What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Science Education Program?

Online master’s in science education programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs. Also, by eliminating the need to commute to campus, online programs make finding time for work, family, and personal activities besides your studies easier. When searching for an online master’s degree program in science education, you must carefully review your options to find the best match for your personal needs and professional goals.

Common degree curriculum

While the exact curriculum for a master’s in science education depends on which school you attend, there are some topics covered in just about every program, such as:

  • Global Themes of Science: Examines how to teach basic biological, earth, and physical science concepts.
  • Secondary School Science: Reviews techniques for delivering science instruction to middle and high school students.
  • Curriculum Design: Prepares graduates to create instructional materials and lesson plans that reflect local and national standards for science education.
  • Student Assessment: Covers how to determine learning objectives, the tools needed to perform effective student assessments, and the difference between informal and formal assessment methods.

Certification and license preparation

Teacher certification and licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with the board of education in the state you plan to teach in to determine the requirements. Many master’s in science education programs have licensure requirements built into the curriculum, allowing you to receive both your degree and license upon graduation.

Program accreditation

Only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed. In addition to institutional accreditation, the best options for earning a master’s in science education also have programmatic accreditation from an industry group such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Program completion timeframe

The total time it takes to earn your master’s in science education depends on multiple factors, including the specific program you choose and how many classes you take per semester. Most full-time students can graduate within two years, while part-time students may need up to five years.

Also, cohort-based programs will require you to remotely attend classes and complete courses simultaneously as other students. Those who want to earn their degree as quickly as possible should avoid cohort-based programs — instead, look for a program that offers asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Science Education Graduates

Most workers in this field earn about $55,000 to $75,000 annually. There’s the potential to make much more than that — the top 10% of high school teachers earn over $101,710, and the top 10% of instructional coordinators earn over $105,210.

Of course, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for middle school teachers is $93,000 in California but just $48,170 in Mississippi.

It should be noted that there isn’t expected to be much job growth in this field over the next decade. That means there will likely be a lot of competition for open positions, making getting hired and negotiating pay raises more challenging.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Middle School Teacher Although most states only require K-12 teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in science education will help you improve your instructional skills and access the highest-paying opportunities available. $61,810 1%
High School Teacher High school science teachers work in public or private schools and typically teach specific subjects like chemistry, biology, or physics. $62,360 1%
Instructional Coordinator These education professionals usually work at school or district levels and oversee curricula and academic standards. They develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and administer assessments to determine its effectiveness in the classroom. $66,490 2%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations regularly hold conferences and other events, which allow you to trade ideas with other science teachers from around the country and learn from their experiences. These organizations may also provide lesson plans, training webinars, and other valuable resources. Some of the top organizations for science educators include:

  • National Science Teachers Association: This organization provides resources for science teachers at all grade levels. Member benefits include industry publications, free online resources, and conferences and workshops.
  • American Association of Physics Teachers: The AAPT hosts national winter and summer meetings, where physics teachers can get together to participate in workshops, trade ideas, and form more robust networks both nationally and locally.
  • National Association of Biology Teachers: The NABT offers its members professional development opportunities, teaching resources, and a subscription to The American Biology Teacher magazine.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Science Education Degree

While online degree programs are usually more affordable than on-campus programs, you still may need help paying for your education. In that case, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federally funded grants and loans. You should also investigate whether the college you’re most interested in has financial aid packages that you can apply for. Many nonprofit organizations and private companies offer scholarships as well.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

There are so many financing options available that it can be challenging to determine exactly what you should do next after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree?

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