Top Online Master’s in Science Education Programs 2024
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If you're an educator looking to enhance your teaching skills or transition into science education, then an online master's in science education may be what you're looking for. Online master's programs allow you the flexibility to learn from home, making it easier to work while earning your degree.
While most teaching positions only require a bachelor's degree, an education master's degree can increase your potential for a higher salary and open doors for other academic leadership positions like superintendent, principal, and professor. We'll guide you through the different types of online master of science education programs and help you choose the right one to fit your career journey.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Top Online Master's in Science Education Programs
We use trusted sources like
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and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
NC State offers an online master of education in STEM education science. Online learning uses an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete all coursework requirements remotely. However, some tests may require a proctor.
This online master's degree in science education features 30 credits and typically takes two years to complete. The curriculum includes classes like special problems in mathematics teaching, advanced methods in science education, and introduction to research in science education. This program meets the requirements for advanced licensure established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Qualifying candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in science or science education with a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Applicants must also submit three references and a personal statement. NC State is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UGA in Athens offers several online graduate programs, including a master of education in science education. This program caters to working educators and uses an asynchronous format. Students may complete all course requirements online.
This 36-credit master's in science education focuses on teaching at the secondary level. Students explore a variety of topics, such as teaching strategies for secondary science, applied educational assessment, and curriculum planning in science education. Graduates may qualify for a certification upgrade in Georgia and most other states.
To qualify, prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, a 2.6 minimum cumulative GPA, and T4 certification. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ECU — based in Greenville, North Carolina — offers an online master of education in science education. This program may appeal to current teachers looking for a part-time pathway that allows them to complete coursework around professional responsibilities. Students may take all courses entirely online.
The 36-credit program typically takes 2.5 years to complete. The curriculum explores topics like advanced studies in biological science for teachers, perspectives on science education, advanced assessment methods in science education, and teacher research in science education. Graduates may qualify for National Board Certification, and some students go on to pursue a doctoral degree.
Applicants must submit a copy of their teaching license, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT test scores. ECU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Socorro, NMT is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students may pursue a variety of degrees at NMT, including an online master of science for teachers who specialize in a STEM content area. Learners can take all program components online and attend optional two-week summer sessions on campus.
The 30-credit program is available through a full-time or part-time format, giving teachers the ability to continue working throughout the program. The curriculum covers several topics, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. NMT encourages students to participate in research projects with faculty members.
Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree and at least one year of K-12 teaching experience. Applicants must also submit official transcripts and at least one professional or academic reference letter.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
TTU is a public school in Lubbock. The university offers an online master's in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in STEM. The program caters to current teachers looking to advance their skills in curriculum planning and enhance STEM learning in their schools.
The 36-credit program focuses on teaching participants to effectively design, implement, and assess STEM education. The curriculum includes a six-credit practicum or research requirement. Learners must also pass a comprehensive final exam or complete and defend a thesis.
TTU's College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and boasts a 100% pass rate among graduates for teacher certification. Students with previous college coursework may transfer in up to six credits. To apply, students must submit an application and official school transcripts.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
WGU offers an affordable and convenient online master of arts in science education. WGU uses a unique, self-paced, proficiency-based format that helps experienced students progress through courses rapidly. The average student completes this program in about two years.
Students can complete all coursework online at their convenience. This master's program comprises 14 courses, including concepts in science; general physics; teaching in middle school; and science, technology, and society. To graduate, students must successfully complete a final teacher performance assessment and a capstone that entails leading a classroom of at least 10 students.
Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a valid teacher's license. Applicants should submit official transcripts and complete a telephone intake interview with an enrollment counselor.
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
HU — based in St. Paul, Minnesota — offers an online master of education in natural science and environmental education. The program holds accreditation from the North American Association of Environmental Education. Faculty use an asynchronous delivery format that allows students to complete all coursework remotely.
Learners can complete their 34-credit master's in 18 months. The curriculum includes coursework in understanding learning, environment and society, research design, and foundations in natural science and environmental education. Students need to complete a capstone project or thesis to graduate.
Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants should submit official transcripts, a two-page essay detailing their personal goals and educational philosophies, and three letters of recommendation.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Atlanta's GSU offers an online master of education in science education through its College of Education & Human Development. The program caters to licensed teachers looking to advance their knowledge. Online learning uses a fully online asynchronous format.
This 36-credit master's in science education typically takes 4-5 semesters to complete. The curriculum includes classes like methods of research and evaluation, science in the school curriculum, trends and issues in teaching science, and conceptual physics. To graduate, students must complete a portfolio.
Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit official school transcripts, a goals statement, proof of teacher certification, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. GSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lesley is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school offers over 80 graduate programs, including an online master's degree in science education. Online learning uses an asynchronous format that allows students to complete all coursework online.
Participants complete 33 total credits, including science, pedagogy, and elective courses. The curriculum features coursework like life science, earth and space science, investigating equitable science classrooms, and a final capstone course. This program meets requirements to earn professional teacher licensure in Massachusetts.
Lesley reports that 94% of its program graduates find employment or continue their education shortly after graduation. Prospective students must possess at least a bachelor's degree. Applicants should submit official transcripts, a 750-1,000-word personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
NSU — in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — offers a variety of online graduate programs, including a master of science in science education that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students may complete all program requirements online.
The 36-credit program includes coursework in classroom management and organization, methods in science education, and teaching comprehensive ocean science. To graduate, students must also complete an applied professional experience. This entails working in an educational setting and creating a final portfolio.
Qualifying candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA. Applicants should submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What's the Benefit of Getting a Master's Degree in Science Education?
A master's degree in science education can teach you more than just advanced science and teaching knowledge for the classroom. It also increases your salary and career potential. Eighty-eight percent of large school districts nationwide offer higher pay to teachers with master's degrees, according to a 2018 National Council on Teacher Quality study.
You can also unlock career advancement opportunities, such as a professorship, academic leadership, and research. If you're still wondering if a master's degree is worth it, the degree can also set you apart in fields that require at least a bachelor's degree.
A master's in science education allows you to specialize in whatever suits you best, whether that's in research, the humanities, teaching pedagogies, or academia. Different degrees, such as a master of arts, master of science, and master of science in teaching, allow you to focus on various aspects of science education.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's Degree in Science Education?
There are lots of job opportunities with an online master's degree in science education. While some of the most common jobs are teaching, there are other positions in educational leadership at the K-12 level and in the nonprofit sector.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects teaching jobs to decline slightly from 2023-33 due to a national teacher shortage. You can even get jobs outside of teaching with a master's in science education. If you like training, supporting teachers, and curriculum development, you could also become a science education consultant or a director in an educational nonprofit.
The BLS found that kindergarten and elementary school teachers made a median salary of $63,670 in 2023. High school teachers had the highest median teaching salary at $65,220.
School principals are among the highest-earning non-teaching positions for a master's in science education, which pays a median of $103,460; school superintendents receive a median of $145,000 annually.
| Job | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Science Educational Consultant | $67,000 (as of May 2024) |
| Science Education Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Nonprofit Educational Director | $77,030 |
| Science Professor | $84,380 |
| School Principal | $103,460 |
| School Superintendent | $145,000 (as of May 2024) |
MA, MS, M.Ed., and MAT in Science Education: What's the Difference and What Can I Expect?
There isn't just one way to get a master's in science education. A master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of education (M.Ed.), and master of arts in teaching (MAT) are four options for earning your degree. While mostly the same, each has a different specialty you may find helpful in your career journey. Research your program and school offerings to see which is best for you.
They also don't vary much in cost. An online master's degree in science education will cost you around $24,290 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Education. While each type of master's degree offers something different depending on your career journey, they likely will not vary too much in cost, credit hours, or time to complete.
Traditionally, an MA, MS, M.Ed., and MAT in science education will take you around two years or about 36 credit hours to complete, while some schools may require more or less. If you want to get your degree faster than that, look for an accelerated program that may take about a year and a half to complete.
Master of Arts in Science Education
Master of arts (MA) degrees are often compared to master of science (MS) degrees. The MA focuses more on the humanities and social sciences, usually requiring fewer college courses in STEM and often focusing more on theory, philosophy, and other humanity-driven perspectives than operational ones in science.
Depending on your job, you may only need an MA instead of an MS. Since most teaching roles require only a bachelor's degree, you may have success teaching at all levels, even with an MA.
Master of Science in Science Education
MS degrees are STEM-focused master's degrees. These degrees in science education prepare you for more science-focused careers and often require more rigorous STEM courses in college than an MA. In contrast to an MA, an MS is more analytically and practically focused. An MS may also require more research than an MA, and you may have to write a thesis.
Master of Education in Science Education
While the degree sounds like it's aimed at educators, an M.Ed. prepares you for non-teaching roles in curriculum instruction, counseling, advising, and administration. People with an M.Ed. may pursue positions like superintendent, counselor, and curriculum developer.
If you don't want to pursue an educator role but enjoy the world of academia, this degree type may suit you.
Master of Arts in Teaching with Science Education Specialization
The MAT in science education is designed for classroom teachers. While the degree doesn't directly lead to a teaching license, it will advance your scientific and teaching knowledge through research, science, and teaching-oriented classes. Alongside core courses in science education, you may expect to take classes specializing in teaching, such as teaching philosophy, best practices in teaching, and childhood development.
If you have a teaching license and want to gain new skills and pedagogies or move toward new educator opportunities, this degree may be for you.
Which One Is Better: MS in STEM Education or Master's in Science Education?
If you want to expand your field expertise beyond science, consider an MS in STEM Education. Both are valuable, but one may serve you more than the other. An MS in STEM Education highlights all STEM fields, not just science, and like the master's in science education, it prepares you to advance your teaching career in STEM.
National Board Certification
If you want to stand out in teaching science education, you can earn your National Board Certification. This certification is for accomplished teachers who hold their standards up to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), a nonprofit organization hosting the accreditation.
According to the organization, students learn more from board-certified teachers. These teachers also positively impact Black, indigenous, students of color and low-income students. The organization also hosts specific standards for different educational fields, including science.
Teachers must meet the following requirements:
- Be committed to students and their learning
- Know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students
- Be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning
- Think systematically about their practice and learn from experience
- Be members of learning communities
Check to see if your state will help you financially when applying for the National Board Certification.
Professional Associations in Science Education
The NBPTS certification isn't the only way to share a connection with other science educators. Professional associations connect members and share resources and support with paying members. These associations provide you with a network of educators and other educational professionals and opportunities to sharpen your skills.
National Science Teaching Association
NSTA aims to transform science education through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy. The organization provides members with monthly webinars, journals with tested science activities, "Daily Do" lesson plans, and discounts on events and books. The lowest membership is $45 a year, while the highest is $90.
Association for Science Teacher Education
The ASTE provides leadership and support for science teachers at all grade levels. Members gain access to journals, an annual conference, regions, forums, and committees, and a community of faculty, professional developers, and leaders. Membership starts at $30 for future pre-K through twelfth-grade teachers and ends at $135 for regular membership.
National Middle Level Science Teachers Association
NMLSTA is dedicated to serving middle school science educators. Members get access to resources, conferences, teacher awards, and a discounted joint National Science Teaching Association membership.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's Degrees in Education
What's the difference between a teaching degree and an education degree?
A teaching degree is designed for educators who want to stay in educator roles. In contrast, an education degree focuses more on other leadership roles. An M.Ed. will focus more on topics like curriculum, instruction, and other aspects of education that aren't teaching.
What master's degree is most valuable in education?
It depends on what roles you'd like to pursue. Each type of master's degree specializes in different aspects of education and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you want to pursue teaching, your best options may be a master of arts in teaching, a master of arts, or a master of science degree. If you want to pursue academic leadership, you may want to consider a master of education degree.
What master's degree is best for teachers?
The master of arts in teaching is designed for teachers who want to continue educating. Alongside typical science education courses, you may take classes in teaching philosophy and best practices.
Is an online master's in science education worth it?
An online master's in science education can be worth it for people who want to continue teaching science education and earn higher pay or for people looking to change careers into science education. A master's education may open more career opportunities than a bachelor's degree.
Does a master's degree mean I can teach?
Teaching typically requires at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license from your state of residence. Most states require student teaching or supervised teaching hours to qualify for a license. Research what your state requires before deciding to teach.
