Education

Masters Degree in General Education with Emphasis on Science and the Public

Explore the methods and outlook of science as they intersect with public culture and public policy. Understand the elements of scientific literacy. Earn the new master's degree in general education (Ed.M.) with an emphasis in Science and the Public, a cooperative initiative of the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education and the Center for Inquiry.

This unique two-year degree, available completely online, is ideal for students preparing for careers in research, science education, public policy, and science journalism, as well as further study in sociology, history and philosophy of science, science communication, education, or public administration.

What are the Required Courses?

Below are the courses required to complete this 33 credit hour master of education degree program. Each course is three credit hours except for LAI 700/701. In this course, students may register for up to six credit hours.

LAI 505 Scientific Writing
LAI 528 Seminar in Informal Science Education
LAI 531 Science Curricula: Current Approaches* (a special session focusing on the nature and characteristics of scientific literacy)
LAI 534 Measurement and Evaluation of Science Instruction (a special session focusing on the program evaluation of informal science education)
LAI 598 Critical Thinking
LAI 639 History and Philosophy of Science*
LAI 688 Science, Technology and Human Values*
PHI 640 Research Ethics*
CEP 500 Fundamentals of Educational Research
CEP 532 Introduction to Statistical Research
LAI 700/701 Project or Thesis (the program’s capstone project)

*Students only interested in receiving a Certificate in Science and the Public, issued by the Center for Inquiry, need only complete the following courses: LAI 531, LAI 639, LAI 688, and PHI 640.

Application requirements

Complete online application and a nonrefundable application fee of $50 (US)
Baccalaureate degree and official copies of all transcripts
TOEFL scores for international applicants

How to apply

Please visit http://www.gse.buffalo.edu/programs/lai/31/

Tuition Costs

Please visit http://src.buffalo.edu/studentaccount/tuition.shtml

For more information

Questions relating to the program may be directed to Dr. Xiufeng Liu at xliu5@buffalo.edu. Questions relating to applications may be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services at gseinfo@buffalo.edu or (716) 645-2110.

Undergraduate and continuing education courses

The Center for Inquiry is home to an intensive summer school with undergraduate-level courses in critical thinking and scientific reasoning, philosophical naturalism, psychology of belief, metaethics, and ethics. Competitive scholarships, assistantships, and internships are available to college and university students. Courses can be audited or taken for transferable SUNY undergraduate credit. Click here for more information on the upcoming summer session.

Visiting Research Fellowships

1.1 · Description

The Center for Inquiry appoints research fellowships at the post-doctoral or senior level on a rolling basis. All relevant disciplines are welcome.

1.2 · Applying

Candidates should send a research project proposal (1,000 words), curriculum vitae, two references (for recent doctorates), and a writing sample to:

or via email to:

1.3 · Research themes

Previous research topics have included:

Science & Philosophical Naturalism

Anti-science & the Public

Journalism and Fringe Science

Freedom, Rights, and Scientific Inquiry

The Science of the Self

Lectures and Symposia

The Center for Inquiry Lecture Series is posted here: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/wny/

Center for Inquiry Libraries

The Center for Inquiry libraries comprise over 160,000 volumes and periodicals specializing in philosophy, naturalism, humanism, skepticism, religion, and fringe science.

http://www.cfilibraries.org/