PSU offers four new master’s degrees in science
Plymouth State University Graduate Studies has expanded its offerings with four new master’s degrees in science: an M.A.T. degree in science and M.S. degrees in science education, applied meteorology and environmental science and policy. Approved in June by the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees, the first students were able to enroll for the fall semester.
Two of the degrees, the M.S. in science education and the M.A.T. in science will allow current teachers, and holders of undergraduate degrees in science who aspire to become teachers, to pursue specialized graduate study. The Master of Science in science education is intended for middle and high school teachers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in science, elementary school teachers with a bachelor’s degree and the equivalent of a minor in science, and teachers working toward state certification.
The Master of Arts in Teaching in science features advanced work in science along with courses and experiences required for teacher certification. The M.A.T. is a way for someone with a considerable undergraduate science background but no previous course work in education to become certified by the state of New Hampshire.
According to Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies Dennise Maslakowski, “the programs promote science learning through innovative methods for the classroom, laboratory and field, and include authentic assessment strategies. Both degrees are based on the research, goals, vision and best practices derived from the science education community.”
The trustees also approved Master of Science degrees in applied meteorology and in environmental science and policy.
Dr. James Koermer, professor of meteorology and director of the Judd Gregg Meteorology Institute at Plymouth State says, “The field of meteorology has experienced explosive growth in knowledge because of recent technological advances. Students in the M.S. program will receive much greater depth in specific areas of applied meteorology (such as satellite, radar, air quality and transportation). Employers are seeking meteorologists with a more advanced background than can be provided by an undergraduate program.”
The M.S. in environmental science and policy will prepare future scientists and resource managers with the interdisciplinary competence for career opportunities in industry, government, non-profit organizations and academia. The programs will focus on interrelated chemical, physical, biological and socio-cultural topics that drive environmental policy and management.
Dr. J. Stephen Kahl, director of the Center for the Environment at Plymouth State University says, “As part of the regional mission of PSU, the M.S. in environmental science and policy will focus on applied environmental problems of a regional nature. The program will be strongly field based, concentrating on applied environmental science, policy and science translation; preparing students for a broad range of careers. We anticipate that several graduate research fellowships will soon be available.”
For information about the new Master of Science degrees and other graduate programs at Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu/graded or call 1-800-FOR-GRAD. —Betsy Cheney
