CAGS in Science Education

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program is designed for self-directed, continuous learners who have earned master’s degrees and desire to deepen their knowledge and skills in pursuit of a leadership role in science education. In addition to four core courses, students in the CAGS program can choose up to 16 elective credits from courses throughout Boston University to craft a program that meets their unique leadership goals.

The science program at the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development works toward promoting a responsible, closely knit learning community determined to make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers. We are particularly concerned with the need to prepare leaders in science education that will support the foundations of sound scientific literacy and scientific ways of thinking through scholarly leadership in pedagogy, policy, and equitable practices.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate a deep foundational understanding of the history, learning theory, and practice of science education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of teaching and learning that reflects a mastery of relevant research and best practices in science education.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the science education literature related to a relevant topic in science education.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to accurately evaluate the validity, significance, and impact of selected research in science education.

Coursework and Requirements (32 credits)

Core Coursework (16 cr)

• One course in Research (4 cr)
• Three courses in Curriculum and Teaching (12 cr)

Elective Coursework (16 cr)

Students select four elective courses for a total of 16 credits. Elective coursework is chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. With advisor approval, electives may include courses at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Comprehensive Examination

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is also required as partial fulfillment of the CAGS degree program.