Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education

New Cohort will Begin Fall 2026; Applications due July 1, 2026

To be admitted to this program, applicants' primary residence must be in the State of California. Admitted students must reside in California for the duration of the program.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education program has the following features:

• Classes taken as a cohort with guaranteed enrollment
• Two-year program; one night per week (Tues. 4:00 - 6:45 pm and 7:00 - 9:45 pm)
• Curriculum designed for secondary science teachers
• Emphasis on both theory and practice
• Innovative techniques and activities in science
• Integration of technology in the teaching of science
• Action Research to improve teaching in the classroom
• Collaboration with colleagues to improve teaching
• Additional opportunities for professional development

Course of Study

The program comprises 10 courses (30 units): 8 program courses and 2 electives. Program classes meet from 4:00 – 6:45 pm and 7:00 – 9:45 pm every Tuesday for four semesters. The two elective courses, in science, subjects related to science, or education, are normally taken during the two-year program; some students may be able to substitute courses taken prior to this program (e.g., in a recent CSUN teaching-credential program) for these two electives. All students complete a masters’ portfolio that includes a significant original project (thesis-like).

FIRST SEMESTER

• SED 616 Computer Supported Collaborative Science
• SED 625SC Theory & Research in the Teaching of Science

SECOND SEMESTER

• SED 600 Research in Secondary Education
• SED 656 Computers in Science Teaching

THIRD SEMESTER

• SED 676 Advanced Laboratory Curriculum Development 
• SED 690SC Advanced Research in Science Education

FOURTH SEMESTER

• SED 610SC Leadership in Science Education
• SED 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies

Two Required Elective Courses (6 units)

For program completion, six (6) units of credential program, transfer, or other qualified coursework are needed. If you completed your credential program at CSUN within the past five (5) years, you may be able to apply two of your credential courses to meet this requirement. Graduate courses or post-baccalaureate credential courses from other institutions may also be eligible substitutions for these electives.

Coursework at the time of graduation cannot be more than seven (7) years old. Candidates in the program without these units, in consultation with the program directors, may enroll in an Independent Study or other appropriate coursework during the summer or regular semesters.