Chemistry (M.S.) - Chemical Education Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Matthew Miller, Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Health and Science Center 131, Box 2202
605-688-5151

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of AP curriculum: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of topics in the Advanced Placement curriculum in chemistry. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
  1. Students will be able to explain atomic theory.
  2. Students will be able to describe bonding and intermolecular forces.
  3. Students will be able to explain phases of matter.
  4. Students will be able to explain thermodynamics and equilibria.
  5. Students will be able to describe kinetics.
  6. Students will demonstrate an understanding of electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic and biochemistry.
• Apply content knowledge toward teaching: Students will apply content knowledge toward teaching and critique their approaches toward teaching various chemistry topics.
• Action research project: Students will investigate the learning environment in their classroom via an action research project.
• Make discipline accessible and meaningful: Students will use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he/she teaches and create learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Prepare plans of instruction to support all students: Students will prepare plans of instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)

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 Avera Health and Science Center, which provides 100,000 sq. ft. of research and instructional space.