University of Iowa seeks approval to cut science education programs

University of Iowa degree programs in science education in the College of Education will be terminated, pending approval next week by the state Board of Regents.

UI officials are requesting regents approval to terminate the master of arts in science teaching and the master of science and doctorate programs in science education.

The change is due to the 2005 reorganization of the College of Education, resulting in four departments/degree majors – Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Rehabilitation and Counselor Education; and Teaching and Learning. The degree majors were changed to reflect the department name that most closely reflected the student's specialization of study.

The science education degree major was not changed at the time of the reorganization. However, the Science Education division was eventually moved into the Department of Teaching and Learning, and the curriculum was recently approved as a new sub-track under the Teaching and Learning degree major.

The proposed termination will become effective when all currently enrolled students graduate or they transfer to the Teaching and Learning sub-track in Science Education.