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Experience Innovative Approaches to Science Education

Designed for practicing science teachers, the online master’s degree in science education emphasizes practical skills for the classroom and beyond. Sharpen your teaching techniques and deepen your content knowledge, while gaining a top-quality master’s degree that qualifies you for advanced job responsibilities and higher pay.

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s top online education graduate programs, the science education degree offers flexible times that enable you to balance coursework with a full-time teaching job. You’ll gain expertise in inquiry-focused teaching strategies, position yourself to teach in multiple STEM disciplines and gain experience in assessment, advanced pedagogy and teaching for diverse learners. You can focus broadly across the sciences or earn 18 credit hours in either Biology or Earth Science and be ready to teach dual enrollment coursework.

Degree Details

Credits Required:

30

Location/Delivery:

Online

Time to Completion:

2 Years

Cost Estimator

Degree Option

Science Education Master of Arts

This flexible online master’s degree is designed for working teachers, so you can complete it within two years while working full-time. You’ll do your coursework online, at times that fit conveniently into your schedule. The program includes an action research component, enabling you to test new techniques in your own classroom and evaluate the outcomes. Choose electives in a variety of STEM content areas. You can tailor the degree to earn 18 credits in biology of earth sciences of focus on your own interests and professional objectives.
We have scholarships and part-time summer graduate assistantships to support you as you learn.

Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

Online Program

Your Future in Science Education

National leaders have placed a high priority on improving STEM education at all levels. With the science education master’s degree, you’ll acquire advanced skills that are in high demand, broadening your career options and raising your income potential. In addition, you’ll be prepared to exercise leadership and influence the future of STEM education in your school, your district and your community.

Consider UNC’s M.A. in Science Education if you want to:

  • Enhance your subject matter expertise in one or more STEM disciplines
  • Qualify for higher pay, leadership positions and greater professional responsibility
  • Improve learning outcomes in your own classroom
  • Experiment with innovative teaching techniques and assess their effectiveness

You’ll learn:

  • Inquiry-based education
  • Advanced techniques for science instruction
  • Assessment of learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness
  • Subject-matter expertise in current science topics

Sample courses:

  • Cognition and Instruction
  • Science Education Research for K-12 Teachers
  • Action Research in Science Education
  • Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners

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Beyond the Classroom

The online master’s in science education provides you with the opportunity to conduct action research in your own classroom. You’ll design, implement and evaluate new teaching approaches based on your coursework. This practical, skill-building approach enables you to apply program concepts immediately in your professional life.

Where can your degree take you?

  • Teaching in multiple STEM disciplines
  • Teaching dual enrollment courses in biology or earth sciences
  • Program assessment
  • Teacher training
  • New course design and curriculum development
  • Department leadership or administrations

Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.

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Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.

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