For inquiries about the admissions process or to have information on any of these programs sent to you, please contact the Enrollment Center at (630) 829-6300, submit an information request or visit www.ben.edu/admissions/graduate (will open in a new window).

Master of Science in Science Content and Process (M.S.S.C.P.)

Introduction
Benedictine University, in partnership with Brookfield Zoo, Fermilab, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, The Morton Arboretum, and the Golden Apple Foundation, has developed a Master of Science degree in Science Content and Process.

The degree program provides K-9 teachers and other science educators integrated content knowledge in general science utilizing the resources of the local scientific community. Participants will use the pedagogy of inquiry-based learning and knowledge of technology to create an effective teaching/learning environment for science education. This program is intended for those teachers who want to increase their science knowledge and confidence in science teaching.

This program is unique in that courses are taught at Benedictine University and the partner organizations. Participants in the program are immersed in learning opportunities available at each of these sites and will complete research internships with scientists at the host organizations in order to better understand the process of science and the rewards for doing it well.

Designed for the working professional, the degree program is taught in a cohort model that meets evenings and some Saturdays during the academic year. Day courses will take place during the summer. Teachers can manage full-time employment while completing the degree in two years. Each cohort begins the third week of June.

There will be only one cohort of twenty-four students each year. Admission to the degree program must be completed before the first course begins in June. Applicants must hold a valid teaching certificate or work as a science educator

Overview
-Integrate general science content using themes of regional biodiversity and systems interactions
-Provide content based on national and Illinois science learning standards
-Develop inquiry-based teaching practices that promote learning of scientific content
-Build self confidence in science knowledge and teaching
understand and use technology in investigations and analysis
-Increase the use of the educational facilities of the partnership organizations

Curriculum
The program requires 33 semester hours of graduate coursework.

Core
MSSCP 501 Pedagogy of Inquiry Science Teaching
MSSCP 503 Nature of Science
MSSCP 504 Research Internship

Content
MSSCP 510 Zoology (Brookfield Zoo)
MSSCP 512 Animal Behavior (Brookfield Zoo)
MSSCP 515 Field Ecology and Management (Mays Lake Forest Preserve District of DuPage County)
MSSCP 517 Environmental Science (The Morton Arboretum)
MSSCP 518 Prehistoric Life (Mays Lake Forest Preserve District of DuPage County)
MSSCP 520 Basic Physics (Fermi Lab)
MSSCP 522 Astronomy (Benedictine University)
MSSCP 524 Human Biology and Nutrition (Benedictine University)

Faculty
John Mickus, Ph.D.
Professor, Biological Sciences
B.S., 1964, Loyola University [Chicago]; M.A., 1967, Ph.D., 1972, Southern Illinois University

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