FAQ for MSSCP

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Frequently Asked Questions
MSSCP

What is the Master of Science in Science Content and Process?: The MSSCP is a degree program unique to Benedictine University. Developed by Benedictine and its partners, Brookfield Zoo, DuPage County Forest Preserve District, Fermilab, Golden Apple Foundation and Morton Arboretum, the MSSCP is based on the inquiry approach to teaching science developed by Golden Apple teachers for a workshop offered at Benedictine for many years. A version of that workshop designed specifically for the MSSCP is the first course of the program. The remaining courses are offered by the other partner institutions and Benedictine University.
How does the MSSCP program run?: We will accept twenty-four students each year. The program will take two years to complete. Each term (fall, spring, summer), participants will take two courses that will be offered sequentially. Courses during the fall and spring will be offered on weekday evenings (starting at 6 PM) and if the course has a lab or an outdoor experience, some number of Saturdays will also be required. Courses offered in the summer will be during the day and accelerated: the first course-Pedagogy of Inquiry Science Teaching will be held the third week of June (8 AM -4:30 PM, M-F), Basic Physics will be held the third week of July, with the same time schedule.
What is a cohort?: All the participants will take the courses together and in the same sequence. If a student drops out of the program, they would not be able to restart until the next cohort begins.
What's the tuition?: The program costs $630/credit hour. Each course is three credit hours and there are twelve courses in the program. There are a number of ways to make tuition payments and students enrolled in the program are considered full time graduate students and therefore eligible for federal and State education loans. Tuition will be charged by the semester and so a bill will reflect the cost of two courses: $630 x 6 hours. The application fee for this program ($40) is being waived by Benedictine. The cost of the MSSCP is comparable to other degree programs.
Where are the courses taught?: Courses are taught at the partner organizations. When Brookfield Zoo is teaching the course, the course is taught at Brookfield Zoo. The same is true for the forest preserve courses- offered at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook - with visits to many other forest preserves, those at Fermilab, and at the Morton Arboretum. All other courses will be taught at Benedictine.
Is there a thesis requirement?: No, but all participants will complete a research internship with a scientist. This is the only requirement that can be completed at any time during the program. We will provide a listing of experiences at the Brookfield Zoo, the Forest Preserve, and Benedictine University that you can chose from to complete this requirement. Plan on spending 45 hours completing this experience.
What courses are offered in the fall 2006?: Prehistoric Life and Animal Behavior Spring 2007?
Plant Functions and Zoology. Summer 2007?
Field Ecology and Research.
Who can enroll in the program?: Teachers and informal educators.
What would I be committing to?: Two years of courses, every semester, including the summer. The first summer there will be two courses. The second summer, one course is scheduled, and we assume most will take their research internship at this time.
Will there be lots of homework?: This will vary from course to course but most courses will ask you to apply what you are learning directly in your classroom and report out how it is working.
What degree will I earn?: A Master of Science offered through the College of Science. We have applied to the State Board of Higher Education for an endorsement that participants who complete the degree will receive the endorsement of a "highly qualified teacher" in biological or general science.
Why should I enroll?: This program will provide a unique experience for participants because all of the courses will be based on the inquiry model introduced in the first class. You will develop your own expertise as an inquiry science teacher by the time you finish your degree. The program will be very hands-on, with lots of direct, real-world experiences and materials and activities you can use with your students. You'll acquire first hand knowledge of the wealth of resources available through the partner sites. You will also be working with and learning from accomplished scientists and naturalists and some of the finest science educators in the country. Finally, many teachers enjoy completing a Masters within a supportive cohort of colleagues, individuals who can become like a second family over time. At the end you will be designated highly qualified to teach science in the state of Illinois. Why not be among the first to experience a new kind of Masters Degree tailored specifically to your needs as an elementary science teacher who wants to master exciting approaches to teaching science while learning more about the science content areas covered in the Illinois Standards?

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Last Updated August 23, 2007