Benedictine University, in partnership with Brookfield Zoo, Fermilab, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Morton Arboretum and the Golden Apple Foundation, offers a Master of Science in Science Content and Process program intended for teachers who want to increase their knowledge and confidence in teaching science.

The program is taught at Benedictine University and the partner organizations.  Participants are immersed in learning opportunities available at each of these sites to better understand the process of science.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Science Content and Process program provides K-9 teachers and other science educators integrated content knowledge in general science by utilizing the resources of the local scientific community.  Participants will us the pedagogy of inquiry-based learning and knowledge of technology to create an effective teaching/learning environment for science education.  This program is intended for those teachers who want to increase their science knowledge and confidence in science teaching.

Designed for the working professional, the degree program is taught in a learning team model and meets evenings and some Saturdays during the academic year.  Day courses take place during the summer.  Teachers can manage full-time employment while completing the degree in two years.  Each new learning team begins in June.

There is only one learning team of 24 students each year.  Admission to the program must be completed before the first course begins in June.  Applicants must hold a valid teaching certificate or work as a science educator.

Program Objectives

- Integrated general science content using themes of regional biodiversity and systems interactions.
- Provide content based on national and Illinois science learning standards.
- Develop inquiry-based teaching practices that promote learning of scientific content.
- Build self-confidence in science knowledge and teaching.
- Understand and use technology in investigations and analysis.
- Increase the use of the educational facilities of the partnership organizations.

 

Click to view program brochure
(please note that Dr. John Mickus has retired as of 2011.  For additional information, please contact Dr. Allison Wilson at (630) 829-6520 or awilson@ben.edu.