Why This Matters

  • A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION FOR 53% OF HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

    While the majority of high school teachers have a bachelor’s degree, an even larger share of middle school teachers (64%) and elementary school teachers (73%) have this level of education.

  • BY 2029, THE NUMBER OF SCIENCE TEACHER JOBS WILL GROW BY 4%

    From the elementary school level up to the high school level, teaching jobs are expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.

  • EARN AN AVERAGE SALARY OF $59,410 AS AN ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

    High school teachers earn an even higher average salary of $62,870 per year.

Our Research

This list reviews bachelor’s degree programs in science education. We focused specifically on courses that are available in online and hybrid learning formats.

We ensured the quality of these programs by only including institutions approved by a regional accreditor. Two of the most popular accreditors are the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). These accreditations prove that you attended an institution of high quality, and they are also useful for obtaining professional credentials.

  • 73 hours to write this article
  • 20 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 55 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Science Education Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Science Education Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Midway University
01
Best in the West
Western Governors University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Before you commit to a bachelor’s in science education program, you should make sure there isn’t a similar degree that you would be more interested in. For example, if you think you may prefer a career in scientific research rather than teaching, you should consider pursuing a degree in microbiology or chemical engineering.

Also, if you would rather teach at a university than a primary or secondary school, keep in mind that you would need to continue your education and obtain a master’s or doctorate degree.

In addition to your degree, you will also need to pass a background check in order to get a job as a science teacher. Depending on the school, you may also need to get certified in the specific grade that you teach and pass a subject exam that demonstrates your knowledge of science.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in science education programs:

  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Most virtual programs let students choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Asynchronous courses allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace, while synchronous courses have set class times.
  • What licensing or certifications are required? Science education students who wish to work in schools will need to complete a teaching internship and pass any exams mandated by their state. Some states require a master’s degree.

As you prepare for college, consider how you plan to pay for your degree. Research the scholarships, grants, and loans that are available in your state, and check to see if you qualify for federal student aid. You should also keep track of any application deadlines or materials that you need to submit. If this information is not available online, consult the school’s admissions department.