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Academics
The Academic ProgramScope and SequenceThe scope of the Master of Science degree in Science Education is five-fold:
Within this five-fold scope, courses are offered according to the following sequence template. If scheduling challenges occur, the Chair of the Science Education Department, in consultation with other appropriate Graduate School personnel, will resolve them in ways that are most consistent with the template. 1. Understanding the Learner:
2. Acquiring a knowledge base in science:
3. Developing Curricula, giving expression through instructional methodologies:
4. Designing, successfully completing, and writing for publication a research project:
5. Delivering instruction and assessing outcomes:
The Course Management SystemThe distance education web platform used by the Graduate School is Moodle, an internet-based curriculum development platform for online educational programs. Students are responsible for their own hardware, software, and internet connection, but technical support is provided by the Graduate School to help students get connected. In addition, the Graduate School provides troubleshooting assistance if difficulties are encountered in establishing the connection. Technical Support PolicyOnce students are admitted to degree seeking status, they receive login instructions to the distance education website. Once the students gain access, they can complete the online orientation, and then register for the appropriate classes. Online journals are available to students once they have completed a tutorial and initial configuration to access the ICRGS online library. Students that encounter technical problems may access ICRGS technical support through a toll-free number or by email. Technical support inquiries are responded to within 24 hours after receipt during ICRGS office hours (9 AM to 5 PM Central, Monday through Friday and excluding holidays). Students may also contact their advisor and course instructors for assistance. Learning ResourcesThe learning resources that support faculty and students are designated as either primary or secondary, based on access. Primary learning resources are electronic and consist of a carefully selected collection of web links and periodicals chosen by the faculty for their relevance to the curriculum. In order to connect students to the most recent research, web links are included in the online course materials. Each course includes these resources as a minimum, while some of the courses also include PDF files (used with permission). Primary learning resource support is available by email and phone at designated hours from ICRGS support staff. Secondary learning resources are in printed formats and are available through regional university libraries. The Registrar has contacted libraries that make their collections available to students who are enrolled elsewhere. Students who are interested in accessing these resources can contact the Registrar regarding the university library on the list that is most easily accessed, and receive the contact information and process to be followed in gaining access to the hard copy collection. Students are also encouraged to do their own web and library searches to identify and access further information, and are required to cite the sources of such information in their writings. Learning resource support is available by email and phone at designated hours from ICRGS support staff. The FacultySteven A. Austin, Professor of Geology and Chair of the Department of Geology B. S., University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 1970 John R. Baumgardner, Associate Professor of Geophysics B. S., Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 1968 Sharon E. Cargo, (adjunct) Assistant Professor of Biology B. S., Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 1972 Daniel C. Criswell, Assistant Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biology B. S., Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, 1982 Stephen W. Deckard, (adjunct) Professor of Education B. A., McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois, 1975 David A. DeWitt, (adjunct) Associate Professor of Biology B. S., Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 1991 Danny R. Faulkner, (adjunct) Associate Professor of Astronomy B. S., Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina 1976 Russell D. Humphreys, Associate Professor of Physics B. S., Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 1963 Eddy Miller, Dean of the Graduate School B. A., Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 1963 Patricia L. Nason, Associate Professor of Science Education and Chair of the Department of Science Education B. A., Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, 1984 Chris Osborne, (adjunct) Professor of Biology B. A., California State University, Fullerton, California, 1975 Gary Parker, Professor of Biology B.A., Wabash College, Crawfordville, IN, 1962 Larry Vardiman, Professor of Atmospheric Science and Chair of the Department of Astro-geophysics B. S. University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri, 1965 Academic ProgressAcademic AdvisingUpon acceptance into the program, the student is assigned an Academic Advisor by the Dean. The advisors assume immediate responsibility for the programs and counseling of graduate students in their respective minors. The program course sequence is available to students and faculty on the distance education website. Academic counseling is available via telephone calls, email, or virtual office from the student's Academic Advisor, Department Chairs, or other faculty members. By the time 12 quarter hours have been completed, the student will declare a minor and then a degree plan will be completed by the Academic Advisor. The degree plan will be kept on file in the graduate office and made available to the student upon request. The faculty at large will also provide career counseling upon request. Transfer CreditA maximum of nine quarter hours (six semester units) of graduate coursework may be transferred from other approved graduate institutions. A catalog description of the course(s) to be transferred should be included. The course(s) must have been completed within the most recent five year time period. The Admissions Review Committee will evaluate the course(s) to be transferred and make a recommendation. RegistrationOfficial registration for courses is required at the beginning of each quarter. Students will not be admitted to classes until they have completed the formal registration process described below. Registration is a two-part process.
Students must register by the day the class begins, and enrollment is not official until the fee is processed. Access to the online courses will be available once the enrollment is complete. Dropping and Adding CoursesStudents may add courses at any time prior to the beginning of the third week of the quarter by contacting the Registrar, enrolling in the class, and paying the assessed tuition and fees as directed by the Registrar. Students may drop a course at any time before the beginning of the fourth week of the quarter by completing a withdrawal form, which can be obtained by contacting the Registrar. A grade of “WP” or “WF” will be awarded, based on performance in the course up to the point of withdrawal. If withdrawal is made without proper notice, a grade of “WF” will be recorded. RefundsA student may be entitled to a partial refund of tuition, providing proper withdrawal procedures are completed in the Registrar’s Office. Failure to participate in the online courses will not entitle a student to a refund unless the proper withdrawal procedures are followed, including payment of all outstanding financial obligations to the Institute. A student who has not made total payment for a class and drops without filing an official withdrawal will be responsible for the remaining balance. In the event a student is dismissed, no refund is warranted; however, the Dean and/or CEO of the Institute may consider authorizing a partial refund if mitigating circumstances appear to justify it. Students who voluntarily withdraw, following proper procedures, may request the following partial tuition refunds (no refunds can be given for any of the Special Fees):
Grading Scale
Courses with a D or F are not accepted and need to be retaken – your new grade will replace the old grade. Declaration of a MinorWhen seeking a minor in Biology, Astro-Geophysics, Geology, or General Science, the potential student must have adequate subject preparation for the proposed graduate minor. If a student does not have a 2.5 GPA and/or he or she does not have adequate coursework in the minor the student wishes to pursue, then the student must take both the specialty GRE exams and receive a score above the 50th percentile. Students inadequately prepared for their desired minor may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. The Department Chairman and committee members will identify deficiencies and require completion of them prior to beginning the courses in the minor. Course deficiencies can be completed at accredited colleges and universities approved in advance by the Department Chair. Details of conditional admission will be stated in the student's letter of admission. Courses identified as deficiencies are in addition to the 54 quarter hours required for graduation. Leave of AbsenceStudents who are not able to maintain normal progress in pursuing their degrees may request a leave of absence by contacting the Dean of the Graduate School. A leave of Absence is normally granted for up to one year, but may be extended, at the discretion of the Dean. WithdrawalStudents who do not intend to complete their degree program are requested to complete a formal petition for withdrawal. Students who are contemplating withdrawal should contact the Dean. ReadmissionStudents who have withdrawn from the Graduate School and desire to return must submit a new application along with new references and transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended since leaving the Graduate School. Applications for readmission will be reviewed by the Admission Committee, and applicants will be notified by the Dean. Graduation RequirementsIntroductionStudents are expected to complete all requirements for graduation that are in place at the time of matriculation. Students who choose to change minors after matriculating will need to meet the graduation requirements associated with the new minor. Such a decision may extend the time needed to complete degree requirements. Normal Progress and Time LimitStudents who complete three courses per year are considered to be making normal progress. Students who fail to take at least one course in two consecutive quarters may need to re-apply for admission and be subject to the degree requirements in place at the time of this subsequent matriculation. Regardless of students’ registration frequency, the maximum length of time allowed for completion of all degree requirements is six years. Graduation PoliciesComplete at least 54 quarter hours (equals 36 semester units) of graduate coursework that are distributed in the following ways:
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; Present a Science Paper of publishable quality; Pass a comprehensive examination over the curricular content. |
* Pursuant to California and Federal law, ICRGS currently offers an M.S. in Science Education, mostly online, to qualified students who are not Texas residents. ICR is currently examining its legal options regarding how it can best serve the educational "gaps" of Texas residents.