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. The K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program is offered as a Master of Education (MEd) degree for teachers with at least three years experience who instruct students in mathematics and/or science in the indicated grade levels.
The K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program is designed to improve the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics and science in grades K-8. Graduates of the K-8 Mathematics and Science program form a strong infrastructure of teachers focusing on long-term impact in schools while helping students succeed in mathematics and science classrooms.
The program is dedicated to providing all graduates with exceptional pedagogical and subject matter knowledge and skills by focusing on research-based, state-of-the-art best practices in elementary and middle school mathematics and science education.
Other K-8 Mathematics and Science Programs
The K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program offers a graduate certificate program that can be transferred in its entirety into the master's program.
The K-8 Mathematics and Science Education program is closely allied with both the EdD and PhD in Education programs. Graduates of the K-8 Mathematics and Science master's program have been very successful in completing the advanced graduate degrees.
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
Nonthesis Option—6 Credit Hours
Some students may choose to complete a nonthesis option, the action research project, through one of two pathways: (1) plan, complete, and submit findings of a research project to a refereed journal; or (2) develop a portfolio according to the guidelines of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The portfolio requires a demonstration of professional growth, reflection, and proficiency and incorporates the concepts of "action research" in a classroom. In addition, all portfolios require a final reflective analysis of students' overall learning and professional development as the capstone portfolio entry. All portfolio entries are critical components of learning since they are the primary means of accessing the professional development of students as reflective practitioners. Students must submit and defend their portfolio before the program faculty as well as submit it for National Board Certification review.
- 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 best consideration, students applying for Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science fellowships must apply for admission by the Fall Priority deadline date.
Application Deadlines
| K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd |
Fall Priority
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Fall
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Spring
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Summer
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Domestic Applicants
| - | - | - | Apr 15 |
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International Applicants
| - | - | - | Nov 1 |
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International Transfer Applicants
| - | - | - | Dec 15 |
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FINANCIALS
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see
Funding for Graduate School, 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 Fellowships, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.