2008–2009 - Florida Institute of Technology

Degree Requirements
A candidate for the specialist in education degree must maintain
a grade point average of 3.0 or better in a 30-credit-hour program.
Although research methodologies are included in the curriculum,
no thesis is required. A three-member committee appointed by
the department head and approved by the Graduate School office
gives a final examination in the last semester of enrollment. A
student can transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit from other
approved institutions offering at least the specialist in education
degree.
Curriculum
Candidates for the specialist in education degree must complete
30 credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree as
follows:
Current Research and Methodologies in Mathematics
Education (9 credit hours)
Must be taken at Florida Tech; exceptions may be considered
only through a written petition to be reviewed by the department’s
graduate faculty.
EDS 5070 Educational Statistics ...........................................................3
EDS 5095 Essentials of Educational Research ......................................3
EDS 5203 Theories and Trends in Education .......................................3
Mathematics (9 credit hours)
The candidate must have earned a minimum of 21 master’s
degree-eligible credit hours in mathematics beyond the bachelor’s
degree. These credit hours include the nine specifically required
for the specialist degree and any other credit hours from approved
post-baccalaureate mathematics courses.
Education (9 credit hours)
Approved by the head of the department.
Electives (3 credit hours)
Each student chooses an elective to fit a particular certification
and/or interest area.
Science Education ___________________________
The primary emphasis of the specialist in education degree is
placed on the development of specific competencies needed in
science education.
Admission Requirements
The applicant to the specialist in education program must hold
a master’s degree in science or education with science as the
teaching area.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are
presented in the Academic Overview section of this catalog.
Degree Requirements
A candidate for the specialist in education degree must maintain
a grade point average of 3.0 or better in a 30-credit-hour program.
Although research methodologies are included in the curriculum,
no thesis is required. A three-member committee appointed by
the department head and approved by the Graduate School office
gives a final examination in the last semester of enrollment. A
student can transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit from other
approved institutions offering at least the specialist in education
degree.
154 Florida Tech
Curriculum
Candidates for the specialist in education degree must complete
30 credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree as
follows:
Current Research and Methodologies in Science
Education (9 credit hours)
Must be taken at Florida Tech; exceptions may be considered
only through a written petition reviewed by the department’s
graduate faculty.
EDS 5070 Educational Statistics ...........................................................3
EDS 5095 Essentials of Educational Research ......................................3
EDS 5203 Theories and Trends in Education .......................................3
Science (9 credit hours)
The candidate must have earned a minimum of 21 master’s
degree-eligible credit hours in science beyond the bachelor’s
degree. These credit hours include the nine specifically required
for the specialist degree and any other credit hours from approved
post-baccalaureate science courses.
Science Education (9 credit hours)
As approved by the head of the department.
Electives (3 credit hours)
Each student chooses an elective to fit a particular certification
and/or interest area.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Mathematics Education ______________________
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctor of education
(Ed.D.) programs are designed to provide increased competence
in mathematics, mathematics education and research. Recipients
gain the appropriate knowledge and skills for positions in college
and university mathematics education programs; teaching,
administration and supervisory posts in state and local school
systems; positions teaching mathematics in community colleges,
liberal arts colleges and introductory mathematics courses in
universities; and as research directors in mathematics education.
The primary difference between the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs
is in the focus of the dissertation work. The focus of the Ph.D. is
typically theoretical, while the focus of the Ed.D. is more applied
and intended for the practitioner. While Ph.D. dissertation
research is oriented for the student going into a university graduate
teaching and research setting, Ed.D. dissertation research is
oriented for the K–12 school or business/industry practitioner and
typically involves a practical field problem.
The two programs also differ in the requirement of two specialty
area courses in the Ed.D. These two courses are typically in
mathematics education, but may also be in science education,
instructional technology or environmental education.
Doctoral students interested in theory-based research should
consider the Ph.D. For those more interested in practical field
research, the Ed.D. would be more appropriate.