The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo is the largest university in New York State with a current enrollment of over 29,000 students. Over 9,000 of these students are enrolled in one of the 133 graduate programs that SUNY at Buffalo has to offer. However, only two of these programs are offered completely online as of today. They are available through the Graduate School of Education and are as follows:
Ed.M. in Science and the Public
M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
The Science and the Public online Masters degree program was established and implemented in the fall of 2006 in order to close the gap on science related issues in our world today. The main purpose of the program is to prepare professionals with a scientific background on such significant world issues as global warming and climate change, pollution, energy conservation, and other major environmental factors that may pose serious health and economic risks to our country as well as those in other parts of the world. Often times, many people do not realize how the benefits of scientific research can keep us safe. This program is going to provide these "students" with the knowledge necessary to be able to inform the public of current global issues and how we as a people can help to make our world better. With science, there comes skepticism, but the University of Buffalo plans on filling the void of apprehension through this two-year, 33 credit hour program.
The versatility of online learning, is to really "inject" knowledge into students from a worldwide perspective. Science is one topic that affects us all on a global level and therefore Science and the Public is the perfect program for a self-paced, world-wide online experience.
Several job opportunities may arise from this degree. While certain employers may not require a Masters degree in Science and the Public directly, it is the knowledge and background that is valuable. Some of these opportunities may include:
- broadcast media jobs involving current research
- book and journal editing and publishing on current science-based studies
- K-12 teachers and school program coordinators
- legislative aides and assistants in local, state and federal legislatures involving science-related political issues
- technology-based/science research company positions
- journalism in science and global issues
Some of the courses offered through the program are as follows:
-the scientific method
-critical thinking
-statistical analysis
-ethics of scientific research
-the relationship of science to human values and the challenges it faces
-research methodology and theories
-current science education and curriculum
-scientific writing through the media
A thesis is to be completed at the end of the program as well.
For more detailed information on this program, these courses and for application and contact information visit:
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9217
http://www.gse.buffalo.edu/programs/lai/31/