the history of science, engage you in debate about controversial issues in science, and involve you in raising your own scientific questions.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)

Action Research is the culminating course for all students who are in the M.Ed program in Curriculum and Instruction, including those in PK-12 classroom settings, those who are in the Autism Studies program, educators who are not currently in a classroom, and those who are in informal educational settings. Educators in this course will apply knowledge that they have learned during their coursework to an action research project plan for a classroom or small group setting.

Requirements:

Matriculated in M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction degree program.

ENVI.5850 Climate Change in the Classroom (3cr)

The course is designed to help teachers from all levels improve their ability to foster student learning about the earth's changing climate. The course addresses the scientific, sociological, and pedagogical dimensions associated with climate change science. How to incorporate climate change into existing curriculum across disciplines is considered.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

PHYS.5010 Energy, Force and Motion (3cr)

An introduction to the most fundamental area of physics: the nature of motion, what affects it, and how it is measured. We examine Newton's laws, including the law of gravity, and how forces produce acceleration The course also examines the nature of energy - potential and kinetic - and how it relates to motion and forces. We will concentrate on how to analyze physical situations and solve the basic equations of motion. This course is intended to help teachers develop their understanding of the physics of motion.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.

Spring 2025 Tuition

Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Graduate

Online Education1 $470 $1,410
*Tuition is priced on the listed credit hour unless the contact hour is different. Tuition is then based upon the listed contact hour.
1Applies to EDUC courses excluding 7000-level courses.

Additional Costs

Cost
Term Registration Fee $30
Returned Check Fee $30
Graduate Degree and Certificate Application $50

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

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UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.

Registration

Current students can register using SiS Self-Service. New students who have not already applied and been accepted to a program must use the Non-Degree Registration Form.

You can take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

For more information, please visit our Registration Page.

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Questions?

Program Support:
Email: edoffice@uml.edu
Phone: (978) 934-4601
Email our Advising Center for assistance, or call 800-480-3190 to speak with an advisor.


Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented within this website, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective. In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.

Applying into a Graduate Degree Program

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Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before formally applying to the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions, or <a href='mailto:edoffice@uml.edu'>edoffice@uml.edu</a> if you have questions about the application process.

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Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).

For General Assistance:

For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!

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