College of Education
COE Extended Studies - Space Foundation Program
Space Foundation Program - Certificate and MA
Welcome
to the Space Foundation Program of the Extended Studies Program. Here you will find:
- General Information
- Admission Requirements
- Registration
- Transfer Credit
- MA Program Requirements
- Course Offerings
- Program Costs
- Contact Information
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 their Space Foundation credits 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.
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. Complete details and the necessary forms are provided in the Graduate Application packet, available from the College of Education Office in Room 3023, Columbine Hall.
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.
Phone: (719) 262-4134 after June 1 to register.
Transfer Credit
If a student takes all the courses in the Space Foundation summer program, all 15 credits will be accepted toward the Masters program. Normally, up to a total of nine semester hours may be transferred into the program, but UCCS is offering a special transfer agreement for Space Foundation classes only. 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: 15 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
- Core Courses: 12 semester credits
- Elective Courses: 3 semester credits
Space Studies Summer Course Offerings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Program Costs
Students will pay the current registration fee to the Space Foundation directly which varies from year to year. The cost for UCCS credit for Space Foundation classes is $55 per credit hour and on-campus graduate courses are $421 per graduate credit hour. By taking 15 credits at the reduced rate during the summer through the Space Foundation, students save a substantial amount in tuition.
Contact Us
For additional information about the summer classes, contact the Space Foundation at:
Phone: (719) 576-8000
Additional information about the Space Foundation and the courses offered may be found at the website:
Extended Studies Programs
Departmental office is located in Columbine Hall 4014.
Phone: (719) 262-4134 Fax: (719) 262-3915
Carla Rupprecht
Phone: (719) 262-4134 email: crupprec@uccs.edu