According to the Economic Policy Institute, increasing teacher shortages point not only to a lack of teacher shortage, but a shortage of teachers with strong credentials. Although the minimum requirement to practice as a primary and secondary school teacher is a bachelor’s degree, teachers can earn a master’s in education to strengthen their credentials and provide a quality education in high need subject areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects consistent growth for jobs in high school, middle school, and elementary school education, making now a great time to earn a master’s in science education online.
Earning a master’s degree in science education online can provide science teachers with the skills needed to excel in K–12 teaching, with the flexibility to continue working while earning their degree. A master’s degree also provides the credentials to teach at the postsecondary level, community colleges, and lower–level undergraduate courses at four–year universities. Whatever your goals, an online master’s provides an affordable, accessible pathway to a variety of teaching careers.
Science Education Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
The Best Online Master’s Science Education Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
Raleigh, NC Apply Now | ||
| 2 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC Apply Now | ||
| 3 |
Oregon State University |
Corvallis, OR Apply Now | ||
| 4 |
Nova Southeastern University |
Fort Lauderdale, FL Apply Now | ||
| 5 |
Hamline University |
Saint Paul, MN Apply Now | ||
| 6 |
University of Nebraska at Kearney |
Kearney, NE Apply Now | ||
| 7 |
Northern Arizona University |
Flagstaff, AZ Apply Now | ||
| 8 |
Columbus State University |
Columbus, GA Apply Now | ||
| 9 |
Western Michigan University |
Kalamazoo, MI Apply Now | ||
| 10 |
Montana State University |
Bozeman, MT Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Science Education Education
Earning a master of science in STEM education online opens doors to a variety of careers in different industries, both inside and outside of teaching. The bachelor’s serves as the primary degree for practicing teachers, as this degree qualifies graduates to earn state teaching licensure; however, teachers who earn a master’s in education not only further their education and advance their teaching career, they also gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials to pursue careers in higher education, and outside of the teaching industry.
Graduates of master’s in science education online programs go on to work in research, governmental, and administrative roles, as well as careers in the arts and humanities, such as archivists and curators. These graduates can also work in the nonprofit sector, working for healthcare organizations, or as instructional coordinators for entire school districts. Earning a master’s degree in education provides the extra credentials these graduates need to expand their career options, as well as increase their earning potential. Below, you’ll learn more about career options and salaries for graduates of master’s in science education online programs.
Science Education Degree Salary Information
Online master’s in science education graduates typically qualify for several specialized science teaching positions. There are many different science courses at the postsecondary education level, including chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and astronomy classes.
- High School Teacher
- In addition to teaching courses, high school teachers with a master’s degree may potentially earn a higher salary, and may take on leadership roles within the school, such as department head or intern supervisor.Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $40,000
- Mid-Career: $42,000
- Experienced: $48,000
- Late Career: $55,000
- Postsecondary Teacher
- A master’s degree qualifies graduates to work as teachers in higher education, often instructing lower–level undergraduate courses in their science specialization. They may work at two– or four–year institutions.
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $43,000
- Mid-Career: $46,000
- Experienced: $48,000
- Late Career: $51,000
- Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker
- Curators and archivists in museums select and organize materials for exhibits and archives. Those with master’s degrees in science education might also apply their skills toward curating educational programs for museum visitors.
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $37,000
- Mid-Career: $46,000
- Experienced: $53,000
- Late Career: $67,000
- Instructional Coordinator
- Instructional coordinators oversee the curriculum for entire schools or school districts. They work with teachers and administrators to ensure school curriculum meets state and national standards. These coordinators must hold a master’s degree.
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $82,000
- Mid-Career: $86,000
- Experienced: $94,000
- School Principal
- Most elementary, middle, and high school principals hold at least a master’s degree. They often have experience in teaching which, along with their degree, enables them to take on leadership positions.
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Science Education Degree Program
Students interested in earning their master’s in science education online should carefully consider a variety of important factors before choosing a program. Things like program cost, school transfer policies, and the type and size of the school can all influence a student’s experience and success. For example, in–state programs generally offer a more affordable option for learners, and programs with generous transfer policies may serve as a great option for students with previously earned graduate credits. Consider these factors in detail, as there is more than likely an online school that fits your exact needs.
- Program Cost
- Finding an affordable program is typically a top priority; however, you should consider quality alongside cost. Some programs may offer flat rate options for online students, while others may charge extra fees for distance learners. Consider extra costs as well, like fees and any software or technology you may need to purchase.
- Transfer policies
- Students already possessing graduate credits and seeking to transfer them to a new program should look for schools with generous transfer policies, or that have transfer agreements with other schools. Generally, schools will require students to complete a minimum amount of credits at their institution, and may cap allowable transfer credits.
- School Size and Type
- Schools often pride themselves on low student-to-faculty ratios, which generally means smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Some private institutions have smaller student bodies than public schools.; however, this may not indicate smaller class sizes or more student attention.
- Program Length
- The length of a program may serve as a deciding factor when choosing a school. The more credits a program requires, the longer it may take to earn that degree. Some programs may also require students to enroll on a part-time basis, or complete the program alongside a cohort, which can also impact time-to-completion.
- On–campus Requirements
- Many online programs, especially those in education, require some kind of in-person or on-campus element. This may entail visiting campus for a residency, or completing an in-person internship/supervised practice hours in your home community. Consider any on-campus or in-person requirements, and weigh your ability to complete them.
Accreditation for Online Science Education Degrees
Accreditation serves as a crucial factor when researching master’s in science education online programs. When a school holds accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, it means the academic programs at that school meet or exceed standards set by that agency. This form of quality assurance provides prospective students a way to ensure they choose a school with a high quality program. Schools may hold regional or national accreditation, with regional as the more common and popular of the two. Regional accrediting bodies oversee schools in specific geographic areas. For example, the Higher Learning Commission oversees schools in the north–central United States, in states like Arizona, Arkansas, and Colorado. A school’s online programs fall under the same accrediting bodies as their on–campus counterparts.
Graduate programs in education may also hold additional accreditation from a programmatic accrediting body. While not necessarily required, programmatic accreditation offers another layer of quality assurance for specific programs. Many education programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The Department of Education (ED) oversees all financial assistance for education programs. As such they must recognize an accrediting body for students to utilize federal aid and assistance at schools accredited by that agency. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a nongovernmental organization, also serves as a regulatory body for accreditation agencies and accredited schools. These organizations aim to maintain high educational standards across all higher learning institutions in the country. CHEA, specifically, aims to provide the public with information on accreditation, and advocacy in higher education. Both the Department of Education and CHEA have databases of accredited schools that students may search.
Science Education Concentrations
Students in master’s in science education online programs often have the option to specialize their degree through concentrations. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree towards their interests and career goals. The table below details some of the popular concentrations for master of science in education degrees.
- Health Education
- Health education prepares students for careers in community and social services, and secondary education. The concentration emphasizes studies in human biology and anatomy, as well as methods for improving public health through community-based programs and initiatives.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Health educator; community health worker; social and community services manager; health specialties teacher
- Biology
- A concentration in biology emphasizes a broad, foundational knowledge of human, cell, molecular, and organismal biology. Courses in this concentration highlight research methods in biology, pedagogy in biology, and scientific methodology. Students may also study genetics, ecology, microbiology, and immunology.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: High school teacher; researcher
- Curriculum Development
- Science education students can choose a curriculum development emphasis to pursue careers as teachers and curriculum coordinators. This concentration often highlights courses in pedagogy and teaching methodologies at varying levels of education, from elementary to postsecondary. Students explore education policies and national standards for science education.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Elementary, middle, or high school teacher; curriculum coordinator
- Reading and Literacy
- This concentration emphasizes the process of incorporating literacy and reading instruction into content areas, such as the sciences. Courses may cover topics in literacy and phonics, as well as teaching English language learners and supporting struggling readers at all levels.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Elementary, middle, or high school teacher; reading specialist
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Science Education?
A variety of factors influence how long it takes to complete a master’s in science education online. These programs typically require between 30–45 credits and take around two years of full–time study to complete; however, this can vary by school and program. For example, programs that require students to enter and complete the program within a cohort may take longer to complete. Programs requiring students to enroll part–time instead of full–time can also take longer. Some programs may have extensive internship or supervised practice requirements, which may also extend a student’s time–to–completion.
The longer a program takes to complete, the more expensive a program can be. This includes semester fees, tuition, and the cost of materials. Some programs charge a flat fee per semester, regardless of how many credits students enroll in. These programs may cost less overall, depending on the course load a student can reasonably undertake. Keep in mind that each program will have different requirements that may impact your time–to–completion.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Science Education Program
Online master’s in science education programs offer a wide range of courses, informing distance learners on different areas of science, and helping them become more effective teachers. In addition to the theory and application of different areas of science, students are introduced to effective teaching techniques and strategies, enabling them to excel as science educators. Program requirements differ depending on the school but tend to feature research– and coursework–based curricula. Some common courses in this field include physics for science educators, chemistry for science educators, earth sciences for educators, evolutionary biology for educators, and design and data analysis for researchers.
Most programs culminate in a final project. Some of these projects are research–based, while others involve independent study. Independent study allows students to focus on a science–related topic from a field that interests them, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, letting them tailor their degree to fit their desired career path. Students work with an online advisor to write a thesis and complete their final project. Research–based projects also let students focus on a topic of their choice, but these typically require regular in–person collaboration with an advisor to produce the final project.
- Curriculum Development
- Master’s programs in science education often place an emphasis on pedagogy and curriculum development. This course explores the fundamentals of building a curriculum, including adherence to state and national standards, best practices for instruction, philosophies on curriculum and theory, and issues in curriculum planning.
- Chemistry for Science Teachers
- This course examines chemistry fundamentals through instruction, offering methods and practices for teaching chemistry at different grade levels. Students look over basic concepts in chemistry, and consider ways to teach students while adhering to standards, and addressing individual student needs.
- Environmental Biology for Science Teachers
- This course is specifically tailored toward educators at certain levels, such as middle school or high school. The course offers methods for exploring concepts in environmental biology with students at varying grade levels, and may explore topics in pedagogy and practice, research in and out of the classroom, and curriculum planning.
- Research Experience
- Graduate education often emphasizes research and scholarship. This course introduces and explores different research methodologies commonly used in science education, including qualitative and quantitative methods. Students may complete a formal research project of their own, either in a classroom or independently.
- Classroom Experience
- Many teacher preparation programs include some form of classroom experience. This may entail a formal internship in a school in the student’s local community, working alongside a practicing teacher. Alternatively, students already holding a teaching license may complete formal observations by supervisors. Generally, students write about their experience in a formal report.
Science Education Membership Associations
- National Science Teachers Association
- NSTA serves as the largest organization for science teachers, administrators, scientists, and researchers to promote the field of science education. The association offers a variety of conferences and workshops, as well as continuing education opportunities and awards.
- Association for Science Teacher Education
- ASTE has served members since the 1920s, supporting science education professionals through collaboration and scholarship. Members can take advantage of regional meetings, special publications, and award opportunities. Members also may serve in leadership roles through nomination and election.
- Society for Public Health Education
- For students pursuing health education, SOPHE offers awards, fellowships, and scholarships, including a special award for graduate students. Members have access to affordable continuing education opportunities, as well as an annual conference.
- National Association of Biology Teachers
- Since 1938, NABT has championed science educators around the world. The organization offers members access to networking platforms with other educators, teaching resources, professional development, and special publications. Members may also apply for available awards and scholarships.
- National Science Education Leadership Association
- NSELA advocates for effective and high-quality science education by offering science educators access to professional development, networking opportunities, and research and teaching resources. Members may also attend a variety of events offered throughout the year.