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Programs
Degrees and Certificates
Science in a Changing World Certificate
About the Program Tuition and Fees Accreditation Admissions Plan of Study Financial Aid This 15 credit Graduate Certificate in Science in a Changing World prepares students to focus on science in the context of social change or individual intellectual development. This program is a joint effort of two other university programs: Science, Technology, and Values, and Critical and Creative Thinking.
Course material, classroom activities, teaching/learning interactions, and projects focused on real-world problems provide students opportunities to:
- learn about science and its social context
- gain a set of models for work in education, policy, and other areas of civic engagement
- discuss practices and philosophies of science, education, and social change; and
- undertake research with a view to engaging with science in a changing social and personal world.
Students with diverse backgrounds and career paths - from laboratories to field research, journalism to policy formulation, teaching to activism - are welcome to join the track. In addition to examining Science and its Social Context, students develop valuable professional skills in Research, Writing, and Evaluation for Civic Engagement and in Collaborative Processes and Problem-Based Teaching around current controversies involving science and technology.
Science in a Changing World students graduate well prepared to move across the persistent divide between sciences and humanities. They are able to participate in questioning and shaping the direction of scientific and social changes, as well as to teach and engage others to participate in this important endeavor.
Masters students, graduate students from other programs, and advanced undergraduates are welcome to enroll in individual courses.
Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.
Sample a Course
Click here for more information on the Science in a Changing World Certificate. Registration is administered through University College at UMass Boston. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.
| Type of Fee |
Amount |
| Fee per credit |
$460 |
| Late Reg. Fee per semester* |
$25 |
| Returned Check Fee per semester** |
$25 |
| Total for course*** |
$1380 ( 460x3 credits = 1380) |
Click here to browse our course listings.
*applicable when you register after deadline; non-refundable unless course has been cancelled
** applicable when checks returned unpaid
*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
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- University of Massachusetts Lowell’s B.S. in Information Technology Ranked Among Top Affordable Online IT Degrees by Get Educated in 2011
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- UMassOnline, UMass Boston President's Special Achievement Award, Valerie C. Haven, Sloan-C 2010 Awards
- University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
- Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
- UMassOnline Awarded Public Sector of the Year by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
- Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
- 'Excellence in Online Teaching' Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
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The Graduate Certificate in Science in a Changing World (SICW) is a 15-credit program. Officially, students applying to the certificate program must meet the same admissions criteria (described below) as students entering the Master's program. In practice, a shorter statement of interest and intent and only two letters of recommendation suffice for a certificate applicant.
- A completed Graduate Admission Application.
- Undergraduate Transcript: The program looks for a generally distinguished undergraduate transcript with an average of at least 3.0 in advanced undergraduate work. For students with a strong record of accomplishment in other areas, the Admissions committee will recommend provisional admission with the stipulation that the student completes two courses in the program with a course grade of B+ or better. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Program, we do not require that you come from any specific program of study.
- Letters of Recommendations: Two letters are required from people who have worked closely with you and who have direct knowledge of your abilities. The people you ask to recommend you should be able to comment in detail about your academic strengths, work experience, or life experience.
- Statement of Interest and Intent: The Program's admissions requirements call for an essay of at least 1200 words in which you explain your intellectual, artistic, professional or personal reasons for wanting to pursue a certificate in Science in a Changing World. Your essay should include specific accounts of your past work and current direction. You should provide a detailed discussion of your specific interests and priorities as a student (or scholar, teacher, artist, computer wizard, philosophizer); the projects you have completed in the past; the problems and topics you want to focus on in future study; and how and why you believe the SICW program can help you accomplish your goals. The Admissions Committee will read your essay as a demonstration of how you write and how you think about issues, as well as determine if your interests and goals match those of the Program.
- Test Scores: GRE scores are optional to apply for our program. Foreign students, please check with Graduate Admissions and Records to inform you of your required tests.
- Transfer of Courses: With the approval of the Graduate Program Director, the University allows graduate students to transfer up to six credits of graduate work into the Program. These credits may be from courses taken as a Special Student, from a Graduate Program in another University, or from a Graduate Program at UMass Boston. Please speak to the Faculty Advisor about the transfer guidelines. If the Advisor approves your transfer, s/he will submit the proper paperwork to Graduate Admissions and Records.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Required from students from countries where English is not the primary language
- Declaration and Certification of Finances: Required from all International Students before an I-20 is issued, with which the student applies for a student visa. Please direct questions about this requirement directly to the Graduate Admissions Office (617.287.6406)
The certificate requires the completion of 15 credits (typically 5 courses). Students must take two foundation courses from the following list:
- CRCRTH640 Environment, Science and Society: Critical Thinking
- CRCRTH645/BIOL545 Biology in Society: Critical Thinking
- PUBPOL749/CRCRTH649 Scientific & Political Change
- CRCRTH650 Mathematics Thinking Skills
- CRCRTH652 Children and Science
Three electives from other areas of science as they pertain to the student's area of interest.
Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.
- Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
- Next, download your required Financial Aid Forms here.
- Check your financial aid status using WISER.
- For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu
Contact:
For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu. |
Program Contact
| Contact: | Peter Taylor
617-287-7636
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| Campus: | Boston |
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| Level: | Graduate |
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| Type: | Certificate |
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| Credits: | 15 |
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| Format: | Online |
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