M.A. in Education

History and Philosophy of Science Emphasis

Science teachers can engage the urgent worldview issues of our time through an M.A. in Education with an emphasis in the History and Philosophy of Science (or through an M.A. in Science and Religion).

A History and Philosophy of Science Emphasis Means Multi-disciplinary Training

  • History — How does the past interaction of science and religion influence the present?
  • Philosophy — What are the legitimate goals both of science and Christianity?
  • Theology — What exactly does the Bible say — and not say — about nature?
  • Science — Where does the evidence actually lead?

Address Critical Questions about Science and Culture

  • Are science and religion at war?
  • Is "intelligent design" science?
  • Body and soul: What are human persons?
  • Is the sanctity of human life threatened by biotechnology?
  • What is the significance of cosmic fine-tuning?
  • How should we teach controversial subjects in the science classroom?

Keep Up with Recent Trends in Science Education

Recent science education reforms have required inclusion of the history and philosophy of science in K-12 science standards. Most science teachers are not adequately prepared to teach the history and philosophy of science (which prominently includes "science and religion" issues) in a way that is in keeping with current scholarship and is also in step with new trends in science education. Biola's M.A. in Education with an emphasis in the History and Philosophy of Science provides a compact way for science teachers to receive this training. In short, you can earn an M.A. in Education (granted by the School of Education) enhanced with the core courses of Biola's Science and Religion M.A. Program.

Courses in History and Philosophy of Science Emphasis (15 units)

CSSR 529 Historical Perspectives in Science & Religion (2)

A survey of the history of science and its interaction with Christianity from New Testament times through the twentieth century. Emphasis is on key historical movements that continue to shape the modern dialog.

CSSR 530 Darwin, Evolution, and Design (2)

A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating classical Darwinian and contemporary evolutionary models with a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question. Prerequisite: CSSR 529.

CSSR 540 Metaphysics & Epistemology (3)

A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g., causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity, and essentialism). Epistemology topics surveyed will include the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics and epistemology with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview.

PH 547 The Theology and Philosophy of Science (3)

A study of various issues that arise in the integration of science and orthodox Christian theology (e.g. models of integration, the scientific status of creationism, the creation/evolution debate) as well as an investigation of selected topics in philosophy of science relevant to a Christian worldview (e.g. the realist/antirealist debate, the nature, formation, use, and confirmation of scientific laws and theories, scientism and the limits of science).

CSSR 631 Modern Physics, Cosmology, and Design (2)

A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating modern physics and astronomy to a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question.

CSSR 650 Advanced Seminar: Special Topics (1-2)

In-depth focus on a specific contemporary issue in the science and religion dialogue, whereby students will understand the contemporary dynamics and learn to integrate their thinking in a mentored setting. Content varies, and seminars may be repeated for credit with different topics. Topics include: Intelligent Design, Cosmological models, Quantum reality, Sociobiology, Human origins, the anthropic principle, issues in biochemistry. Prerequisites: CSSR 529, 530 and 631, or permission of instructor. Take a 1-unit Advanced Seminar and a 2-unit Advanced Seminar for a total of 3 units.