Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Science and Technology (MSIS)
Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a 36-hour interdisciplinary master’s program, the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Science and Technology designed for STEM teachers and/or STEM majors who aim for interdisciplinary training and research. Depending on the intended career path, MSIS students will choose 18 hours of physics courses and 9 hours each in two interdisciplinary areas which include Education, Chemistry, Educational Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Thesis and non-thesis options are available in the MSIS program. These options provide opportunities for students to enhance their scientific knowledge as well as develop skills necessary in conducting interdisciplinary scientific research. Graduates of the program will have interdisciplinary training in physics, mathematics, chemistry, instructional technology, computer science, and STEM teaching and research preparing them to be more competitive in the rapidly changing work environment.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in physics education, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- GRE General test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years.
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from referees conversant with the candidate’s academic background.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Students entering the program should have science background to be admitted into the MSIS in Physics Education program. The program requires 16-18 hours of physics courses (including PSCI 1421, PSCI 1422, PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1402 and advanced physics hours) for students/teachers coming from other disciplines to be admitted to the program on a non-conditional basis. Others may be admitted to the program under a conditional status on a case by case basis.
Admission is possible in all semesters but is restricted to in-service teachers or to those who are intending to enter the teaching profession.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include successful completion of 36 semester hours of approved graduate credit and the successful completion of a written comprehensive examination. Students are expected to take the written comprehensive exam after completing their graduate physics core courses. Students should contact the program director to schedule the comprehensive exam.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 18 Hours
Choose six from the following courses:
Interdisciplinary Areas
Choose TWO areas from the following:
Education Course - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
| EDCI 6304 | Assessment of Learning | 3 |
| EDCI 6306 | Special Topics in Education | 3 |
| EDCI 6307 | Research, Issues and Trends in Education | 3 |
| EDCI 6308 | Advanced Educational Research | 3 |
| EDCI 6344 | Assessment, Current Issues and Research in Science Education | 3 |
| EDCI 7334 | Curriculum Problems and Processes | 3 |
| EDFR 6300 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
Chemistry - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Computer Science - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Educational Technology - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Mathematics - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Modeling of Dynamical Systems for STEM Professionals - 9 Hours
Choose from the following recommended courses:
| PSCI 5301 | Dynamics for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5302 | Mathematical Methods for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5303 | Electricity and Magnetism for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5304 | Quantum Ideas for STEM Professionals | 3 |
Capstone Requirement (Non-Thesis)
Students who choose the non-thesis track must complete a Written Comprehensive Exam.
Total Credit Hours: 36