Division of Natural Sciences
Mission Statement: The Natural Sciences Division provides curricula fulfilling general education and degree requirements. Our undergraduate, pre-professional, and graduate programs provide our students with the rigorous intellectual and practical skills necessary for career preparation and personal success. Faculty are devoted to preparing MBU students for meaningful lives, which aligns with the University’s transformational purpose. The division and its faculty are committed to professionalism and excellence within the framework of a Christian worldview and the overarching mission of the University.
Overview
The online Master of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics Education program is designed to provide a flexible path to expand the student’s impact in the classroom in less than two years, as students work full-time.
Each of the program’s curriculum will help students gain a deeper and broader understanding of some relevant topics in biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Curriculum development, instructional theory, and pedagogy will be discussed in the education-focused courses and investigation of these topics will be encouraged with reflection and critical inquiry. Students will learn to utilize technology efficiently to facilitate collaboration and participation in the knowledge building process. Resources will be provided to help students make changes in their teaching skills and to boost student learning and engagement in their classrooms.
The Division of Natural Sciences provides educators with new and innovative scientific teaching strategies and methodologies that will help them establish a solid foundation for their students in society.
Biology Education
Mission Statement: The Master of Science in Biology Education (MS) program’s purpose is to provide a high-quality, affordable, and student-oriented degree in biology education for educators who want to expand and refresh their subject knowledge, do research on biology learning, and expand their pedagogical approaches. Students will take 30 semester hours of fundamental biology, biology education, and professional education courses. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective, in accordance with the University’s overall mission.
Chemistry Education
Mission Statement: The Master of Science in Chemistry Education (MS) program’s goal is to deliver a high-quality, affordable, flexible, and student-centered master’s degree in chemistry and applied science education that will improve science teaching and learning for both educators and students. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective, in accordance with the University’s overall mission. Students will study 30 semester hours of chemistry, chemistry education, and professional education core curriculum courses. This curriculum emphasizes scientific learning strategies and instructional methods.
Mathematics Education
Mission Statement: The Master of Science in Mathematics Education (MS) program’s objective is to deliver a superior quality, accessible, adaptable, and learner-centered education at the graduate level in mathematics education that will improve mathematics teaching and learning for both educators and students. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective, in accordance with the University’s overall mission. Students will take 30 semester hours of core curriculum mathematics, mathematics education, and professional education courses. The emphasis of this curriculum is on scientific learning processes and teaching approaches.
Summary of the Master’s Degree Process
To earn either the MS in Biology Education, Chemistry Education or Mathematics Education, a student must complete each of the following steps:
- The student must develop a comprehensive plan of study with the Graduate Advisor.
- The student must complete all coursework included in the plan of study.
- An Application for Graduation, signed by the student, Graduate Advisor, and Vice President for Graduate Studies, must be filed with the Graduate Office and the Records Office in the semester prior to the term in which the student intends to graduate.
- Students must pay the required graduation fee. All graduate candidates for graduation during an academic year – Fall/Winter, Spring, and Summer – are encouraged to attend the commencement exercises which are held at the close of the Spring Semester. Students must notify the Vice President for Graduate Studies and the Director of Records if they choose not to participate. Students must pay the graduation fee whether they attend commencement or not.Graduate students must have all work completed to have a degree conferred to participate in the ceremony but not to participate in the ceremony.
- All graduate students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average to graduate from the program.
Transfer Students and Transfer Credit
Transfer credits must have been earned within the seven (7) years prior to entry into the Graduate Studies Program. Transfer credits must be approved by the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and the Program Director and must have grades of “A,” or “B.” Courses that are not deemed suitable for graduate business electives or core class substitution or were not earned from an accredited university or college, will not be approved. Students may not take courses from other graduate programs while enrolled at Missouri Baptist without written approval from the Vice President for Graduate Studies.
Students entering the Master of Science in Biology Education, Chemistry Education or Mathematics Education degree programs may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits into the Missouri Baptist University Graduate Studies Program from another regionally accredited college or university. The total hours transferred to Missouri Baptist, including courses from other programs while enrolled, may not exceed six (6) hours.
The University only recognizes institutions accredited by the current edition of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education published by the CHEA and the American Council on Education.
Exit Examination
The Master of Science in Biology Education, Chemistry Education or Mathematics Education degrees do not require an exit exam.
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