The Master of Natural Sciences (MNS) degree, administered through the Graduate School in conjunction with the College of Science, provides the depth, as well as the breadth, of study in the sciences that is required of science professionals and school teachers. The degree program allows cross-over into allied fields. For instance, a teacher seeking an advanced degree can tailor coursework to obtain secondary certification in more than one area, or an employee of a public agency can broadly enhance his or her knowledge and skills.
If you are presently a teacher or if you wish to become a teacher, we have several versions of the MNS degree program available for you:
> For those who are current teachers and wish to continue teaching while working on a content masters in math, biology, chemistry, or physics, a complete program description and application materials are available here.
> For those who wish to receive an MNS degree and become certified to teach math, biology, chemistry, or physics, in central Louisiana, information on the CART program is available here.
> For those interested in teaching earth or environmental sciences contact the MNS Program Director.
> For those interested in a content masters while taking a sabbatical from teaching contact the MNS Program Director.
Degree Programs
Both a non-thesis and thesis option are available. Requirements for the non-thesis option include 36 semester hours of graduate courses distributed as follows.
> A major in a biological or physical science or mathematics department (see below for a listing of cooperating departments)—15 semester hours minimum
> A minor in a cognate or related minor field—9 semester hours minimum.
> Electives in physical sciences, biological sciences or mathematics—12 semester hours minimum.
Of the total 36 semester hours, at least nine must be in courses numbered 6000 or above and, of these nine hours, at least six must be in the major field. A maximum of 12 semester hours of computer science courses may be applied toward the MNS degree. As a result, students may not major in computer science for this degree, but a minor in computer science is permitted. A maximum of nine semester hours in science education may be applied to the MNS degree. Apart from Computer Science or Curriculum & Instruction, a student may major in any of the participating departments below. All elective hours do not have to be taken in the participating departments. The student works out an approved program of study with the program administrator. Although a modest number of hours in independent study or research courses is allowed, a student may not apply Thesis Research (8000) hours to this degree. A comprehensive final oral exam before the student's committee is required to complete the degree.
Requirements for the thesis option include 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis credit. The final oral exam will include a defense of the thesis.
Admission
Applicants for admission and/or financial aid must submit GRE General Test scores, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. International students whose native language is not English must pass the TOEFL with a minimum score of 550.
Administration
Dr. Gary Byerly
Associate Dean for Student Services
336 Hatcher Hall
College of Science
Address: Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: 225-578-4205
Fax: 225-578-8826
Participating Departments/Faculty
> Computer Science (note: only available as a minor area of concentration)
> Education Theory, Policy, and Practice (note: only available as a minor area of concentration)
> Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
> Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences
> Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology
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