Teacher Education Home Page
Initial Teacher Certification Graduate Program
Secondary Education:
Science [Grades 7-12] (Ed.M.)
As of Fall 2013, the College of Education is NOT currently accepting applicants into the Secondary Education Science graduate program.
The Science Education program, endorsed by the National Science Teachers Association, requires a strong foundation in at least one science discipline with supporting expertise in mathematics as appropriate. Students graduate with an understanding of the nature of science and its complex relationship to the society in which it functions and which it serves. The program offers concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, or Physics.
Program Requirements
The graduate Secondary Education Program with a concentration in Science Education may be completed for certification only or certification plus a master's degree. All applicants are initially admitted to the Master's Program. After successfully completing the minimum requirements for Certification, students may choose to leave the program with certification-only or may elect to continue in the program and complete the additional credit hours and requirements to receive certification and a Master’s degre. The program requires a minimum of 25 semester hours for certification-only and 31 semester hours for certification plus a master's degree.
Introductory Courses (6 S.H.)
- ED 5605: Models of Teaching
- ED 5402: Child and Adolescent Development
Pedagogy and Core Courses (18 S.H.)
- SEC ED. 5471: Differentiating Literacy Instruction in Disciplines, 7-12
- SCES 5415: Teaching and Learning Science I
- SCES 5713: Teaching and Learning Science II
- TESL 8631: Foundations of Language Teaching
- SPED 5666: Inclusive School Practices
- ED 5888: Student Teaching & Seminars
Additional Courses for M.Ed. (6 S.H.)
- ED 5255: TCPK for Teachers
- ED 5409: Research Methods and Induction Capstone (must be taken after ED 5888)
Credit for Graduate Study Prior to Admission
Students may take up to, but not more than, nine semester hours of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits will transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing certification courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must meet the general admission standards of the College of Education and the Graduate School. A personal interview is not required.
Minimum Testing Requirements:
- Applicants must provide office score reports demonstrating a passing score the Praxis II in the appropriate content area in order to be admitted to the program.
Praxis II: Tests & Score Information* PA Certification Area Test Code Specialty Test Title PA Qualifying Score Biology 0235 Biology: Content Knowledge 147 (Effective 9/1/01) Chemistry 0245 Chemistry: Content Knowledge 154 (Effective 9/1/98) Earth & Space Science 0571 Earth Science: Content Knowledge 157 (Effective 9/1/99) General Science 0435 General Science: Content Knowledge 146 (Effective 9/1/00) Physics 0265 Physics: Content Knowledge 140 (Effective11/1/12)
*Information provided for general reference and is subject to change. Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website at www.pde.state.pa.us or call the PDE Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation at (717) 787-3356 for the most-current information about testing requirements for certification. Taking the wrong Praxis Examinations will delay the certification process.
- Non-native speakers of English must take the TOEFL examinations. Scores of at least 575 are necessary for admission to the program (230 on the computer based version). Students who score between 575 and 600 (230-250 on the computer- version) must take an English refresher course.
Undergraduate Major Coursework Requirement
All applicants must fulfill required prerequisites before admission. Before being admitted to the Secondary Education Program with a specialization in Science, applicants must have completed a major or the equivalent (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, etc.) with approximately 30 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in the subject area. For General Science majors, coursework must cover at least three science areas with a year course plus a concentration in any area. Interested students who are not sure if prerequisites have been fulfilled should meet with an advisor before completing an application.
Minimum Undergraduate GPA Requirement:
Applications of students that do not meet the 3.0 UGPA (requirement) may be considered for admission by the Graduate School if they meet one of the following exceptions:
- Standard exceptions: 3.5 UGPA during the last two years AND a minimum of 3.25 Graduate GPA for nine semester hours (typically taken as a non-matriculated student in the program prior to application for admission)
- Special exceptions: Applicants who do not meet regular admission criteria may be considered for a special exception if a compelling case can be made for admitting them. These special exceptions will only be rarely granted.
Clearances and Background Checks
In addition, state and federal criminal background checks, a TB test, and a child abuse clearance are required to be eligible to complete the program. Applicants must complete and upload documentation of clearances prior to the start of their program. Visit Required Clearances for Working in Pennsyvlania Schools for details.
How to Apply:
As of Fall 2013, the College of Education is not currently accepting applicants into the Secondary Education Science program.
Contact Information
If you have additional questions about Temple’s initial teacher certification programs at the graduate level (degree and non-degree), please contact:
Graduate Teacher Certification Advisor
email:edcert@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-6026
office: 150 Ritter Annex
