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Elementary Science Specialist (1-6)
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Grade Levels:
1-6
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Credits for Licensure:
17
Program Description
The Elementary Science Specialist certificate provides an understanding of science content and scientific practices required for endorsement in general science, grades 1-6. The program integrates essential science content with best practices in hands-on, inquiry-based science education and includes a blend of in-person and online science courses.
What Is General Science?
General science refers to a course of study that covers a broad range of scientific disciplines. This certificate program combines science teaching methods and science content. In addition to gaining an understanding of the life sciences and the physical sciences appropriate to the elementary school curriculum, students will learn effective tools and methods for teaching elementary science and creating exciting, hands-on learning experiences for children.
Who Is the Elementary Science Specialist Certificate Designed For?
This elementary science curriculum is designed for classroom teachers who hold an initial license in elementary teaching, or another relevant field, and want to add-on an endorsement in general science, grades 1-6.
Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Standards
This certificate program is firmly rooted in the 2016 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Standards. Students are required to submit completed coursework to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the license endorsement.
Cambridge College Elementary Science Specialist Program Highlights
Take the next step in your education and career. The Elementary Science Specialist certificate program at Cambridge College offers a flexible, affordable option designed for working professionals.
- Flexible class schedules. Our elementary science program is offered through a hybrid of face-to-face and online classes, with day, evening, and weekend-intensive options designed to fit the needs of adult learners.
- Affordable tuition. Our tuition rate is among the country’s most affordable for a four-year private nonprofit college, offering quality education at exceptional value.
- Experienced faculty. Our faculty are accomplished researchers and dedicated, accessible teachers who are committed to helping you succeed.
- Convenient location. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free student parking that is available throughout the year.
Enrich your life and education by working with other adult learners from around the world. Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from 50+ countries and was recently ranked as one of the Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews.
Elementary Science Specialist Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the elementary science program will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Teach science content by engaging learners in scientific practices and the engineering design process.
- Use best practices in teaching inquiry-based science and develop a balanced approach to hands-on science instruction using methodology and safety procedures according to state standards.
- Identify socially important issues including the impact of technology on our environment.
- Design and conduct scientific inquiries to test scientific hypotheses, using appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
- Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence, and communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
- Know how science, technology, and math inform each other and serve as mechanisms for inquiry into the nature of the universe.
Elementary Science Careers
Adding a general science endorsement will develop your professional credentials and improve your marketability as an elementary science teacher. Potential career pathways include:
- Elementary science specialist, grades PreK-5
- Middle school general science teacher, grades 5-8
- Science museum educator
- Nature center specialist or guide
- Aquarium and zoo educator
Elementary Science Teacher Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is $56,900 per year.
Example Elementary Science Specialist Courses
The Elementary Science Specialist certificate program at Cambridge College features courses such as:
- Teaching Engineering and Technology
- Methods and Materials for Teaching Life Science
- Earth’s Place in the Universe
Download the Elementary Science Specialist program sheet.
Elementary Science Specialist Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your elementary science specialist certification. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Courses required may vary based on transcript analysis.
Transcript analysis: Subject Matter Competency for General Science will be evaluated through transcript analysis by the program chair, following the Subject Matter Knowledge Standards for the Massachusetts 1-6 Science Specialist License (see www.doe.mass.edu). Only coursework completed within the last seven years, with grades of B or better will be considered.
Program credits: Additional credits may be required for competencies not satisfied before enrollment; credits may be reduced if any competencies have already been covered acceptably.
This course is designed to support the 2017 Massachusetts Science/Technology and Engineering Standards, specifically aligned to the Technology and Engineering Standards. Students will be instructed utilizing best practices in engineering design processes, material, tools and manufacturing and technological systems at the intermediate level of understanding. Special focus will be directed in the integration of life, earth and physical sciences as they are used to solve problems and challenges in the field of engineering.
Online courses, one credit each
Select one: SCI 600 or 601
Select one: SCI 603, 609, or 615
Select one: SCI 607 613, or 629
Program Chair
Core Faculty
Senior Instructor
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Program Requirements
- Earned bachelor's degree and other School of Education requirements.
- Valid Massachusetts elementary PK-2 or 1-6 initial license.
- Transcript analysis: Subject Matter Competency for General Science will be evaluated through transcript analysis by the program chair, following the Subject Matter Knowledge Standards for the Massachusetts 1-6 Science Specialist License (see www.doe.mass.edu). Only coursework completed within the last seven years, with grades of B or better will be considered.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits for Licensure:
17
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Cost per credit hour:
$609
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,962 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of July 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more