Program Description
The Master of Education in K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program prepares teachers to improve the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics and science in grades K-8.
Curriculum
The K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including 15 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of specialization content pedagogical courses, and six credit hours of thesis work or the nonthesis option, which focuses on either completing and submitting findings of a research project to a refereed journal or developing a portfolio in preparation for National Board Certification for Teachers.
Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree
Required Courses: 30 Credit Hours
Core: 15 Credit Hours
- EDF 6472 - Data-Driven Decision-Making for Instruction 3 Credit Hours
- EEX 6342 - Seminar-Critical Issues in Special Education 3 Credit Hours
- IDS 6937 - Teaching Mathematics and Science Using Reform-Based Practices 3 Credit Hours
- IDS 6939 - Reforming Curriculum in Mathematics and Science Education 3 Credit Hours
- IDS 6516 - Leadership Development for Mathematics and Science Teachers 3 Credit Hours
Specialization: 15 Credit Hours
The following courses provide the content pedagogical courses for the K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd program.
- SCE 5836 - Space and Physical Science for Educators 3 Credit Hours
- ISC 6146 - Environmental Education for Educators 3 Credit Hours
- MAE 6899 - Seminar in Teaching Mathematics 3 Credit Hours
- MAE 6318 - Current Methods in Elementary School Mathematics 3 Credit Hours
- MAE 6641 - Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills 3 Credit Hours
Thesis Option: 6 Credit Hours
A thesis is optional for this program; the following information is intended for those choosing to complete a thesis.
The College of Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation page (https://graduate.ucf.edu/thesis-and-dissertation/) contains information on the university’s requirements for dissertation formatting, format review, defenses, final submission, and more. A step-by-step completion guide is also available on the Thesis and Dissertation Services (https://apps.graduate.ucf.edu/ETD_Student_Services/) site.
The following requirements must be met by dissertation students in their final term:
· Submit a properly formatted file for initial format review by the format review deadline
· Submit the Thesis and Dissertation Release Option form well before the defense
· Defend by the defense deadline
· Receive format approval (if not granted upon initial review)
· Submit signed approval form by final submission deadline
· Submit final thesis or dissertation document by final submission deadline
Nonthesis Option: 6 Credit Hours
A non-thesis option is available for this program; the following information is intended for those choosing a non-thesis option, which involves the completion of an action research.
Non-thesis scholars will engage in an action research analyzing an issue or challenge in their own classroom teaching practice or school procedures in the areas of mathematics and/or science. An action research project includes the application of research methodologies, literature review, data collection, and data analysis. As part of Capstone Course, the culminating activities are final paper report and poster presentation of the action research project. A research advisor will be selected to collaborate with the scholar in the development of the action research.
In this context, action research refers to a wide variety of evaluative, investigative, and analytical research methods designed to diagnose problems or weaknesses (organizational, academic, or instructional) and help teachers develop practical solutions to address them quickly and efficiently. The general goal is to investigate a practical approach that leads to increasingly better results for schools, teachers, or programs.
It typically follows a predefined process; for example: 1. identify a problem to be studied, 2. collect data on the problem, 3. organize, analyze, and interpret the data, 4. develop a plan to address the problem, 5. implement the plan, 6. evaluate the results of the actions taken, 7. identify a new problem, and 8. if necessary, repeat the process.
Unlike more formal research studies, such as those conducted by universities and published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, action research is typically conducted by the teachers working school being studied. It involves less formal, prescriptive, or theory-driven research methods, since the goal is to address practical problems in a specific school or classroom, rather than produce independently validated and reproducible findings. It is typically focused on solving or answering a specific question; for example, Why are so many of our ninth graders failing mathematics?
- IDS 6910 - Research in Mathematics and Science Education 3 Credit Hours
- EDG 6329 - Quality Teaching Practices 3 Credit Hours
Independent Learning
A thesis or action research project is required.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Three years of teaching experience.
- Recommendation letter by a school principal.
- A professional Florida teaching certificate in one of the following areas: elementary education, mathematics education (middle school or secondary), or science education (middle school or secondary).
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program applications are accepted for admission to the summer term only. For information regarding the Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science please visit http://education.ucf.edu/lmacad/index.cfm.
Application Deadlines
| K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Dec 1 | Apr 1 |
| International Applicants | Nov 1 |
| *Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date. |
Financials
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
