Important Dates!!!
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Master of Arts in General Biology
- Master of Science in General Biology
Take your place in science education reform
Science education is in the midst of reform, and demand is great for highly qualified teachers able to create classroom opportunities for students to learn scientific concepts in a meaningful way. Point Loma Nazarene University’s graduate program in general biology presents a unique opportunity for working science teachers in Southern California to develop academic and pedagogical content knowledge in biology.
Designed for working teachers
The Point Loma Nazarene University master’s degree program in general biology is designed with busy public school science teachers in mind. Whether you are teaching middle or high school students, having a master’s degree can improve your teaching, your knowledge, and your compensation. Teachers from all over southern California can complete this degree if you are willing to come to campus once a month during fall and spring, and are able to come to San Diego for the summer classes.
- During the school year, courses in the areas of history/philosophy of science, science education theory, and research design are taught on-line, with monthly face-to-face meetings held on our San Diego campus each semester.
- During the summer, intensive biology modules (biology infused with research-based pedagogy) will be held on the beautiful ocean-side campus.
- Summer modules are also offered as professional development opportunities for teachers not enrolled in the graduate program but who desire to develop their pedagogical content knowledge
A successful hybrid
Like the hybrid vigor seen in organisms that inherit successful but different traits from both parents, the Point Loma Nazarene University master’s program in general biology is an unusual hybrid unlike any other graduate program in California. The program combines the rigorous content-driven coursework of a typical master’s program in biology with the pedagogical strengths of a traditional master’s program in education. Courses in the program pertain to both science and teaching and are blended so that as graduate students learn the scientific concepts, they will understand the challenges their own students will face in learning the same concepts at a different level.
In addition, as biology faculty on a Christian campus, faculty members in this program are in a unique position to help teachers understand how to address issues at the intersection of religion and science that impact teaching.
Intended to meet your needs
Each summer two intensive three-week modules are offered in the following content areas:
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Ecology and Evolution
- Physiology and Development
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
You have the option of earning a Master of Arts or a Master of Science in biology. M.A. electives include credential coursework, research internships, and participation in PLNU summer workshops or PLNU seminar series. M.S. students complete original research and a thesis on some aspect of teaching and learning biology in addition to elective coursework.
Call (619) 849-2705 or (866) 692-GRAD (4723) for your personal appointment today!
You can also email Dr. Dianne Anderson, program director, at
dianneanderson@pointloma.edu .
Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106