Best Science Education colleges in the U.S.

Courses in Science Education Graduate Programs

The specific course requirements for each master of science education degree program vary from school to school, but the following are some examples of what you might be expected to complete.

• Curriculum development
• Action research
• Chemistry for science educators
• Energetics
• Evolutionary biology
• Physics education for mechanics
• Design and data analysis for researchers

A master’s degree in science education provides an excellent way for current or aspiring high school teachers to find positions and increase their salaries. Today’s high school teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree, but most schools prefer to hire candidates that have earned an advanced degree in education, particularly those that have a specialization, such as science.

A master’s degree in science education is earned by attending classes and completing teaching requirements that are far more advanced than those earned through an undergraduate degree in education or a master’s degree in general education (MEd). This degree affirms that you an expert in the subject of science education.

Anyone interested in teaching science at high schools and potentially community colleges could greatly benefit from a science education degree.

Master’s in Science Education Employment Outlook

According to the BLS, the employment projection for 2020-2030 shows a growth rate of 8% for this career path, which is equal to the average growth for all occupations within the United States. Projected increases in student enrollment could increase demand for high school teachers, but employment growth varies from state to state and is not guaranteed.

Many schools have reported difficulty filling teaching positions for certain subjects, including the sciences. Because of this, teachers who have specialized training in these subjects could have the best job prospects and a higher chance for sign-on bonuses. 

Master’s Degree in Science Education Career Paths

New graduates of science education programs may choose to teach high school students while those with years of previous teaching experience may look to advance their careers by moving into a community college professor or school administrator role. Teaching at a four-year college or university typically requires a PhD.

How Long Does a Master’s in Science Education Degree Take To Finish?

The course of study to obtain a master’s in science education varies by program requirements and length of time for completion. These different factors can include:

• Previous education– The majority of graduate education degree programs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Some schools allow for transfer credits from other graduate education programs, but it is up to the incoming school.
• Online learning– All or some of the required courses toward a master’s degree in science education can be taken online. This option depends on the school’s requirements for degree completion.
• Part-time vs full-time learning– Most graduate students need to complete a minimum of 45-60 class hours. This tends to take 1-2 years full-time, including student teaching and working as a new teacher.
• Accelerated program availability– Some colleges and universities offer accelerated programs so students can complete courses sooner. However, these programs can be very time-consuming, and the intensity of these condensed programs requires a full-time commitment.

A degree in science education leads to a wide variety of jobs available for new graduates and seasoned educators, and careers are not limited to just teaching. Graduates can enjoy new employment teaching children in K-12, teaching young adults in community college settings, or working in administrative roles for educational institutions. A science education graduate degree also offers career opportunities beyond the classroom in the following:

• Research
• Curriculum development
• Professional writing and editing
• Various roles within local, state, and federal government agencies

Most online master’s degree programs are designed for individuals pursuing an advanced degree while working. Therefore, they are designed to accommodate students who prefer or require flexible schedules. Online programs also match the quality of on-campus programs, and degrees earned online are no different from those earned on-campus. There are numerous online options for master’s degrees today. Online education programs offer students the flexibility and convenience to study where and when it is convenient for them. This format of asynchronous coursework makes studying online more appealing for working professionals or students making a career change.

However, on-campus programs offer face-to-face classes with greater opportunities for socializing and networking. This option may be more suitable for recent graduates who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree directly after completing their undergraduate studies.

Should I Complete Courses Online?

Online educational programs have become more common and offer an alternative option to campus-based programs. While online learning may have come with a stigma in the past, most large US-based colleges and universities now offer quality, accredited online courses and degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate specialties. Many of the online classes are taught by the same professors that teach on campus. 

How Long do Online Courses Take to Complete?

Each online science education master’s program requires on average 40 – 65 credit hours, and many follow the traditional semester/quarter format. However, some parts of the curriculum can be different based on how courses are delivered.

• Synchronous vs asynchronous courses– Synchronous courses are presented live as online courses that are conducted in real-time with all students required to log in to the classroom at a designated time. Asynchronous courses are designed to allow students to complete them when they can and at their own pace.
• Hybrid vs online courses/programs- Online courses are conducted from remote locations, while hybrid courses are a combination of in-person classroom-based, and online.
• Accelerated online courses– These courses require just as many hours to complete as normal courses but in a shorter amount of time.
• How long can students take to complete an online course?– Most schools have a maximum time in which the course must be completed. This is usually equivalent to a typical semester.

Online Master’s in Science Education Degree Admission Requirements

All online graduate programs require basic forms completed, documents submitted, and fees paid. Potential requirements for admission include:

• Application form (usually completed online)
• Application fee (can vary)
• Minimum BS in education
• GRE (some schools have been waiving this requirement)
• Official college or university transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Letters of recommendation (usually at least three)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)- for foreign students

Salaries for Science Education Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average high school teacher in the United States earns $62,870 per year. However, with a master’s degree in science education, the annual income potential can be as much as $15,000 higher. Most school districts and private schools heavily recruit and pay higher salaries to individuals that have advanced degrees and with a specialization in STEM education.

Each year the U.S. Department of Education (ED) identifies teacher shortage areas. This report lists teacher needs by state and subject, and the report shows a consistent need for high school science teachers. According to ED predictions for this school year and next, there will be a significant need for biology, chemistry, and physics teachers in nearly 30% of the states across the country (USDE, 2021).

Science Education Career Resources

The following are several organizations that serve master’s in science education graduates. 

• National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)– is a community of over 40,000 science educators and professionals dedicated to best practices teaching and science’s impact on student learning. NSTA offers excellent resources and continuing learning opportunities so science educators can expand professionally and advance their careers. In addition, they provide opportunities to network peers on a national level, locate mentors, and learn new information from those considered the best in the field.
• National Association for Biology Teachers (NABT)– is a recognized leader in life science education and represents and supports teachers to improve and enhance biological knowledge for all. They are committed to the professional development and advancement of biology and life science educators.
• American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)– is an organization that is passionate about providing its members the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and develop professionally. Members include K-12 teachers, college professors, preservice teachers, industrial professionals, and even individuals employed by museums.
• American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)– was established in 1930 and is a robust professional physics science society devoted to the pursuit of excellence in physical science education.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)- This organization was formed in 1848 and seeks to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.” AAAS publishes the monthly journal  Science and membership is open to “anyone who shares our goals and belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help solve many of the challenges the world faces today.”

• What can I do with a master’s in science education?

  • There are a wide variety of jobs available for new graduates and seasoned educators, and these are not limited to just teaching. Graduates can enjoy new employment teaching children in K-12 and young adults in community college settings or working in administrative roles for educational institutes. A master’s degree in science education also offers career opportunities beyond the classroom in research, curriculum development, professional writing and editing, and roles within local, state, and federal government agencies.

• What is a Master of Science in education degree?

  • A master’s degree in science education is gained by attending classes and completing teaching requirements that are far more advanced than those that have been attained with an undergraduate degree in education or a master’s degree in general education (MEd). This degree is an affirmation, that designates you an expert in the subject of science (a subject matter expert).

• Can you teach with a master’s in science?

  • Yes, you can teach in secondary education and community college settings.

• What is the difference between a master of science and a master of education?

  • A master of science degree focuses on practical skills and affords students to pursue careers outside the classroom while a master of arts degree focuses on theoretical research.

• American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2021)
• American Association of Chemistry Teachers. (2021)
• American Association of Physics Teachers (2021)
• Johns Hopkins University. (2021). Course Catalogue [Online]
• National Association of Biology Teachers. (2021)
• National Science Teachers Association. (2021)
• Stanford University. (2021). Course Catalogue [Online]
• University of Pennsylvania. (2021). Course Catalogue [Online]
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
• U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Teacher Shortage Areas