Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME)

The Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (informally known as SESAME) is an interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a doctoral degree in science, mathematics, or engineering education. The program is designed to give graduates advanced expertise in a scientific discipline as well as in educational theory and research methodologies.

This Graduate Group was established so individuals with training or experience in a mathematical, scientific, or technical discipline can pursue advanced studies focused on educational issues in these disciplines. SESAME produces scholars who can communicate effectively with scientists and engineers as well as with educational researchers and practitioners. SESAME students are expected to obtain at least masters-level competency in their mathematical or scientific discipline.

See the Online Graduate Application to apply to the Interdisciplinary PhD in Science and Mathematics Education. We encourage you to read our Admissions Instructions thoroughly and begin your application early.

SESAME also offers a Learning Sciences Certificate in Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, and Education Research.

SESAME Faculty

The SESAME faculty consists of professors from UC Berkeley's School of Education and a variety of Berkeley’s science and engineering departments.

Core faculty

Dor Abrahamson(link is external), Professor, chool of Education
Alice Agogino(link is external), Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Anne Baranger(link is external), Professor, Department of Chemistry
Kris Gutiérrez(link is external), Professor, School of Education
Marcia C Linn(link is external), Professor, School of Education (SESAME Chair)
Zachary Pardos(link is external), Associate Professor, School of Education
Thomas Philip(link is external), Professor, School of Education
Michael A. Ranney(link is external), Professor, School of Education
Alan Schoenfeld(link is external), Professor, School of Education and Department of Mathematics
Tesha Sengupta-Irving(link is external), Associate Professor, School of Education
Angelica Stacy(link is external), Professor, College of Chemistry
Michelle Wilkerson(link is external), Associate Professor, School of Education

Affiliated faculty

Armando Fox(link is external), Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
Robert Full(link is external), Professor, Integrative Biology
Dan Garcia(link is external), Teaching Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
Terry Johnson(link is external), Associate Teaching Professor, Bioengineering
David Romps(link is external), Professor, Earth and Planetary Sciences 

Lecturer

Lloyd Goldwasser(link is external), Lecturer, School of Education

Emeritus faculty

Andrea A. diSessa(link is external), Professor, School of Education
Bernard R. Gifford(link is external), Professor, School of Education

Focus of Study

SESAME students work with faculty to gain a better understanding of learning; to design more effective teaching approaches; and to create experiences that enhance the scientific and mathematical literacy of the general public. A major aim of the Group is to identify general theoretical principles that can guide the design of effective instruction.

Many student projects are concerned with college-level teaching in their disciplines. Others are concerned with:

  • K-12 curriculum development 
  • research into cognitive processes underlying good performance in scientific domains
  • investigations of principles for the design of computer-based educational software; or
  • studies of informal learning in science museums and other places open to the public.

Program Structure

SESAME includes advanced courses in the student's discipline, science and mathematics education, and psychology; teaching experience; research seminars; colloquia presented by outside speakers; and research into an educational problem connected with engineering, science, mathematics, or computer-science education. 

While SESAME emphasizes research in the processes of learning and teaching, it is not a teacher training unit. Students interested in careers in college-level math/science teaching (along with educational research), science museum program development, or research in the learning and teaching of science are likely to find SESAME suitable. 

The faculty consists of professors from several of Berkeley’s science and engineering departments and the Graduate School of Education, and instructors associated with other campus units such as the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Entrance Requirements

To enter the program, a student must have an excellent academic record with a bachelor's or, preferably, a master's degree in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering/computer science.  Experience teaching, developing instructional materials, or doing educational or psychological research in these areas will also be favorably considered.  Knowledge of psychology, cognitive science, education, or statistics is helpful but not required. See SESAME Admissions for more information.

Type of Program (MA/PhD)

This program offers a PhD and students who enter without a master’s degree in their discipline are expected to obtain at least Master's-level competency in their mathematical or scientific discipline.  

The program typically takes 10 to 12 semesters to complete, depending upon whether students are also working toward their master’s degree. Full time enrollment is expected. 

Graduates

SESAME graduates take leadership roles in promoting educational innovations in academic, industrial, and museum settings including the Exploratorium and the Lawrence Hall of Science. Others teach in two- or four-year colleges or universities, or are directing educational programs of science museums or similar institutions that offer programs for the general public. Still others are active in educational research and curricular development, in industrial training programs, or in their own consulting businesses.

Transfer from within Berkeley 

Application for admission into SEASAME by students already enrolled in a graduate degree program of the Berkeley campus is formally accomplished by submitting a Graduate Petition for Change of Major or Degree Goal.

These petitions are considered along with other applications for admission to the doctoral program. A petition for Change of Degree Goal should be accompanied in all cases by a statement describing the reasons for the proposed change and the nature of the program of studies contemplated. Any applicants previously admitted by the Graduate Division must still submit the standard application form and required letters of recommendation. We may also request a copy of your file from your current department.

Contact

Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME)

Lloyd Goldwasser, SESAME Lecturer
2121 Berkeley Way, Room 4321
goldwasser@berkeley.edu