Science education is integral to student’s understanding of how the world works around them; that’s why teachers need access to accelerated online Master’s in Science Education programs. From learning about how bodies work to understanding how science informs technology, the field is a critical component of every child’s education and, in some cases, their career when they reach the university level.
Professionals who teach these courses, then, are required to have a strong educational background in the subjects they teach; this includes science educators. But many educators begin working as soon as they receive their initial teacher licensure.
This removes the possibility of them attending a traditional on-campus program because they are in the classroom five days a week teaching their own students. These professionals need programs that are online or have low residency requirements, can be taken part-time or full-time, offer summer sessions, and can be completed in two years or less. This ranking includes programs that offer all of this and more, requiring an update to last year’s ranking to reflect the best affordable degrees in the country.
Methodology
Rankings always begin with research; this is always conducted through the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. More than 40 schools were initially identified by searching for online master’s in science education degrees. Each school was then researched independently for ranking factors; these include tuition rates and estimated time to completion rates for each program. The final 15 schools, which are listed below, were chosen based on the school’s estimated total in-state graduate tuition cost for the entire program.
15. Michigan Technological University
Online Master of Applied Science Education
Tuition: $42,526
Michigan Technological University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that is perfect for both educators that teach mathematics and science at the secondary school level. Students will note that this is a hybrid program; courses are taught online during the traditional school year and summer school is offered on-campus. This degree was built with the curriculum guidelines based on the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will find all of their coursework online through the school’s online learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously.
This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, have a bachelor’s degree, and an applied action research project for graduation. More information on this degree can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
14. Western Michigan University
Online Master of Arts in Science Education
Tuition: $37,519 (Financial aid is available upon request)
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree available from Western Michigan University was built for educators and professionals alike; a teaching license is not required for this degree. Students will find that this program can lead to entrance into a doctoral program in the field if that is their goal. This degree is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their coursework through the school’s virtual portal. Courses there are available asynchronously or synchronously and are completed in the traditional 16-week academic term format.
Students will be able to complete this degree in two years if they take two courses every term, have a bachelor’s degree, including the summer term. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to History and Philosophy of Science, Cognition and Teaching, and Science Curriculum.
13. Colorado State University
Online Master of Natural Sciences Education
Tuition: $15,130 (Financial aid is available upon request)
Colorado State University provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that can be completed in two years or less when they choose to study part-time. This program is open to both educators and professionals; completion of this degree will not lead to initial teaching licensure. Students will find that they can choose between a coursework-only option or a research option for graduation. All coursework is housed on the school’s online learning management system and is delivered in live or on-demand sessions that are completed in the traditional 16-week academic term format.
Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, an action research program, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Curriculum Development, Spectroscopy for Science Educators, and Evolutionary Biology for Educators.
12. Northern Arizona University
Online Master of Arts in Science Teaching
Tuition: $17,561 (Financial aid is available upon request)
Students enrolled at Northern Arizona University are offered the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree. This program focuses on a wholly online education that can be completed in two years or less when students choose a full-time plan of study. This degree is offered entirely through the school’s virtual portal. Science education graduates will engage in asynchronous or synchronous coursework, all of which is delivered in the traditional 16-week academic term format.
Science education graduates will be required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, including a variety of science content electives, along with a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Science Teaching and Learning, Advanced Science Curriculum and Instruction, and Survey of Literature in Science Education. The courses will benifit elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers.
11. The University of Alaska Southeast
Online Master of Education in Science, Specialization in Science Education K-8
Tuition: $18,468
The University of Alaska Southeast provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that was created specifically for Alaskan teachers. This degree follows the standards and guidelines set forth by the Next Generation Science Standards but is focused on teaching in Alaskan schools; please note that this degree will not lead to initial licensure. Students will find that this degree can be completed in two years or less with full-time study and is offered entirely online. The program is housed within the school’s online learning management system, where courses are delivered live or on-demand and in 16-week sessions.
Students will need to complete an internship, which must take place in the state of Alaska. Other degree requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s portfolio. Sample courses in The Impact of Technology on Student Learning, Great Ideas in Science, and Selected Topics in STEM Education. The courses will benifit elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers.
10. Hamline University
Online Master of Arts in Education: Natural Science and Environmental Education
Tuition: $17,510
Students at Hamline University have the opportunity to graduate with an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that takes just two years to complete. This program is fully accredited by the North American Association of Environmental Education and is just one of eight universities worldwide to hold that distinction. This degree is open to both educators and non-educators, can be completed entirely online, and has no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their courses online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week term format.
Students will be able to graduate in two years following a full-time plan of study. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, a fieldwork experience that takes place in their community, a thesis or a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Environment and Society, Understanding Learning, and Investigating Contemporary and Critical Issues in Education.
9. North Carolina State University
Online Master of Education, Specialization in Science Education
Tuition: $23,344
North Carolina State University is home to an exceptional accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that can be completed in two years when students study full-time. This degree was created for both educators and non-educators alike; students will also note that this degree will not lead to initial licensure as a teacher. This program is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their coursework requirements through the school’s learning management system. Most courses are available as live offerings that take place in the evenings or on the weekends to ensure that all students can participate.
Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Methods in Science Education, Technology tools for Science Teaching, and Introduction to Research in Science Education, Advance classroom teachings for high school teachers.
8. The University of Northern Colorado
Online Graduate Interdisciplinary Degree Program Master of Arts, Emphasis in Science Education
Tuition: $16,650
Students at the University of Northern Colorado are granted the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree. Students will find that this program was designed for practicing teachers and is designed to work around their busy schedules. This program is offered entirely online with no residency requirements and can be completed in as little as two years. All courses can be found through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, an action research program, and a final program exit survey. Sample courses include Cognition and Instruction, Laboratory, Field and Studio Safety, and Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners.
7. Texas A&M University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Tuition: $14,710.80
Texas A&M University provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Science Education degree that focuses on STEM curriculum and instruction. This program is available 100 percent online and can be completed in two years when students choose to study full-time. Courses can be found through the school’s online learning management system; sessions are offered either asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. Summer terms are also available. Students will find that this degree requires them to complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include History and Trends in STEM Education, Teaching and Learning Data Analysis and Uncertainty concepts, and ENGR Design for School Teaching and Learning.
6. Clemson University
Online Masters for Science Educators
Tuition: $15,626
Students who are interested in an accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education will need to look no further than the school’s non-thesis offering. This program is open to both educators and non-educators and can be completed within two years. Students will find that this degree also enables students to transfer up to 12 credit hours of coursework, making it possible to complete this degree in just two years with part-time study. All courses for this degree can be found online through the school’s virtual portal and are delivered in asynchronous or synchronous sessions that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework as well as a research project. Sample courses include Understanding Ecology and Ecosystems, Understanding Cellular Processes, and Understanding Biological Inquiry.
5. The University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Science Education Option
Tuition: $14,100
The University of Massachusetts at Lowell confers accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education that focuses specifically on curriculum and instruction. This program is currently accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; however, this degree will not make students eligible for teacher licensure in any state. Courses for this degree can be found online through the school’s learning management system and can be found in the asynchronous or synchronous format. Students will be able to graduate from this degree in two years when they choose to study three courses every term. Degree requirements include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Cell Biology for Teachers, Exploring the Nature of Science, and Leadership in Science Education.
4. The University of Nebraska at Kearney
Online Master of Science in Education, Specialization in Science and Math Education
Tuition: $11,340
The affordable accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney was developed to provide science teachers a strong graduate foundation in their field. This program requires that applicants have an initial teaching licensure in good standing in their state in order to be considered for this program. Students will be able to complete all of their coursework online. There are endorsements available for Biology, Math, Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Science. The virtual portal serves as the home for all coursework in this degree; students will find courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Technology Tools for Teachers, Curriculum Development in Multicultural Education, and Natural Science Curriculum.
3. Western Governors University
Online Master of Arts in Science Education, Specialization in Middle Grades
Tuition: $13,540 (based on 2 years)
Western Governors University delivers an accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education for working educators that may lead to initial teaching licensure in their state. This degree is flexible and can be completed entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Courses can be found online through the school’s learning management system; sessions are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be able to graduate in two years when they choose full-time study. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and a Science Educator Teacher Performance Assessment.
2. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Online Masters of Science for Teachers
Tuition: $18,556
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is home to an accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education that was designed for science teachers; the curriculum focuses on curriculum over pedagogy to this effect. This program can be completed 100 percent online with no residency requirements; the average time to completion is two years when students take three courses every term. Students will complete their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; the majority of courses are delivered asynchronously while live courses are always held on the weekends or in the evening in order to accommodate working professionals. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, an independent research project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Mobile Computing and Science teaching, Technical Communication for Teachers, and Mathematics for Teachers.
1. Northeastern State University
Online Master of Education in Science Education
Tuition: $9,000
Northeastern State University offers an accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education to science teachers who are interested in advanced education; only licensed professionals are accepted into this program. Students will find all of their coursework available online through the school’s learning management system; courses are found asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week term format. It is possible to complete this degree in two years when students study full-time. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a program exit survey. Sample courses include Educational Research, Environmental Science, and Trends and Issues in Science Education.
What are the Career Options for an Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s in Science Education?
- School Administrator
- Senior Researcher
- Park Naturalist
- Science Teacher
- Science Writer
- Science Journalist
- High School Principal
- Textbook Author
- Elementary School Science Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- Career Counselor
- Freelance Writer
- Corporate Trainer
- Natural Science Museum Curator
- Instructional Coordinator
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The median salary for science education professionals is currently $58,030. University education professors can expect to earn about $75,430. Professionals who choose a career outside of the science field may find that their salaries will range from $37,000 to $100,000, depending on what they choose to pursue as their career.
One of the most lucrative positions that can be found is as curators and educators at natural science museums. These professionals can expect a starting salary of about $55,000, but that may increase with time and experience. Science teachers also make a substantial amount of money, about $45,000 to $60,000; however, this depends on the museum’s size and demand for these positions.
Another career option that may prove to be well-paying is writing. Whether a professional chooses to author textbooks, work for publications, or become a science journalist, this career path can provide a substantial income. However, this requires a great deal of discipline and perseverance; the profession generally works on contracts, meaning professionals are either contracted for one article or held as an employee for one or two years before the contract must be renewed. However, it provides these professionals with the chance to become strong voices in the field and can lead to other sources of revenue; some of these include as motivational speakers, guest correspondents on news networks, and more.
What are the Various Disciplines of Science Education?
Science education is a field that is dedicated to education and the sciences. This field pairs the two but is generally focused on education as the main discipline. This is because professionals must be licensed to teach in their state and that requires a great deal of knowledge of the field.
The other common disciplines in the field include curriculum, instruction, pedagogy, computer science, sociology, psychology, and development.
Science education can be separated by disciplines; these can include biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. Professionals will generally focus on one or more subjects at the university level so that they can demonstrate to potential employers that they have specialized knowledge in that field.
The field is also separated by level of education. This includes elementary school, secondary school, and postsecondary school. Because science education at all three tiers requires specific knowledge, professionals will also need to demonstrate competency at primary and advanced levels of the type of science they are teaching.
Science is a field that helps society understand how certain things work. Science education, then, is crucial for students from young children to young adults. Having qualified professionals who can competently teach biology, chemistry, physics and more is an important step in ensuring that everyone has the same base level of knowledge. Secondary science teachers who work full-time can ensure this level of competency by applying to one of the accelerated online Master’s degree in Science Education listed above.
Related:
TOP 25 MOST AFFORDABLE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ONLINE PROGRAMS
30 PROS AND CONS FOR GETTING A FAST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE
ARE ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAMS EASIER TO GET INTO?
