5 Jobs for Masters in Science Education Majors

Jobs for masters in Science Education majors offer rewarding careers and opportunities to teach, consult, and design for many employers. If you’re considering a master’s degree, it’s essential to investigate the potential career opportunities with a Master’s in Science Education, so you know what your options are after graduation.

A Master of Science in Science Education can open various doors, ranging from teaching jobs to advisory positions. No matter your talents, you can use the degree to explore both public and private career paths. Do you want to earn a graduate degree but aren’t sure which career path to take? Then, check out our list of the top jobs that require a master’s degree in science education.

Top Careers with a Science Education Master’s

High School Science Teacher
College Instructor or Postsecondary Teacher
Museum Curator and Designer
Instructional Coordinator or Educational Consultant
Public Policy Analyst or Advisor

1. High School Science Teacher

One of the most common career opportunities in science education lies in elementary, middle, and high schools. With a master’s degree in science education, you have the background to teach students at all levels. If you teach at a public school, you’ll need to be licensed by the state.

If you’re passionate about the future of science, this might be the right place to start your career. After all, according to U.S. News & World Report, science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) education is most effective when it starts early. Teaching science to young minds gives you the power to shape future scientists.

Job Title: High School Science Teacher
Job Growth Rate 2021-2031: 5% (BLS)
Median Annual Salary: $61,820
Educational Requirements: High school teachers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.

2. College Instructor or Postsecondary Teacher

If you want to teach at a higher level, you might look for careers in science education at the college level. In this position, you would teach science classes within your specialty area. Depending on the institution, class sizes could range from 10 to more than 100 students.

Many colleges and universities allow you to teach classes with a master’s degree; you may need to take an adjunct position at first to get your foot in the door. These positions are usually based on lectures and labs, which allows you to focus on teaching rather than research. Community colleges are another great place to find post-secondary science education jobs.

Job Title: Postsecondary Teacher
Job Growth Rate 2021-2031: 12% (BLS)
Median Annual Salary: $79,640
Educational Requirements: Postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree. However, a master’s degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges.

3. Museum Curator and Designer

Teaching is only one of the science education career avenues. You can get a job in a museum to apply your knowledge in a more hands-on setting. For example, science museums need employees to design every aspect of their exhibits. You might select topics, find materials, plan the flow, and write content.

In some museums, the job includes designing hands-on activities and experiments for visitors. Other responsibilities of a museum science educator include leading tours, training volunteers, and directing graphic and experience designers to execute your vision.

Job Title: Natural Science Museum Curator
Job Growth Rate 2021-2031: 12% (BLS)
Median Annual Salary: $50,120
Educational Requirements: Museum technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in museum studies or a related field, such as archaeology, art history, or history. Some jobs require candidates to have a master’s degree in museum studies.

4. Instructional Coordinator or Educational Consultant

Educational consultants are experts in the classroom and experiential instruction. They help advise teachers and educational institutions on issues ranging from curriculum development to the best way to set up a science lab. With a Master’s in Science Education, you could work with private and public schools to create adequate settings for student learning.

You might create new experiments, recommend equipment, or even design special classrooms for science classes. As a consultant, you have the freedom to work on your own or with an agency.

Job Title: Instructional Coordinator
Job Growth Rate 2021-2031: 6% (BLS)
Median Annual Salary: $63,740
Educational Requirements: Educational Consultants typically need a master’s degree and related work experience teaching or working in school administration. Coordinators in public schools may be required to have a state-issued license.

5. Public Policy Analyst or Advisor

Government officials often turn to advisers when they set science and education-related policies. Since officials aren’t usually scientific experts, they rely on policy advisers to provide the knowledge and insight they lack. In this role, you would be expected to research current issues, look into the scientific body of work surrounding the topic, and get up-to-date on the system’s state.

Then, you’d work with government bodies to make recommendations for new policies and laws. Advisers touch on a wide range of projects, including setting standards for science education and adjusting state licensing requirements for science teachers.

Job Title: Policy Adviser
Job Growth Rate 2021-2031: 6% (BLS)
Median Annual Salary: $122,510
Educational Requirements: Political scientists must complete either a master’s or Ph.D. program. Applicants to a graduate program should have completed undergraduate courses in political science, writing, and statistics.

What is a Master’s in Science Education Degree?

A master’s degree in science education typically takes full time students two years to complete and requires 30 to 36 credits. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree before applying. Two degrees are available: the Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) and the Master of Arts in Science Education (MASE). Both degrees prepare students for advanced careers teaching science.

The MS in Science Education prepares students for employment as teachers, curriculum developers, counselors, administrators, and leaders in various educational settings. With this advanced degree, graduates deepen their understanding of learning and gain relevant professional experience to become more effective science teachers.

What are the Various Disciplines of Science Education?

Science education is a subfield of education. Within science education, there are separate disciplines. These include biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. And professionals typically focus on one discipline to teach at the high school or college level.

The field is also separated by level of education. These are an elementary school, secondary school, and postsecondary school. Education at each tier requires specific knowledge of content and how to teach to that age group. So, teachers must also demonstrate competency at primary and advanced levels of the type of science they teach.

Why Earn a Master’s in Science Education?

This degree can help you advance your career and earn more. Furthermore, in many professional occupations, holding a master’s degree results in a higher annual income. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the median yearly salary for professionals with a master’s degree is around $13,000 more than that of bachelor’s holders.

What are Popular Industries Where Degree-Holders Work?

A master’s degree in science education offers opportunities to work in various industries. A clear understanding of these different industries gives you a straightforward idea of what fields you can work in after graduating. Here are some examples of popular industries where they work.

Teaching and Education

A master’s in science education is excellent if you plan on entering the teaching profession. If you plan on teaching at the middle school, high school, or even the college level, a Master’s in science education can help make the process of landing a job more accessible and can potentially earn you a higher salary. Teaching middle school or high school does require a teaching credential, which is not included in our program. Below are some additional science jobs in teaching and education.

School Administrator
High School Principal
Superintendent
Elementary School Science Teacher
Middle School Science Teacher
Assistant Professor
Curriculum Developer
Career Counselor
Instructional Coordinator
Corporate Trainer

Biotechnology

Individuals with a master’s in science education can enter this rapidly growing field that uses technology on living microorganisms and other biological organisms to create new products. Biotechnology is a dynamic field for individuals excited to use their skill sets for medical, environmental, and agricultural advancements. Some jobs in this area are Pharmaceutical Researchers and Science Technicians.

Healthcare

Medical professionals need a strong background in science. With a master’s in science education, individuals can work in the pharmaceutical industry, study various organisms, and help create new drugs and health treatments. If you’re passionate about helping others and discovering new scientific possibilities, this can be the perfect industry for exploring your potential.

Most hospitals, medical research centers, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient centers also have labs that employ science technicians. Patient care is another area of health care where a science background is useful to provide insight to help specific populations.

Information and Computer Science

Almost all professions now overlap with computer science. So, it makes sense that individuals with science education degrees are in demand in some technology areas. Individuals with other equivalent technical skills and a science education degree can find roles in this field. Computer science jobs include roles in data science, human centered interaction, or as database administrators.

Agriculture

Those with a master’s in science education can find themselves qualified to work in agriculture. Professionals conduct research on soil quality, crops, livestock, and more. So, if you are interested in plant life, and growth cycles, then the agricultural industry can be a perfect way to pursue your interests. Some careers in this field may include Biologists, Plant Scientists, and Conservation Scientists.

Zoology

Zoology studies animals and their habitats. If you’re an animal lover looking for a career enabling you to interact with animals regularly, zoology maybe your industry. Graduates can work as a Natural Sciences Manager or Animal Scientist for a zoo or similar organization.

Other Jobs with a Science Education Master’s

What other careers can you go into with a science education master’s degree? Not everyone pursues a career in the field of their major. Below are some other jobs for graduates with a Master of Science in Science Education.

Community Program Administrators
Genetic Counselors
Case Managers and Social Workers
Substance Abuse Counselor
Community Counselor
Dietician
Marriage and Family Therapists
Healthcare Social Worker
School Counselor / School Counselors
Disaster and Emergency Specialists
Criminal Justice Educators
Human Resources Specialist
Project Management / Scrum Master
Library Science
Business Administration
Public Relations Specialist

What is the Highest Paying Job with a Master in Science Education?

With a master’s in science education, an individual can work as a Postsecondary Education Administrator. The BLS salaries for these professionals range from $59,150 to over $190,770. Postsecondary education administrators typically need a master’s degree in education or a related field. Employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees and experience working in a postsecondary role. They hold degrees in various fields, such as business, education, and social science. Some jobs include Registrars and Academic Deans. With a PhD, individuals qualify for roles as Deans or Provosts.

Another career that pays well is writing. With a background and degree in science, an individual can work as a Science Writer, Freelance Writer, Science Journalist, or Textbook Author. These career paths require discipline and perseverance since most work is on a contract basis. Science writers who excel in the field also earn income from speaking engagements and guest correspondents on news networks.

How Do You Find a Job in Science Education?

A simple internet search is one of the best ways to find employment. There are lots of sites with job ads that match the search terms and criteria you select. Some of these include Indeed or SimpyHired. In addition, individuals can set up an account and create a job alert. They can even have the latest job alert emailed when it posts. These search results include employers seeking experienced professionals matched to your search. A benefit of these sites is qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other protected classes.

Is a Master’s Degree in Science Education Worth It?

Yes. Any master’s program is a commitment of money and time. But a graduate degree can open new opportunities and fetch you a higher salary. Graduates with a master’s degree earn more than students who only complete an undergraduate program. Furthermore, wages are even higher for professional and doctoral degree holders. And, because of the high level of specialization, an advanced degree also strengthens your ability to stay employed during economic downturns.

Your Career

Once you graduate with a Master’s in Science Education, your employment possibilities expand considerably. Whether you want to teach or work behind the scenes, the science education career opportunities are exciting and plentiful.

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