Best Online Science Education Programs

Explore our ranking of the best online bachelor's in science education programs nationwide. Find the best education degree for your career goals.
By
portrait of Marisa Upson
Marisa Upson
Read Full Bio

Writer

Marisa Upson has 10 years of professional writing experience, specializing in higher education trends, business, hospitality, and health and wellness. On BestColleges, she writes articles to help students make informed education and career decisions....
Updated on November 3, 2023
Edited by
portrait of Colin Weickmann
Colin Weickmann
Read Full Bio

Editor & Writer

Colin Weickmann has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree and college planning resources for prospective students. He holds a BA in digital technology and culture from Washington State University. Colin is a former editor at Red...
Learn more about our editorial process

www.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.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

If you enjoy studying the periodic table or visiting observatories and science museums, you may find an online bachelor's in science education program fascinating and rewarding.

Earning this degree from a top online college may lead to a career teaching science at the K-12 level or sharing your passion in museums and youth camps. The degree can also serve as a stepping stone to graduate school.

The U.S. is experiencing a severe shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in science and mathematics. A survey conducted by Frontline Education found that 2 out of 3 school systems reported shortages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, middle school teachers earned a median annual salary of $60,810 as of May 2020.

A bachelor's in science education takes about four years to complete. The College Board reports that average tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree ranged from $8,760-$37,500 for the 2020-21 academic year.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Science Education Program?

Success in this field requires empathy, patience, and a passion for sharing knowledge. While students' needs differ among age groups, core skills for all teachers include communication, resilience, and a desire to help others succeed.

Earning an online bachelor's in science education requires about 120 credits and takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Accelerated tracks can lead to a degree in 42 months. Programs may also specialize in teaching at the middle school or high school level.

To gain state licensure, prospective teachers must complete supervised classroom teaching. Teacher programs usually incorporate this component. Student teachers observe educators in the classroom before undertaking a full-time, supervised, in-classroom student teaching experience.

Student teaching lasts at least 12-20 weeks, though requirements vary by state and school. Programs may help you find local opportunities to complete these requirements.

Most programs offer concentrations, enabling students to align their education with their area of interest. Concentration offerings may include chemistry, biology, earth-space science, and physics. A bachelor's in science education provides students with thorough knowledge in their content discipline and in modern theories regarding educational approaches and learning.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Science Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Science Education Program?

Concepts in Science

Students explore many scientific disciplines, including geosciences, chemistry, biology, and physics. Covered topics include analyzing scientific data, the nature of matter and energy, and chemical bonds.

Natural Science Lab

Students may receive a home science lab kit to complete lab experiments. Participants learn about the scientific method and use lab experiments to gather data and investigate a hypothesis.

Educational Technology for Teaching

This course explores the latest technologies used in classrooms to facilitate teaching and learning. Participants learn to evaluate hardware and software options while considering students' access to technology and other ethical factors.

Educational Psychology and Human Development

This class examines the theories of human development from early childhood through adolescence. Students learn how social and cognitive developments affect learning. They also explore the appropriate strategies for assessing and instructing diverse populations.

Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Participants learn to assess learners' needs and the best approaches for modifying and delivering instructions based on those needs. Covered topics include creating engaging lessons that meet educational standards.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Science Education Program?

Admission requirements for on-campus and online bachelor's in science programs are typically similar. Some schools may require a virtual interview with an enrollment counselor. Applicants should make sure their prospective program meets their state's teacher education requirements.

Application

Students may submit their college applications through a school's online portal or website. Many schools also use platforms such as Common App, which allows students to use a single application for multiple schools. Application forms often request contact information, standardized test scores, GPA, awards received in high school, and extracurricular activities.

Test Scores

Most schools request SAT or ACT scores. Today, many colleges make college entrance exams optional. In these cases, students should consider including test scores only if they would make their application stronger. Highly competitive colleges may list minimum test scores on their freshman admission requirements.

Letters of Recommendation

Many online bachelor of science programs do not request letters of recommendation from first-time students. All schools vary, so make sure to review this requirement. If requested, the best references come from high school guidance counselors, teachers, and supervisors. Ask for these letters in advance to ensure they arrive before the application deadline.

Essays

The college application essay or personal statement helps colleges understand applicants beyond their grades and test scores. An essay also demonstrates the applicant's writing ability, an important consideration in college readiness. Generally, colleges want to know about students' goals, students' formative experiences, and why they want to attend that particular school.

Official Transcripts

Students must submit official transcripts from high school and any postsecondary institutions previously attended. Many schools offer generous transfer credit policies.

Students may also submit GED credentials. Many programs require a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. Some schools consider college entrance exams and other criteria for students with lower GPAs.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Science Education Degree?

Career Outlook

Science teachers are in high demand across the U.S., as are teachers in mathematics, foreign languages, and special education. The Economic Policy Institute projects that the school teacher shortage could result in 200,000 job openings by 2024. Supply cannot meet demand for qualified teachers and STEM educators.

This growing demand results in increased wages. For example, high school teachers earned a average annual salary of $67,340 as of May 2020, according to the BLS. However, teachers working in New York, a particularly high-demand state, earned an average of $88,890.

Not all graduates pursue positions as school teachers. Some work as science educators in youth facilities, museums, zoos, or other organizations. The following are common career paths for graduates. Keep in mind that public school teaching positions require certification. Private schools set their own criteria.

See where a bachelor's in science education can take you. Learn more about education careers and the most popular college majors.

Career Paths

High School Teacher

High school teachers usually instruct students in grades 9-12. They present scientific concepts, including gathering data to support scientific hypotheses. In addition to classroom instruction, these teachers use science labs for hands-on exploration of chemistry, biology, or physics. Additional responsibilities include developing lesson plans, demonstrating science experiments, and grading assignments.

Median Annual Salary: $62,870

Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers generally teach grades 6-8, though the grades vary among districts. In many schools, these teachers specialize in their core subjects. In smaller, rural communities, they may teach a single class covering all subjects. These teachers assess students' abilities and develop lesson plans. When not teaching, they may provide lunchtime supervision or coach athletic teams.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers may teach children from grades 1-5. These educators usually teach several subjects throughout the day. In some schools, these teachers work in teams. For example, one teacher may instruct children in science and math, and the other assumes responsibility for social studies and English. Many use experiential learning to help younger students grasp abstract concepts.

Median Annual Salary: $60,660

Educational Editor

These professionals edit science textbooks or scientific journals. Educational editors ensure the content is accurate. They research resources and topic development. In journals, they may decide what articles to publish to peak scientists' interest and cover the hot topics in specific fields. Some journals receive many submissions, requiring editors to sift through a large volume of manuscripts.

Average Annual Salary (March 2022): $55,610

Museum Technician

Museum technicians' roles vary significantly based on the museum's type, location, and size. These professionals may answer the public's questions regarding artifacts and exhibitions. They also help create exhibits and coordinate acquisitions, including loans from other museums. The BLS projects 19% job growth for museum workers from 2020-2030, a much faster rate than the average for all occupations.

Median Annual Salary: $52,140

Science Education Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Some students use an online science education degree as a stepping stone for graduate studies. Earning a master's may offer additional career opportunities and increased earning potential. According to the BLS, in 2020, bachelor's in education graduates earned a median weekly wage of $1,305. Master's degree-holders made $1,545.

Earning a master's degree can lead to management positions and roles as instructional coordinators, museum curators, and community college teachers. See below for common continuing education paths:

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Science Education Program?

Cost

On-campus and online tuition costs for bachelor's in science education programs vary by school type and residency status. According to the College Board, in 2020, public colleges charged an average of $10,560 for in-state students and $27,020 for out-of-state students. Private nonprofit universities came in at $37,650.

Some online programs do not charge out-of-state fees and offer relatively low annual tuition rates. For example, the online BS in science education from Western Governors University costs just $3,475 per term. Additional costs for online students include books, fees, and supplies.

Program Format

Online programs offer several learning formats. Synchronous programs usually require weekly scheduled virtual class sessions. Asynchronous learning allows students to access online lectures and assignments at their own pace. Other options to consider include part-time or full-time enrollment and accelerated tracks, which lead to quicker completion.

Location

Location also plays a role in program choice. Some online programs require on-campus participation. Aspiring teachers should make sure their prospective program would help them qualify for teaching licensure in their state. Additionally, some online programs may charge out-of-state fees. Learn more about on-campus versus online programs.

Accreditation

College accreditation ensures that a school and program meet high educational standards. Attending a regionally accredited college qualifies students for federal financial aid. Credits from regionally accredited schools transfer more easily as well. Programmatic accreditation can affect job prospects and eligibility for teaching certification. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accredits bachelor's in science education programs.

Student Support

Student support services can play a critical role in students' success. Colleges offer varying levels of student support for online learners. Some provide one-on-one tutoring and scheduled virtual online workshops to support learning. Other online student services include career services, internship placement, and mentorship programs.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Science Education Programs

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Bachelor's in Science Education Programs

  1. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6670

    WGU is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and serves over 121,000 distance learners each year. The university's comprehensive academic catalog includes five online bachelor of science in science education programs.

    Students can pursue a bachelor's in science education for physics, chemistry, earth science, and biological science. They can also enroll in a science education track specifically for future educators who want to teach middle school.

    Applicants must pass a basic skills test for their home state. Some of WGU's teacher education programs do not accept learners from certain U.S. states; prospective students should confirm their eligibility with an enrollment advisor. WGU's education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

  2. Midway University
    Location

    Midway, KY

    Tuition

    $22791

    Midway offers over 30 certificates and degrees, including an online bachelor's degree in education studies with a science emphasis. Because this 120-credit degree does not lead to initial teaching licensure, the program serves students who want to teach outside the U.S., work in administrative/paraprofessional positions, or immediately pursue a master's degree.

    Required coursework covers topics like classroom management theory and multicultural education. Learners gain hands-on experience through a practicum. They can use 22-28 elective credits to take advanced major coursework or complete a complementary minor. The university powers distance education with the Moodle platform.

    To qualify for enrollment, first-year applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Midway also prefers applicants who score at least 18 on the ACT or the equivalent on the SAT.

  3. St. Petersburg College
    Location

    Clearwater, FL

    Tuition

    $588

    About 20,000 students at SPC take online classes, and the school offers more than 50 programs to distance learners. This includes an online bachelor of science in middle grades general science education program, which serves as a degree completion pathway.

    Major core courses include physical science for middle grades teachers, introduction to environmental science, and interactive projects that promote learning in science. Participants also complete 160 clock hours of field experiences and a 15-week internship. Graduates prepare for science teaching positions in grades 5-9.

    Applicants should have an associate degree or at least 60 credits earned at an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should have also passed all sections of Florida's General Knowledge test.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Science Education Programs

Is a bachelor's in science education worth it?

Yes. Students passionate about science and sharing their knowledge with children and adolescents may find that a bachelor's in science education leads to a rewarding career. The present need for teachers, particularly in STEM fields, results in high demand.

Today's online accredited programs offer the same level of education and employee recognition as their on-campus counterparts.

Most science education programs offer concentrations so students can focus on their field of interest. Possible specializations include chemistry, physics, earth science, and biology. Students may also use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate programs that may offer higher earning potential and increased job opportunities.

What can I do with a bachelor's in science education?

Most science education majors pursue careers as elementary, middle, or high school teachers. Some graduates also work as science educators outside of the classroom, in youth facilities, museums, zoos, and other organizations. Others use their writing and science abilities to work for science journals or textbook publishers, editing content.

Students may also use this degree to propel them to graduate school. A master's in education can lead to leadership roles like principal or school administrator and teaching positions at community colleges. A master's in curriculum development can qualify students for roles as instructional coordinators and educational consultants.

Are science education majors in demand?

Science teachers are experiencing high demand due to a severe national shortage of qualified teachers in STEM and other fields. Axios Media reported that some school districts are resorting to sending support staff, such as custodians and bus drivers, to college for teacher training.

The BLS reported that, on average, over 270,000 teachers are expected to leave their job every year from 2016-2026. In addition to the number of teachers leaving the labor force or transitioning to another career, increasing student enrollments also propel the demand for qualified teachers.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in science education?

Salaries for those with a bachelor's in science education vary based on the employer, position, location, and experience level. For example, the BLS reports that high school teachers earn a median annual salary of $62,870 as of May 2020. In public schools, that figure rises to $63,400, while private elementary and secondary school teachers earn $58,550.

Many teachers work 10 months and take off for two months in the summer. Some of these teachers continue teaching in summer school, receiving extra income. Science education majors who excel in writing and science may also work as science editors. PayScale reports that education editors earned an average salary of $54,910 as of December 2021.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's in science education?

The salary for middle school and high school teachers varies dramatically. The top 10% of earners make median salaries exceeding $98,840 and $102,130, respectively.

States also experience different levels of teacher shortages. This strong demand and short supply translate to higher earnings. According to the BLS, New York reports the highest pay for middle school teachers, with an average annual salary of $89,150. High school teachers in California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey earn average wages of $86,900, $84,130, and $78,900, respectively.

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.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.