The Department of Education in Science and Technology Graduate Studies M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs January 2013
Table of Contents 1. Overview: M.Sc. and Ph.D. Graduate Studies programs in Science and Technology Education 2. Requirements for the Master's Degree 2.1 Acceptance criteria 2.2 Course credits required by the Master's program 2.2.1 Requirements for "Master of Science in Science and Technology Education" (with thesis) 2.2.2 Requirements for "Master of Education in Technology and Science (M.Ed)" (without thesis) 3. Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 3.1 Ph.D. program requirements 3.2 Requirements for the regular Ph.D. (for students with master's degrees) 3.3 Requirements for the direct Ph.D. program (for M.Sc. students) For further information contact: Mrs. Shikma Kalfon Department of Science and Technology Education Secretary Sherman Building, Technion Campus, Haifa 32000 Tel: 04-8293108, Fax: 04-8295634 Department Website: http://edu.technion.ac.il
1. Overview: M.Sc. and Ph.D. Graduate Studies programs in Science and Technology Education In the framework of its graduate studies (M.Sc. and Ph.D.), the Department of Education in Science and Technology offers the following specializations with emphasis on STEM content or related aspects in: physics education, chemistry education, biology education, mathematics education, computer sciences education, mechanical engineering education, electrical engineering education, environmental education, outdoor learning environments, gifted and excellent pupils, evaluation of educational programs and educational projects, learning sciences, and advanced technologies in education. The advisor tailors a detailed educational program for each student, in accordance with the student's interests, background and chosen specialty. Study track with thesis Educational Programs for the Master's Degree This program includes research and professional studies. The purpose of the master's research is to familiarize the student with research methods and implementation of a research project emphasizing scientific and analytical approaches. Students who complete this track are awarded: - Master of Science in Education in Science and Technology (M.Sc.) if they have or complete a teaching certificate, or - Master of Science (M.Sc.) if they do not have a teaching certificate. Comply with the detailed requirements listed in Section 2.1, accepted are candidates holding a B.A., B.Sc. or B.Ed. (4 year programs only) or B. Tech (4 year program only) in mathematics, computer science, engineering professions, sciences or science education, educational professions, psychology or statistics. The requirements for this track include studying required subjects in accordance with the instructions specified below, conducting research, submitting a research thesis and acceptance of the thesis by the referees during the final examination. Study track without thesis Students who complete this track are awarded a Master of Education in Education in Science and Technology (M.Ed.).
Comply with the detailed requirements listed in Section 2.1, accepted are candidates holding a B.A., B.Sc., B.Ed., (4 year program only) or B. Tech (4 year program only) in mathematics, computer science, sciences, engineering professions, or science education. Candidates in this track are required to study subjects in accordance with the instructions specified below. Candidates in this track are not required to submit a research thesis. Educational Program for the Ph.D. Degree Candidates are awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Regular Doctoral Program: Candidates are accepted in accordance with the detailed requirements outlined in Section 3 for students holding a M.A. or M.Sc. (with thesis) in mathematics, computer science, life sciences, engineering professions, science education and educational professions, psychology and statistics. Direct Doctoral Program: Candidates are accepted in accordance with the detailed requirements outlined in Section 3, who are currently students in the Master's program (with thesis) and have demonstrated excellence in learning and research. Comments All candidates are required to meet the standards/criteria of the School of Graduate Studies (listed in the School of Graduate Studies catalogue). Candidates may receive full or partial scholarships upon available funding.
2. Requirements for the Master's Degree Two tracks are available to obtain the master's degree: With Thesis: Students who earn a Master's degree with thesis are eligible for acceptance to a doctoral program Without Thesis 2.1 Acceptance Criteria In order to be accepted into the Master's program, candidates must meet the following conditions: a. Hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, sciences, engineering professions or science education with an average of 80 percent or higher and high ranking (if required), or graduated with a B.Ed. in Science and Technology with a teaching certificate (for upper high school). b. Hold a Teaching Certificate for upper high school grades (this prerequisite can be completed in parallel only while in the master's program with thesis). c. Have at least two years' experience working as a teacher (or equivalent experience). d. Obtain approval by a program advisor (only for master's program with thesis). Comments Candidates lacking a teaching certificate are required to complete those requirements as delineated in Table 1; Master's candidates following the track with no thesis are required to obtain a teaching certificate prior to their acceptance to the master's degree. The Department of Education in Science and Technology encourages all students to complete the requirements for a teaching certificate (that can be studied in parallel to their master's with thesis studies). In special circumstances, the acceptance committee is authorized to modify acceptance requirements. Additional Requirements B.Sc. graduates from the 4-year program without a teaching certificate can be accepted to a Master's program on condition they complete 12-credits in educational
sciences and science education necessary for the certificate (within the first 3 semesters). B.Sc. and B.A. graduates in 3-year programs without a teaching certificate can be accepted to a Master's program on condition they complete an additional 22-credits in learning sciences/science education and relevant content courses. Students are required to complete these requirements within the first 3 semester (4 semesters for students working towards a teaching certificate). At least 4 credits must be taken from the appropriate science faculty, and the remaining credits in courses on STEM education (course number begin with 216) in accordance with their advisor's recommendations. Students interested in obtaining a teaching certificate are required to complete the required number of credits pertaining to the specific STEM education track (26-30 credits) and to fulfill this obligation within 4 semesters. Candidates with a B.Ed or B.Tech degree (including a teaching certificate) in 4-year programs are required to complete STEM content requirements. These candidates will be accepted on probation and their make-up requirements will be decided upon by the Committee of Graduate Studies. The Committee of Graduate Studies will determine the type and number of make-up courses and any additional requirements, in accordance with the prior background of the candidates.
2.2 Course Credits Required by the Master's Program Where feasible, learning requirements should be eased in accordance with the criteria of the Council for Higher Education ( Ariav Report ). 2.2.1 Requirements for "Master of Science in Science and Technology Education" (with thesis) Table 1 presents the number of credits required for students with different academic backgrounds. If needed, depending on the candidates' profile, additional course credits may be required. Table 1. Study Requirements for the Master's with Thesis Program Background Studies Graduates from the Department of Education in Science and Technology (with teaching certificate) Graduates of 3-year science programs (with teaching certificate) Graduates of 3-year science programs (without teaching certificate) 1 Graduates of 3-year science programs (without teaching certificate) 1 Graduates of 4-year programs in science/engineering, with an additional first degree in Science and Technology Education (with teaching certificate) Prerequisite Credits 12 credits or teaching certificate (26-30 credits) 22 credits or teaching certificate (26-30 credits) Graduate Credits 18 18 18 18 20 32 20 42 16 16 Total Credits Comments - Prerequisites The Committee of Graduate Studies will determine the number of prerequisites needed, and the distribution between educational science and education and content material in science-technology, in accordance with the background of the candidates and advisor's recommendations. Students who lack prerequisite credits will be on probation status until they fulfill these requirements. 1 Students who don't complete a teaching certificate will receive at the end of their studies an M.Sc.
The minimal grade required for completing prerequisites is 80 percent. Prerequisite requirements must be completed within 3 semesters (4 semesters if completing a teaching certificate). Depending on the students' background, additional prerequisites may be required. In order to receive a Master's of Science in Science and Technology Education, students must: a. Fulfill the general requirements of the study program in general and maintain at least a 75 percent average, with no grade below 65 percent in any subject b. Demonstrate knowledge of languages (as required in the catalogue) c. Present a seminar lecture on their research work in the last semester. The lecture must be presented no later than one month before submitting their thesis to the Graduate School d. Submit a research thesis or final project e. Defend the thesis during the examination. Study Requirements 2 Students in this track are required to study professional courses as stated in Table 1, according to the following scheme: Participate in the Department seminar at least six times each semester, during four semesters. Information on upcoming seminars is available on the Department website. Participate in the Seminar on Educational Research ("seminar thesis", 218123 and 218122) at least once Comment: It is recommended to take this seminar once while preparing the research proposal and once while conducting the research. Students cannot sign up during their first semester. 1.0/ Disciplinary courses from the graduate courses offered in the relevant Technion department, after consultation and approval by the student's advisor. One of the following statistics courses: Nonparametric Statistics (097449) Statistics for Managers (098740) Regression (098459) (Students taking the Regression course require a prerequisite course 098744) 4.0 1.5-3.5 2.5 3.5 2 It is possible, with permission from the advisor and Dean of the School for Graduate Studies, to sign up for some courses offered in other Technion faculties or universities.
Two of the following courses in research methods: Foundations of Educational Research (218103) Qualitative Research Methods in Education (218322) Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (218150) Evaluation of Educational Projects (218113) Elective courses after consultation with the advisor. 2.5 2.5 2.2.2 Requirements for "Master of Education in Technology and Science (M.Ed.)" (without thesis) Students accepted to this degree program must have a teaching certificate for one of the STEM subjects for upper high school level: 1. Technion graduates from the Department of Education in Science and Technology 2. Graduates of 3-year science programs with teaching certificates for one of the STEM subjects in high school 3. Graduates of 4-year science/technology programs with teaching certificates for one of the STEM subjects in high school. In order to receive the Master of Education in Technology and Science (M.Ed)" degree students must: a. Fulfill the general requirements of the study program in general and maintain at least a 75 percent average, with no grade below 65 percent in any one subject b. Demonstrate knowledge of languages (as required in the catalogue). Credits Required: 40 credits. Students in this track are required to study professional courses according to the following scheme: Participate in the Department colloquium/seminar at least six times each semester, during four semesters. Information on upcoming seminars is available on the Department website. Study the following subjects: Learning Theories and Curriculum Development (218120) or
Developing Learning Systems for Technology and Engineering (218109) A project developing a study program (in relevant discipline) or A more comprehensive project developing a study program (in relevant discipline) One of the following research methods courses: Evaluation of Educational Projects (218113) Seminar in Science Education Research (218101) or Studies in Mathematics education 1 (218125) Foundations of Educational Research (218103) Qualitative Research Methods in Education (218322) Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (218150) At least two graduate courses in student's area of concentration. Courses will be chosen from the graduate courses offered in the relevant Technion department, after consultation and approval by the student's advisor (see below) Elective courses after consultation with the advisor 3.0 5.0 2.5 2.5 4.0 Comments The remaining credits will be chosen from select graduate courses in the Department, other academic units at the Technion (with permission from the advisor), or from an alternative recognized academic institution (with permission from the advisor and Dean of the School for Graduate Studies) When building the students study program it's important that no more than 24 credits are courses with number - - 6 - - - or - - 7 - - - (common to undergraduate students and graduate students). Courses Recommended for Candidates in the Master's Program (no thesis) Each candidate in the Master's program (no thesis) will complete at least two graduate courses in their area of concentration or a related field. Courses will be chosen from the graduate courses offered in the relevant Technion department, after consultation and approval by the student's advisor, as follows:
Education Track Faculty of Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Computer Science Environmental Sciences Technology-Electrical Engineering Technology-Mechanical Engineering Mathematics Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Food Engineering, BioMedical Engineering Biology, Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science, Industrial Engineering and Management Biology, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Town Planning Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management
3. Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Two educational tracks are available to obtain the Ph.D. degree: Regular Doctoral Program: For candidates holding a Master's degree who meet the acceptance criteria; Direct Doctoral Program: For students in the Master's program (with thesis) who have demonstrated excellence in learning and research. 3.1 Ph.D. program Requirements In order to be accepted to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) program, candidates must fulfill the following conditions: 1. Meet the study requirements as detailed in Section 3.2 or 3.3 2. Demonstrate knowledge of languages (as required in the catalogue) 3. Submit an abstract describing the proposed research 4. Pass the candidates examination 5. Conduct research 6. Present a lecture in the Department seminar 7. Submit a thesis and acceptance of the thesis by the referees 8. Pass the final examination (defense) in good standing 3.2 Requirements for the regular Ph.D. (for students with master's degrees) Acceptance Criteria In order to be accepted to this (regular) Ph.D. program, candidates must meet the following requirements: a. Hold a Master's Degree (with thesis) with a grade of 85 percent or higher, in Science and Technology Education or an equivalent degree b. Obtain their advisor's approval c. Submit three letters of recommendation The acceptance committee is authorized to modify these requirements for special situations / exceptional candidates. Study Requirements Regular Ph.D. candidates are required to complete 8-12 credits in graduate studies. During their studies, students are required to complete as part of their studies three methodology courses chosen from the courses listed below:
Course Name Course # Credits Foundations of Educational Research 218103 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research 218150 2.5 Qualitative Research Methods in Education 218322 2.5 Regression 098459 3.5 The number of study credits is determined based on the criteria below: 1. Candidates with a M.Sc. from the Department of Science and Technology Education at the Technion that completed two of the methodology courses listed above are required to complete 8 graduate credits. 2. Candidates with a Master's degree in Sciences or Engineering with a teaching certificate that studies one of the methodology courses listed above are required to complete 10 graduate credits. 3. Candidates with a Master's degree in Sciences or Engineering with a teaching certificate that never studies a methodology course, are required to complete 12 graduate credits. 4. Candidates with a Master's degree in Sciences or Engineering who do not hold a teaching certificate are required to complete 12 additional credits in the learning sciences and science education at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. The following requirements pertain to all doctoral students: Complete three out of four methodology courses Participate in the Department colloquium/seminar at least six times each semester, during six semesters. Information on upcoming seminars is available on the Department site. Participate in a research educational seminar ("thesis seminar" 218123 or 218122) once or twice (required also by students who participated in a seminar during their master's studies). Comments a. Courses will be chosen from graduate courses in the Department, other academic units at the Technion (with permission from the advisor), or from an alternative academic institution (with permission from the advisor and Dean of the School for Graduate Studies).
b. In order to gain recognition of courses taken at other academic institutions, students must have grades of 75 percent or higher. c. The acceptance committee is authorized to change these conditions for special circumstances / outstanding candidates. Candidate Examinations: Candidate examinations, that take place approximately one month after submitting the research proposal (and one year after beginning the program), is comprehensive, partially written, on subjects that provide background and basis for the research. Details on examination procedures for candidates can be obtained from the Department secretary. 3.3 Requirements for the direct Ph.D. program (for M.Sc. students) Acceptance Criteria The Dean of the Graduate Studies School is authorized to raise the status of a master's student conducting research to that of a doctoral student in the direct doctoral program, if the student demonstrates in the course of their master's research the talent and achievements that justify this advancement. For candidates to be eligible for acceptance to the direct doctoral program, they must meet the following conditions: a. complete at least two semesters research after approval of their research proposal b. complete at least half of their study credits, including required courses, with a minimal grade of 90 percent c. provide recommendations from their advisor, another qualified person and the Department committee for graduate studies that support the student's suitability for the doctoral program and state the master's research topic is appropriate for a Ph.D d. submit an extended research proposal that includes findings from their master s research. Study Requirements: Doctoral degree participants in the direct program are required to complete all the credits required for the master's degree and in addition, to earn 8-12 credits and graduate studies, in accordance with the detailed requirements listed for Ph.D. students with Master's degrees. Candidates Examination: The candidate's examination in the direct path to the doctoral degree will be provided within six months from their acceptance to the program. The examination will follow the format as for Ph.D. students with Master's degrees.