Science Content Graduate Certificate

Advanced science training

Gain a greater understanding of a specific science field. 

This certificate can help you qualify to teach dual-credit courses in biology, chemistry, Earth science or physics. 

Add to your science knowledge or further your teaching career.

Certificate in Science Content

Georgianna Saunders, Certificate Program Director
Kings Street Annex 204
417-836-6469
GigiSaunders@MissouriState.edu

Program description

The graduate certificate in science content provides an 18 hour graduate-level experience for students who are interested in deepening or broadening their understanding of science, and may satisfy Missouri Department of Higher Education content requirements for teaching dual-credit courses. Students choose a variety of science courses to meet their goals in consultation with an advisor.

Admission criteria

To be considered for the program, a student must have a 3.00 grade point average in a major in biological science, chemistry, geological sciences, physics or a closely related field.

Accelerated Option

Eligible Missouri State University students may apply for acceptance into an accelerated option for the graduate certificate in science content. This option offers science majors whose goals, academic capabilities, and career planning include teaching science an opportunity to complete the requirements for the graduate certificate in less time than would otherwise be possible.

Requirements include completion of at least 60 undergraduate hours in a science major with an overall GPA of 3.25 and a GPA within the major of at least 3.25.

If accepted, graduate courses chosen from approved 600-level courses may be counted toward both the graduate certificate and the undergraduate degree, with a maximum of 12 credit hours. Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the courses toward the graduate certificate, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and complete a mixed credit form. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the change of schedule period for the course(s). See the “Graduate College” section for further information.

Program requirements (18 Hours)

Complete an area of specialization in one of the following science disciplines:

Advanced biology
  • 18 hours of biology courses at the 600 and 700 level
  • Courses will be chosen to meet the student’s specific goals in consultation with the advisor
Advanced chemistry
  • 18 hours of chemistry courses at the 600 and 700 level
  • Courses will be chosen to meet the student’s specific goals in consultation with the advisor
Advanced Earth science
  • 18 hours of geology and physical geography courses at the 600 and 700 level
  • Courses will be chosen to meet the student’s specific goals in consultation with the advisor
Advanced physics
  • 18 hours of physics courses at the 600 and 700 level
  • Courses will be chosen to meet the student’s specific goals in consultation with the advisor

Apply online

Apply to this program through a central application: GradCAS. Review the sections above before you begin.