Best Online Master’s in Science Education Degree Programs of 2024

An online master’s in science education will help students develop their skills in designing curricula, engaging learners in K-12 science classrooms, and organizing experiments and other hands-on learning experiences. Coursework in this degree blends an understanding of natural sciences with educational best practices and pedagogy.

Students who earn a master’s in science education will choose a specific learning group to focus on, such as elementary school (median annual salary: $63,670), middle school (median annual salary: $64,290), or high school (median annual salary: $65,220).

A standard online master’s in science education requires 30-36 credit hours and can be completed with 1-2 years of full-time study. Although the cost of this degree will vary by program, the average tuition for graduate school is $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private universities.

Choose your area of study

Students can earn a variety of degrees in this field, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Education (MEd). Many programs also offer specializations and elective coursework that allow students to concentrate on a single science subfield, such as biology, chemistry, physics, oceanography, or natural sciences. Think carefully about what you want to do after you graduate, then look for programs that match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in science education program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accrediting organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.

Students should also be sure to get answers to the following questions while doing their research:

• Does the program prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees in education?
• Is there an experiential learning component in the curriculum, such as student teaching? Can students who are currently teaching complete this requirement at their jobs?
• What services are available to online students, including tech support, academic and career advising, counseling, and library resources?
• Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
• Does the program meet all necessary state requirements for teaching licensure and certification?

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program. When researching programs, find out what their requirements are in terms of undergraduate and professional background. Some online master’s in science education programs are designed for individuals who already have a teaching license or teaching experience. They may also require specific prerequisite coursework and a minimum undergraduate GPA.

Students should also confirm what application materials they need to submit and what the admissions deadlines are. A typical application for a master’s in science education includes:

• Application and required fees
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation from work supervisors, colleagues, or current or former professors
• Resume/CV highlighting educational background and relevant work experience
• Personal essay or statement of intent detailing interest in the program and why you would be a good fit
• GRE scores

Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Review the information you’ve gathered, find the ones that most closely align with your needs in terms of curriculum, time commitment, and cost, and submit applications to those programs. In some cases, this may mean only submitting one or two applications. Other students may want to cast a wider net to increase their chances of acceptance. There’s no right or wrong answer, but students should bear in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can quickly add up.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

During the research phase, it’s also a good idea to get information about the overall cost of the program (including tuition, fees, and other expenses) and what types of financial aid are available to students.

For most students, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a key step in the financial aid process. Colleges use the information from this application to determine eligibility for need-based aid, such as federal student loans, grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study. Students should also inquire about merit-based aid such as scholarships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education also offers Teacher Loan Forgiveness and the TEACH Grant to students who agree to spend four years teaching in a high-need field at a low-income elementary school, secondary school, or educational services agency.

Individuals currently working should inquire with their employer about tuition assistance benefits to help offset the cost of their degree. Veterans and active-duty military members should determine if the school accepts GI Bill benefits or offers military tuition discounts.

Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.