A graduate certificate in science education is being offered by Bridgewater State University in partnership with the American Museum on Natural History (AMNH).
Through its online Seminars on Science program, AMNH has been offering graduate courses on science education for the past 15 years. The BSU partnership has been created with the needs of Prek-12 educators in mind who want to update their pedagogical skills in science.
“Bridgewater State University is committed to offering leading-edge opportunities for life-long learning,” said Dr. Wendy Haynes, interim dean of the College of Graduate Studies. “We are exited to enter this innovative partnership with AMNH.”
Four courses will be required to complete the certificate with three requirements including Earth: Inside and Out; Space, Time and Motion; and Evolution. The fourth would be an elective from 10 options. Each course will count as a full three-credit course from Bridgewater.
“These courses are fun, interesting and engaging,” said Dr. Lisa Battaglino, dean of Bridgewater’s College of Education & Allied Studies. “They are taught by world-class educators and headline scientists.”
Dr. Battaglino said the small classes provide interactive activities and a number of take-aways for participating students. “They offer the most modern way to teach science,” she added.
Educators taking the courses can be eligible for professional development points (PDPs). “High school, middle school and elementary education teachers who teach any kind of science or special education classes will find these courses invaluable,” said Dr. Battaglino.
Participation in the classes offered by AMNH is not restricted to educators. However, to earn the graduate certificate from Bridgewater, participants need to have a bachelor’s degree.
Anyone interested in the classes can sign up at learn.amnh.org. After taking the course, receiving a final grade and a certificate of completion, a participant can apply for graduate credit at Bridgewater.
Enrollment for the program will begin June 27 for a six-week summer session that starts July 11. For more information about the Bridgewater certificate, contact the College of Graduate Studies at 508.531.1300.
News Feature
June 2, 2016