Degree
Requirements
for
M.S.T. Degree Program in Biological Sciences
and General Science
Academic
Requirements:
-
A minimum of
32 hours of graduate credit
(courses taken "credit/no credit" may not be used) and eligibility for State of
Illinois certification for teaching in public schools are required for the degree.
-
Although research is not required, a student may elect to complete a
research project. Four hours of credit
may be so earned.
-
Academic requirements are
16 hours in
graduate-level biology (which may include research), 8 hours in education, and
8 hours
which can be selected from either biology or education. In exceptional cases, courses may
be taken in other fields (e.g., computer-aided instruction).
-
Deficiencies in undergraduate courses needed
to satisfy the certification requirement must also be taken; these courses normally do not
count toward the 32 graduate hours. For general education, biology, and professional
education courses required for teacher certification in biology see the
Biological Sciences Advising Office's information.
Course Load:
-
To maintain
full-time graduate status, the
Graduate College recommends that a student carry a minimum semester load of
12 hours unless
s/he holds a university appointment. However, in view of the significant laboratory and/or
field component of many biology courses and the necessity to complete undergraduate courses
for certification, students in the M.S.T. program take a minimum of two
400- or
500-level life science courses per semester. This requirement is waived during the student
teaching semester.
-
The minimum course load may be reduced when
a teaching appointment of up to 50% is held. This is negotiated with the M.S.T. Academic
Advisor.
Time to Complete
the Program:
Between 2 and 3 years usually are needed to
complete degree requirements. Completion time varies depending on:
One complete semester is required for
student teaching and other courses cannot normally be taken during that semester. |
