Chemistry (M.S.) - Chemical Education Specialization

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Matthew Miller, Graduate Program Coordinator 
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Health Science Center 131, Box 2202
605-688-5154
E-mail: gradchem@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/chem

Program Information
In addition to a traditional thesis-based (Option A) M.S. degree, the Department also offers a predominantly on-line M.S. in chemistry in chemical education. This is a non-thesis (Option B) degree that focuses on the content necessary for practicing high school teachers to achieve highly qualified status. Admission in this program is limited to in-service high school/college science teachers; students interested in the thesis-based M.S. degree in chemical education should specify this on the application for admission.

Course Delivery Format
The M.S. in Chemistry – Chemical Education Specialization, is a largely online program for course offerings. As such, the content coursework is delivered via online format. In this format, individualized coursework and discussion methods are used to encourage discourse on content as it relates to teaching high school science. In summer, students participate in laboratory development exercises with research active faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, providing practical skills development. Additionally, students learn about research skills for the classroom to engage in a year-long action research project.

Facilities and Services
The Department is housed in the newly constructed Avera Health Science Center South and newly renovated Avera Health and Science Center North. Combined, these connected facilities provide 100,000 sq. ft. of research and instructional space.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Option B - Research/Design Paper

32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

CHEM 770 - Atomic Theory & Bonding Credits: 3
CHEM 771 - Intermolecular Interactions & Phases of Matter Credits: 3
CHEM 772 - Thermodynamics Credits: 3
CHEM 773 - Equilibria & Acid-Base Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 774 - Kinetics, Nuclear, & Electrochemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 775 - Organic & Biochemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 776 - Laboratory Development Credits: 3 (6 credits required) (Must be taken twice for 3 credits each session.)
CHEM 777 - Action Research in the Secondary Classroom Credits: 2
CHEM 778 - Chemistry Teaching Strategies Credits: 3
CHEM 788 - Research Problems in the Chemistry Classroom Credits: 1-2 (Must be taken twice, once for 1 credit, the second for 2 credits.)

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Score of 580 paper-based, 92-93 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Applications are accepted both fall and spring for the M.S. in Chemistry – Chemical Education Specialization. Contact Dr. Matthew Miller for information.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .