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Biology, Science Education Licensure Program (6-12)*

*M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

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ENLIGHTEN, ENGAGE, AND EMPOWER

 

Be the science teacher for the 21st century learner. Engage students in real-world scientific investigations that foster their value and appreciation for science.

 

Prepare students for a progressive and changing world by creating dynamic and rigorous learning experiences.
Provide equitable access to quality science education to underserved communities

 

Earn your Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Science Education. The program offers licensure in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. The VT Science Education program boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate!

The Secondary Science Education Program is nationally accredited and leads to licensure in middle and secondary science (in biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics, grades 6-12). The program includes a field experience in schools during the fall semester and a student teaching internship during the spring semester.

Listed below are the  Program Content Requirements (for your initial licensure area), and the Licensure Program Checklist (listing courses required for licensure in the science education program). After receiving your initial licensure, dependent upon the numbers of courses you have completed enough coursework in another science field, you can also receive an endorsement for an additional science discipline. See the Endorsement Checklists in the drop down menu of the science discipline of interest.

For additional information,  please visit the Overview information on teacher preparation and initial licensure (this link will take you to the Teacher Preparation Programs page on this website, where you will find expanded information about required tests, scholarships, and other related information for all teacher preparation program applicants).

Program Content Requirements and Checklists

Reimagining the future begins with practices that put educational excellence, innovation, and equity at the fore. At the Virginia Tech School of Education, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to transform teaching and learning, conduct groundbreaking research, and engage with learning communities around the globe. Teacher candidates from historically underrepresented populations are especially encouraged to join and contribute to our learning community. 

student sitting in front of laptop

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

The Science Education M.A.Ed. Initial Teaching Licensure Program includes 39 credit-hours of coursework in educational foundations, science teaching pedagogy, special education, instructional technology, content area reading, history/philosophy of science, and STEM/robotics.

The program includes a field experience in schools during the fall semester and a student teaching internship during the spring semester. Students admitted to the program are required to complete all science content requirements and 12 hours of education coursework before beginning the field experience in the fall.

The normal course load for the M.A.Ed. program is 12 hours per semester and 6 hours/summer session. Students beginning the program as dual status may take one or more courses during the academic semester. Students must complete 12 hours of professional education courses and all science content course requirements for licensure prior to the fall field experience. See below for the specific courses you'll take.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Professional Education Courses (required licensure courses offered during the academic year and/or the summer semesters)

  • EDEP 5154: Psychological Foundations of Education for Pre-service Teachers (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5104: Schooling in American Society (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5264: Comprehending Processes and Reading in the Content Areas (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5554: Educating Exceptional Learners Across the Lifespan (3 hrs)

Science Education and Field Experience Courses (taken during fall semester of "fifth year" or second year in program)

  • EDCI 5724: Teaching in Middle & Secondary School I: Science (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5364: Technology in the Science Classroom (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5374: Assessment in K-12 Science Education (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5964: Field Studies in Education (3 hrs)
  • STS 5205: Main Themes in the History of Science and Technology (3 hrs) (Required if not taken as undergraduate)

Science Education and Internship Courses (taken during spring semester of "fifth year" or second year in program)

  • EDCI 5744: Teaching in Middle & Secondary School II: Science (3 hrs)
  • EDCI 5754: Internship in Education (9 hrs)
  • MAED Comprehensive Exam (electronic portfolio)

Science Research Requirement

As a requirement for licensure, all students must demonstrate the ability to design and conduct open-ended investigations in a science discipline, requiring data processing and analysis, and reporting the results. This requirement can be met by completing an undergraduate or graduate course that requires original scientific research.

The requirement may also be met with internships or work experiences that involve original scientific research. 

Cohort Model

This program operates on a cohort model. Members of a given cohort attend all of the same classes in the same sequence and pursue common plans of study.

The benefits of a cohort model are many. It is designed to facilitate social interaction, collaboration, and the formation of a supportive learning community.

Students in cohorts learn from and help each other with the successful completion of coursework and professional networking. They report a strong sense of community and are more likely to complete their programs of study in a timely manner.

Application Checklist

Transcripts
Please provide a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application. Please arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

Licensure Testing Requirements

  • Students must pass Praxis II test in their specific science content area(s) prior to student teaching in the spring. The required Praxis II Content Knowledge test will depend on the endorsement sought and the test codes are as follows (paper/computer-based); Biology (0235/5235).
  • Please use this link to learn more about the required tests.

Biology Licensure Program (6-12) in Science Education Content Area Requirements

The licensure course content area requirements checklist should be filled in and submitted by potential students with the other application materials. It is used for analysis of coursework for licensure and can be use by potential applicants to check on the completion of all requirements.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required for Biology Licensure Program (6-12) in Science Education (M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructions). 

Essay

Write a 2-3 page essay in which you discuss why you want to be a science teacher. Consider any experiences you have had working with young people and characteristics that you possess which would make you a good teacher.

Applying as an International Student

The Graduate School requires that all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they enter the university with sufficient English skills necessary to function in a graduate program. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is the most common way international applicants demonstrate English proficiency. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or an IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859. See this page if you qualify for an English language proficiency test waiver.

Supplemental Information and Admissions Checklist

Please include the supplemental information and admissions checklist with Graduate School online application.

How much is tuition?

Tuition varies based on a student’s in-state or out-of-state status and whether or not you are a teacher. Graduate tuition and fees are listed at http://www.bursar.vt.edu.

The Virginia Tech School of Education offers a discount to current Virginia Educators. Learn more. 

Evidence of English Proficiency 
The Graduate School requires that all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they enter the university with sufficient English skills necessary to function in a graduate program. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is the most common way international applicants demonstrate English proficiency. 

We require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or an IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859. See this page if you qualify for an English language proficiency test waiver. 

Applying as an International Student

  • Blacksburg Campus: Prospective residential on-campus international students might be required to submit immigration documents and other additional materials with their application. Please consult with Graduate Student Immigration Services.

Additional Information/Supporting Material
Applicants are welcome to submit any additional information with application material that would be useful in the evaluation of your application.

Application Fees
Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application. If this poses a financial hardship, check with the Graduate School to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.

To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application. 

VT Graduate School Application

 Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

In-state K-12 teachers are eligible for a 25% discount! Use this application form in order to receive the reduced costs. Otherwise, as with on-campus students, we refer you to the VT Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for information on financial assistance. Generally, distance learners may qualify for federal loans if they take 5 or more credit hours per semester.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

School of Education Scholarships

The Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the department faculty.

Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

The official transcripts showing degree conferral should be sent directly from your institution(s) to Graduate Admissions and School of Education:

To:
Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown (Mail Code 0325)
155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

and to:
Virginia Tech School of Education
Office of Academic Programs 

1750 Kraft Drive (0302)
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061