The Center for Science and Mathematics Education offers programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education with emphasis in biology, chemistry, coastal science, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, marine science, mathematics, physics, or polymer science.
Within the framework of the overall curriculum requirements, programs are planned to accommodate the professional goals of the individual graduate student. For students holding Class-AA certification from the Mississippi State Department of Education, the doctoral program in each emphasis area can be planned to provide for Class-AAAA advanced certification if desired. Graduates of the program are prepared as candidates for teaching positions at the secondary school, community college, and senior college levels as well as for positions in curriculum supervision, curriculum development, educational research, and the informal delivery of education in their chosen discipline.
Course Requirements (63 hours)
- Approved content courses in emphasis area (24 hours)
- SME 789 - Seminar 1-3 hrs.
- SME 700 - Science Curriculum in the Public Schools 3 hrs.
- SME 701 - Issues in Science and Mathematics Education 3 hrs.
- SME 703 - Foundations of Science and Mathematics Education 3 hrs.
- SME 791 - Research in Science Education 1-16 hrs.
- SME 792 - Special Problems 1-3 hrs. arr.
- SME 761 - Qualitative Educational Research Design 3 hrs.
- SME 762 - Qualitative Educational Research Practicum 3 hrs.
- REF 761 - Quantitative Analysis I 3 hrs.
- REF 762 - Quantitative Analysis II 3 hrs.
- SME 898 - Dissertation 9-12 hrs.
Prerequisites
Regular admission to the doctoral program in science education requires a master's degree, a Class-AA teaching certificate in one of the emphasis areas if an advance in certification to Class-AAAA is desired, three years of teaching experience at the secondary or college level, and a minimum GPA of 3.5 for all previous graduate work. Applicants are required to present for consideration verbal, quantitative and writing scores on the Graduate Record Examination, a résumé, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent expressing academic, professional, and research goals to the Center Director. Letters of recommendation should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant's readiness for graduate study.
Initial admission to the program may be conditional. Students are expected to possess proficiency at the undergraduate level in the chosen emphasis for advanced study. Students not proficient may be required to take additional undergraduate courses. Regular status will be granted with the completion of 9 semester hours of Southern Miss graduate courses with a 3.5 GPA, a positive recommendation from the Center Director, and the removal of any deficiencies.
The previous admission requirements are in addition to these general Academic Requirements and Procedures as set forth in this Bulletin.
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