Master of Science Teaching (MST) Degree

Rice University

Program Learning Outcomes for the MST Degree

Upon completing the MST degree, students will be able to:

1. Solve problems based on Kepler's Laws and Newton's Laws using non-calculus mathematical techniques.
2. Demonstrate best practices for teaching scientific content.
3. Present an oral report on a scientific topic using presentation software such as Powerpoint.
4. Learn how to use scientific and astronomical equipment such as telescopes, digital cameras, GPS, and electronic devices, including multimeters, and/or portable planetariums.
5. Prepare a Final Project, which will include scientific research, educational research, and/or curriculum creation or analysis.

Students pursuing the MST degree must complete:

• A minimum of 30 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (coursework at the 500-level or above).
• A minimum of 24 credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
• A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of part-time graduate study at Rice University.
• A minimum of 15 credit hours from Content or Content/Skills Courses.
• A final project. Students will prepare a final project which will include scientific research, educational research, and/or curriculum creation or analysis.
• The requirements for one area of specialization. The MST degree program offers nine areas of specialization1:
  • Astronomy, or
  • Computer Science, or
  • Earth Science, or
  • Engineering, or
  • Informal Science, or
  • Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), or
  • Mathematics, or
  • Middle School Science, or
  • Physics.