MA in Geosciences

Degree Overview

WGU Indiana's master’s degree program in Science Education will take your teaching career to the next level. The specialized program will provide you with the professional development needed to teach high school earth science using advanced methods. The knowledge gained from your studies will help you become a more effective educator.

Who the program is for:

• Licensed teachers with a bachelor’s degree who wish to earn an earth science master’s degree to enhance their skills.
• Individuals who can typically spend 15 or more hours per week on their studies.

Note: As part of Western Governors University, WGU Indiana is NCATE accredited.

Your Program of Study

In the Science Education master’s program, you will learn the skills essential to becoming a qualified high school earth sciences (geosciences) teacher. The program is comprised of three domains of study and the completion of a teacher work sample. Your curriculum’s subject areas include:

• Natural Science
• General Science Content
• Advanced Geosciences Content

The complete M.A. program consists of 33 Competency Units (CUs; i.e., credit equivalents).

Note: The program includes a home science lab, allowing you to complete experiments at home. The laboratory kit includes the following materials:

• Lab manual
• Science equipment
• Specimens
• Supplies
• Chemicals

More details about your challenging course of study

View the Program Guide (PDF)

Tuition and Fees

Basic Tuition: $2,890 per six-month term
Resource Fee: $145 per six-month term (non-refundable)
Application Fee: $65 (one time)
Science Lab Fee: $350 (one time)

Learn more about Tuition and Fees

Unlike schools that charge tuition based on credit hours, WGU Indiana focuses on the time needed to complete your entire degree rather than each course individually. WGU Indiana’s six-month terms are billed at a flat-rate tuition fee. Your tuition covers the minimum "full-time load" of eight Competency Units (CUs) for graduate students, as well as all coursework attempted in that time. WGU Indiana allows students to work at a pace that’s comfortable for which to complete a full-time course load. During each term, you may complete as many or as few competency units as you like; the same flat rate applies. The faster you complete your degree program, the more money you’ll save.

Tuition compares favorably to the rates of Indiana state universities. Our tuition is also typically half what other online universities charge. At WGU Indiana, you enjoy the cost savings of a nonprofit university.

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. Learn more about financial aid

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The WGU Indiana Advantage

In partnership with the state of Indiana, WGU Indiana leverages Western Governors University’s unique, competency-based approach to education; we measure learning rather than credit hours. As a result, your progress is based on your demonstration of essential skills and knowledge in earth science (geoscience) education.

As a student, you’ll receive a top-notch education through our curriculum, learning resources, mentoring, and student services provided by WGU Indiana. You will also enjoy the advantages of:

• Superior learning resources. You will have access to all of WGU Indiana’s courses of study, learning modules, e-textbooks, tutorials, and simulations as you complete your program.
• Personal support from a dedicated mentor. You will have the support of a mentor who will guide you throughout your WGU Indiana program.
• Online communities from Indiana and WGU's national student community. You will have access to WGU Indiana’s robust student community and interact with students located in Indiana and throughout the U.S.
• Flexible online degrees that fit your lifestyle. Learning can occur anywhere and at any time. WGU Indiana allows you to establish your own pace to complete your rigorous program and create a schedule that works for you.

One of the best values in Indiana higher education, at WGU Indiana you can expect to earn a relevant degree on your schedule and within your budget.

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Time to Completion

WGU Indiana’s degree programs are competency-based; therefore, the time needed to complete your degree depends on your individual pace and how quickly you take and pass the required assessments. Many students progress faster than the average pace (described below) designed into each program. However, accomplishing this task isn’t easy.

Standard Time to Completion: 2 to 2½ years.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor for a personalized estimate of your time to completion.

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WGU Indiana Admission Process

To enroll into WGU Indiana’s Science Education master’s degree program, you must:

• Apply for admission.
• Be an Indiana resident and provide proof of residence.
• Possess and provide proof of earning a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Possess a valid teaching license.
• Show proof of having completed both a College Algebra course and a Natural Science course with labe component (in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Geosciences) with a grade of C or better.
• Complete a WGU Indiana Collegiate Readiness Assessment. This test helps determine your likelihood for success in a WGU Indiana degree program.
• Complete an Intake Interview with your Enrollment Counselor to assess whether your background is a "fit" with WGU Indiana's expectations.

More info about Admissions

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