Science in Education Program
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
3. Do I need to know a lot of science to take this course?
4. I am not a teacher, but want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
5. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
6. I was a teacher for many years, but am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
7. I teach high school, but I notice this is a K-8 program. Is this a good fit for me?
8. Are you a fully accredited institution?
9. How much does the program cost?
10. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
11. How big are the "classrooms?"
12. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
13. How are study groups formed?
14. How are classes actually conducted? Do I need to be online at certain "class" times?
15. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
16. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
17. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
18. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
19. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term’s start date and I don’t think I can have all of my application materials here in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted and matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
20. I am not interested in completing a Master’s degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?
21. Can I earn CEUs and/or Professional Development Points (PDPs) by taking Science in Education courses?

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?

Generally students take courses for six consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer). The program of 11 courses for a total of 33 graduate credits is delivered completely online and can be finished in as quickly as two years.

A sample schedule:

1st Semester: Try Science Course (3 credits)
2nd Semester: Investigating Physics Module (6 credits)
3rd Semester: Biology Explorations Module (6 credits)
4th Semester: Earth Science from a New Perspective Module (6 credits)
5th Semester: Ecology Module (6 credits)
6th Semester: Engineering Module (6 credits)

Or, if the program is started during a summer semester (when teachers are typically not working):

1st Semester: Try Science Course (3 credits), and Investigating Physics Module (6 credits)
2nd Semester: Biology Explorations Module (6 credits)
3rd Semester: Ecology Module (6 credits)
4th Semester: Earth Science from a New Perspective Module (6 credits
5th Semester: Engineering (6 credits)

The program of study and course descriptions can be found here: http://www.lesley.edu/soe/science/pos_and_descriptions.html

2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
We have many students who are teaching in the private sector who are not licensed or certified. Eligible candidates are students who have practical teaching experience in grades 1-8.

3. Do I need to know a lot of science to take this course?
No, this program was designed to 'reopen' the door to science for educators who might not have a strong science background. These are graduate level science courses where participants develop a deep understanding of science concepts using the scientific method of inquiry to explore science 'puzzles.' Students work 'as scientists' and reach conclusions based on the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data generated from experiments conducted with the materials supplied in the kits. Participants with more extensive science training report that the program is intriguing as well as challenging because the inquiry approach forces them to discover what they truly understand about specific science phenomena.

4. I am not a teacher, but want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
No, this is not the right program for you. Lesley University offers many programs in diverse formats that are designed for people who want to become teachers. You can find out more about these programs by contacting the Customer Care Team in the Graduate and Adult Baccalaureate Admissions Office. Their contact information and office hours can be found here: http://www.lesley.edu/grad_admiss/contact.html

5. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
The fully online Science in Education M.Ed. program will assist in advancing the following teaching licenses as referenced below:

**In Massachusetts, if you hold an Initial License in Elementary Education (1-6), the Science in Education M.Ed. is an approved program to lead you to Professional Licensure.

**In Massachusetts, if you hold an Initial License in Middle School General Science (5-8), the Science in Education M.Ed. is an approved program to lead you to Professional Licensure.

Our experience with a diverse and geographically widespread population of students tells us that we oftentimes satisfy a wide range of state requirements. We strongly encourage you to approach your local Department of Education, or licensing and certification organization, with our accreditation information, program of study, and course descriptions to ask if our program will help to advance your existing license or certification, etc. (We suggest obtaining their approval in writing.) These documents can be printed directly from our website:

Accreditation (by N.E.A.S.C.): http://www.lesley.edu/accreditation.html
Program of Study and Course Descriptions: http://www.lesley.edu/soe/science/pos_and_descriptions.html

** In Massachusetts other requirements beyond an approved Master’s program must also be completed to obtain professional licensure, such as teaching under your existing license for three years, and being in a formal mentoring program. For more information, you can contact the Massachusetts Department of Education directly http://www.doe.mass.edu//educators/, or contact the Lesley University certification office for assistance http://www.lesley.edu/certification.html.

6. I was a teacher for many years, but am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
Some of the coursework includes projects which require the use of a classroom. Students who are on a leave from teaching must foster a relationship with a local school (grades 1-8) and arrange to borrow and/or visit a classroom from time to time. Most schools are open to this.

7. I teach high school, but I notice this is a K-8 program. Is this a good fit for me?
No. The curriculum is specific to 1-8.

8. Are you a fully accredited institution?
Yes. Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (N.E.A.S.C) and is affiliated with other organizations as well. Please visit our accreditation web page for more information: http://www.lesley.edu/accreditation.html

9. How much does the program cost?
Tuition is currently $465.00 per credit and there is a $30.00 technology fee per course so each course costs $1,425.00. This translates to approximately $15,675.00 in tuition. Note that tuition is subject to annual review which typically occurs in the summer.

Additional materials fees, ranging from $75 to $220, cover science kit materials and copyright permission fees for online articles that are necessary for the program. A $30 per semester registration fee will also apply. Students are responsible for registration and payment on a semester by semester basis.

Some modules require the purchase of textbooks. Cost of textbooks range from $45 to $80, depending upon the course.

10. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
The most important technical requirements for online coursework are access to a high-speed, reliable internet connection (dial up is problematic) and an email address you can check daily. Students can work either with a PC or a Macintosh operating system (preferably with 512 MB of memory and a CD-RW drive. Students should also have some form of antivirus software loaded on their computers. Some content-specific software will be required throughout the program; students will be given information on how to purchase it prior to the start of each course. Students may also need access to a scanner.

Specific Software Needed:
Microsoft Office version 2000+ (contains Word, Excel, and Power-Point)
Fathom Dynamic Data Software (Key Curriculum) (The student version is ~ $45.00.)
World Watcher (download-able free from the web)

It is essential that students downlaod firefox as their browser. This is a free browser and can be downloaded at: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Lesley University students are eligible to receive discounts etc. on computers and software alike. For more information: http://www.lesley.edu/ut/academic/stu_purchase.html

11. How big are the "classrooms?"
Small classrooms and personal attention is an important part of our teaching philosophy; class size is capped at 20. Students work collaboratively in groups of 5 to 7 participants. Each course module is team taught by two instructors: (a) a scientist well versed in the science domain of the given module who guides participants in their acquisition of key science content, skills, and values, and (b) a science educator who supports participants as they consider pedagogical strategies for bringing science inquiry into their classrooms.

12. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
Students who are actively teaching should not take more than two courses (one module) in a semester. Two courses in a semester (6 credits) translates to roughly 12-17 hours of work each week, give or take a few hours depending on projects and assignments.

13. How are study groups formed?
We are interested in enrolling two to five people from the same geographic area in the Try Science course. The reason for creating local study groups is so participants can meet face-to-face and support each other in their learning.

If you are interested in enrolling, we encourage you to share this information with colleagues from your school or district who also may be interested in taking the course. Don't worry if you are not able to create a local group. Participants who do not have local colleagues in the course will become part of virtual study groups whose members come from different states (and occasionally from overseas).

14. How are classes actually conducted? Do I need to be online at certain "class" times?
No. These are asynchronous courses. You do not need to be online at a particular time. That means you arrange your study times to fit your personal schedule. We ask that participants login on Fridays to pick up the weekly assignments, and then participate in the discussion forums twice during the week (again, asynchronously).

Much of your coursework will be offline and completely away from your computer. You will carry out investigations (perhaps in your kitchen or outdoors), try ideas in your classroom or with children, read related articles about science or teaching, and do searches on the web or in the library for additional information.

15. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
Being away from class for a week or more is problematic. The online program is not an independent study program; it is very much a classroom environment. While the courses are asynchronous, you still must be present each week and follow the rhythm of the class. If a situation arises, such as a family crisis or illness, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face to face course).

16. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
Lesley University may allow a transfer of up to 6 credits from an appropriately accredited institution that are graduate level, and that are relevant to the program of study. Please refer to our policy on transfers from our web pages: http://www.lesley.edu/policies/catalog/transfer_credits.html

17. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
The GRE is not required.

Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. If financial aid is a concern however, dates should be paid attention to with respect to when you want to begin your program (meaning you should apply well enough in advance of the starting semester to have your aid award in time).

The online program follows a traditional semester format: Fall starting at the beginning of September, Spring starting in mid to late January (sometimes early February), and Summer starting in the beginning of June.

Application to the program requires:
* Completed and signed application form - http://web.lesley.edu/admissions/application/
* 2 Letters of Recommendation http://www.lesley.edu/offcampus/content_overview/np_recomm_form_0506.pdf
* A $50.00 application fee (can be paid online via the online application)
* Official Transcripts (undergraduate, and any post-baccalaureate work)
* A two page written personal statement (guidelines outlined in the application instructions)
* A copy of any teaching licenses or certifications you hold (mailed or faxed)
Lesley University
Office of National Programs
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Fax. 617-349-8391

Note: International students may have to submit TOEFL Scores. Official transcripts from a non-US institution are subject to an equivalency evaluation. Questions about applying as an international student should be directed to the Assistant Director of International Admssions, Andrea Silva: asilva4@lesley.edu or 617.349.8646.

18. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
Fully accepted students who are enrolled at least part time (i.e. minimum of 6 credits, which is two courses, per semester), are eligible for financial aid. Graduate and professional degree candidates may qualify for up to $20,500 per academic year (2007-08). Please visit our Financial Aid web pages for more information: http://www.lesley.edu/financial.html

Since the program begins with a three credit course, Try Science, financial aid will not be available to cover this course, however if this is a financial challenge for you:

* If you start the program in the summer you can enroll in the Try Science course and the Physics module for a total of 9 credits. This will satisfy the 6 credit minimum for financial aid eligibility.

* If you start the program in the fall or spring, we can suggest taking an additional three credit online course that is relevant to the program but will not count towards the degree. This will satisfy the 6 credit minimum for financial aid eligibility…
or…
…a deferred payment plan is available at Tuition Management Systems. For more information, visit the Student Accounts web pages at http://www.lesley.edu/services/bursar/payment_plans.html

19. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term’s start date and I don’t think I can have all of my application materials here in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted and matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
Lesley University allows prospective students to take up to two courses (a total of 6 credits) prior to matriculating into the program.

Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll.
Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu

Financial aid is only available to students who are fully accepted into the degree program, however, as previously mentioned, Lesley University has payment plan options. More information about this can be found on our Student Account web pages: http://www.lesley.edu/services/bursar/payment_plans.html

20. I am not interested in completing a Master’s degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?
Probably, however some courses have pre-requisites and also may require some specific skills. Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll.
Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu

21. Can I earn CEUs and/or Professional Development Points (PDPs) by taking Science in Education courses?
You will earn graduate credits for these courses (for example: Try Science is a three credit course). Therefore, we will not be issuing PDPs or CEUs for your involvement.