Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Science Education
Majors Overview August 10, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in science education and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and licensure and continuing education choices.
Information on Science Education Programs
Schools offer science education degrees as Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), or Master of Science (M.S.) programs. Schools offer programs in part- or full-time online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. Applicants are required to have teaching licensure and science teaching experience. Program coursework incorporates field experiences in a school environment. Program graduates can seek work as secondary school or science elementary teachers, or as instructional coordinators or school administrators.
Related Programs
Other education master’s degree programs in subjects such as social studies or English may also be available. Those seeking similar administration and teaching jobs may pursue other master’s degree programs such as:
•Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs in Instructional Leadership
•Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs in Technology Education
•Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Programs in English as a Second Language
•Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Programs in Special Education
•Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Programs in Elementary Education
•Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Programs in Social Studies
Master’s Programs in Science Education
Current teachers seeking to sharpen their skills could benefit from enrolling in master’s degree programs in science education. Coursework in these programs explores research methods, teaching, and instructional leadership. Students can avail the opportunity of applying new concepts to their classroom settings and assessing their teaching skills.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in education. A bachelor’s degree in science education or science is a requirement in some schools. Applicants may also be required to prove teaching experience and complete undergraduate coursework in science education, science, or a related field.
Coursework
Program coursework is devised to give students a stronger grasp of instructional techniques, issues, and practices in science education. Schools offer both non-thesis and thesis options. Students may also have to complete a field experience. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Science education research
•Teacher leadership
•Science education issues
•Teaching science
•Behavior management
Career Choices
High school science teachers seeking advanced leadership skills in teaching methods and curriculum development could benefit by enrolling into these graduate programs and seek jobs in school administration, teaching, or science leadership. Master’s program graduates who have an undergraduate degree can use the program to develop themselves in an area other than education and qualify for science education positions. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Elementary science teacher
•Instructional Coordinator
•Postsecondary science teacher
Licensure and Continuing Education Choices
Licensure or certification is compulsory in every state for teachers seeking jobs in public school systems. Program graduates can obtain licensure by passing their state’s examination. Those who seek careers in research or education may seek enrollment into a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).
