Science Education EdS

Degree Overview

The MU Educational Specialist (EdS) Program in Science Education is designed for individuals holding a Master's in Science Education who desire further education. The EdS is typically considered a terminal degree, not a stepping stone to the PhD.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements will be based upon the following criteria.  Complete admission requirements for the Specialist's program can be found in admission and application (pdf).

• Graduate grade point average 3.0 or above overall; undergraduate grade point average 3.0 or above overall, with science content course grade point average 2.5 or above.
• GRE scores taken within the last five years reflecting a preferred combined score of 950 or better on the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
• A minimum of three years teaching or professional experience in pre K-16 science education.
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose clearly indicating that the proposed Masters degree is appropriate to the applicant's professional aspirations.
• For students whose native language is not English, a score of 550 or better on the TOEFL taken within the past two years.
• Correspondence with one of the Science Education faculty members in the proposed area of concentration prior to submitting an application.  This contact is ultimately a requirement for admission.

The Science Education Program admits applicants on the basis of available resources and an individual's fit with our program. Not all qualified applicants will be admitted.
 
A faculty committee reviews the credentials of each applicant.  It is the responsibility of this committee to exercise professional judgment related to the criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission to the program.

Degree Requirements

Program plans are highly flexible to meet the needs and interests of the student. The EdS Program requires 30 semester hours of graduate work beyond the Master's degree. Evidence of proficiency in educational research must be demonstrated. All candidates take comprehensive exams, which are individually designed for each student by Advisory Committee members.

How to Apply

Applications for  Science Education graduate programs are accepted on a continual basis and reviewed throughout the year.

• Individuals whose completed application materials are received by January 5 will be eligible to be considered for various Graduate School supplemental fellowships.
• Individuals whose completed application materials are received by March 15 will be eligible to be considered for teaching and research assistantships beginning the following fall semester.

Applicants apply through the Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum. Applicants are notified as soon as applications are approved. Application procedures for Science Education Specialist Program are listed below.

All items listed below must be sent to the Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum Graduate Office located in 303 Townsend Hall.  Bolded items, in addition to the LTC Graduate office, must be sent to the MU Graduate Admission Office (210 Jesse Hall / Columbia, MO 65211).  Complete admission requirements for the Specialist's program can be found in admission and application (pdf).

• Graduate School Application (pdf) or Online Application - Also send to MU Graduate Admission Office
• Official Transcripts - Also send to MU Graduate Admission Office
• Personal Data Sheet.  Contact with a faculty member to discuss advanced graduate work is a requirement for admission consideration.
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score - Also send to MU Graduate Admission Office
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score - Also send to MU Graduate Admission Office

Fees and Financial Aid

Find more information on related fees and financial aid opportunities.