M.S.T. (General Science)
The mission of the Center for Science Education (CSE) is to enhance science teaching and learning through innovative education, research, and community outreach programs. The Center administers a Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program, and professional development opportunities for existing science educators. The Center also supports community partnerships which involve citizens and community institutions in activities that employ the inquiry practices of science and support implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Through its programs, the Center aims to help students and teachers expand their capacity to participate in the community as informed citizens. The Center’s community programs provide science education outreach services to teachers and students at the kindergarten through high school level through their partnership with the Portland Metro STEM Partnership (www.pdxstem.org). It is the administrative home of the Intel Northwest Science Exposition, the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program for pre-service math and science teachers. The CSE also works in partnership with the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), a program working to enhance the undergraduate experience for underrepresented students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In addition, many CSE faculty members partner with local schools, non-profits, and government agencies as part of the organization’s professional development program.