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COE Extended Studies - Excel with lifelong learning

 

Welcome to the Extended Studies
Space Foundation Program 



General Information

The UCCS College of Education offers two programs in collaboration with the Space Foundation. By completing 15 credits in one intensive summer program through the Space Foundation, students can earn a Certificate in Space Studies. Then, they may apply 15 credits from the Space Foundation to one of two MA programs through the UCCS College of Education. Students can choose to take the remaining credits required for the MA at their convenience by taking the on-campus program in Science Education or by completing the more general MA in Curriculum and Instruction, which is offered both Online and On-campus. (*NCA approval pending for online courses). The 15 credits taken through the Space Foundation are offered at a drastically reduced tuition rate.

The program in Space in Science Education is designed:

  • To provide a convenient format for teachers to complete a Masters in Science Education.
  • With an emphasis on Space Studies, which very few Universities offer.
  • To give teachers the opportunity to complete a Masters degree at a reduced tuition rate.
  • For K-12 teachers who wish to improve their science teaching skills or become leaders in the field of science and space education.
  • For K-12 teachers who wish to learn more about applying contemporary science teaching strategies in their schools.
  • To provide classroom teachers with sound background in current space studies, science education research, theory, standards, and practice.
  • To prepare teachers to teach science in a self-contained setting, serve as science teachers at the school or district level, or pursue an advanced degree in science education.

For more information, visit the Space Foundation website

Admission Requirements

Summer courses may be taken without admission to the graduate school; simply follow the directions handed in the class. Admission to the Graduate School at UCCS is required if a student wishes to transfer their summer courses and continue on for a Masters degree. To be admitted to the program, one must provide official transcripts from all schools attended since high school, a minimum GPA of 2.75, successful GRE or MAT Scores, four references recommendations, and the completion of several Graduate School Forms.

Registration

Students may register for the Space Foundation summer courses, whether they intend to complete the Masters program or not. To register for the Space Foundation summer courses, contact the Space Foundation's customer service at:

Phone: (800) 691-4000
Email: custserv@spacefoundation.org

Discounts are offered for early bird registration.

If you are interested in obtaining UCCS credit for the Space Foundation courses, either for professional development or to transfer into our Masters program; directions for online registration will be provided.

UCCS Space Foundation Program Contact

Campus Wide Extended Studies Office
Departmental office is located at University Office Park Bldg. Bldg 1861 Suite 100
Phone: (719) 255-3498 FAX (719) 255-3911
Email:
mailto:cwes@uccs.edu

Transfer Credit

If a student takes all the courses in the Space Foundation summer program, 15 credits will be accepted toward the Masters program. Other courses taken up to five years prior to admission to the program will be evaluated by the student's graduate advisor. As a general guideline, courses that are substantially similar to the required courses in the program, and are taken at a graduate level from an accredited institution, will be eligible for transfer.

Program Requirements for an MA

Certificate in Space Studies

A certificate in Space Studies is awarded once all 15 credits have been completed. The certificate is issued by the Extended Studies office.

MA in Space Studies in Science Education

Offered on-campus only

  • Space Courses: 9 semester credits
  • Core Courses: 9 semester credits
  • Core Science Education Courses: 9 semester credits

MA in Science Education

  • Space Courses: 0-6 semester credits
  • Core Courses: 12-18 semester credits
  • Science Education Courses: 12-18 semester credits

MA in Curriculum and Instruction

Offered online and on-campus

  • Space Courses: 15 semester credits (Space Foundation Summer Courses)
  • Core Courses: 12 semester credits
  • Elective Courses: 3 semester credits

Space Studies Summer Course Offerings

Course #
&
Title
Course DescriptionSemester Credits
CURR 5540 - Earth Systems in Science Spend a week in Garden of the Gods and on Pikes Peak discovering the amazing parallels between Earth and Space Science. Participate in experiments ascending the Peak and examine the differing results. Explore the fascinating ecosystems in the Garden of the Gods and learn how we monitor the Earth systems from space. 3
CURR 5541 - Rocketry and the Biology of Living in Space Study the effects of human space flight through microgravity simulation. Experience the thrill of building and launching your own rocket. Discover space concepts and their easy classroom applications. 3
CURR 5542 - Biological and Physical Research Search with the experts for the answers to how humans can expand beyond home to maximize the benefits from space exploration. Discover how the fundamental laws of nature shape the evolution of life. Topics include plant and animal research, extremophles, and protein crystal growth experiments. 3
CURR 5543 - Astronomy Principles for the Classroom Focus on NASA's Enterprise for Space Science: black holes, wormholes, time travel, star hopping, night sky identification and the physics of space. 3
CURR 5544 - Space Technologies in the Classroom Astound your students with real space technologies and their applications on earth now and into the future. Build your own programmable or maneuverable robot. Explore orbital mechanics, GPS, and satellite operations. 3