Best Online Master's In Science Education Degrees

Are you passionate about introducing young people to science? Do you want to become an expert in developing curriculum programs that are effective, captivating, and inventive? Do you want to inspire young people to pursue their STEM dreams?

Then an advanced degree in science education is just for you!

What kind of master's in science education degree should you get?

No science education degree is exactly the same. While some of these programs expect you to already be a licensed teacher, others do not require prior certification. These programs are either MAs, MSs, or MEds.

While some provide licensure others prepare you for a career in community college teaching or an "informal" educational setting, meaning community centers, museums, and more. If you want to teach, make sure you find a program that will license you if you aren't already.

Despite the differences in programs and their respective structures and requirements, all of the programs on this list can be earned fully online. Distance education is not only a flexible way to advance your career, it's affordable too. For that reason, be sure to check out College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities.

How much money do people make with a master's in science education degree?

Here's the not-so-good (and not-so-surprising) news: teachers are among the least paid professionals in the country.

Here's the better news. On average, science education teachers make around $59,700 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But that number leaps upward with the added specialization and experience that comes from earning a master's degree. According to Payscale, science teachers can make upwards of $75,000 a year.

What can you do with a master's in science education degree?

While a graduate degree in science education will prepare you to teach, the opportunities for those with this degree extend far beyond the classroom.

For example, graduates from the 15 programs below have secured careers in everything from science advocacy and policy to administration, research, curriculum development, and more.

Additionally, many of the programs on our list offer specialized certification or concentration in an array of areas. You can specialize in a traditional science subject, such as biology or earth sciences. Or you can focus on technology integration, environmental science, and more. These added areas of expertise will set you apart upon graduation.

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What are the requirements for an online master's in science education degree?

Most of the programs on our list require at least two years of full time study. You'll allocate that first year to core education courses on curriculum design, pedagogy, and classroom management. Then you will take coursework in your content area, whether that's biology or physics, or something in between.

If you're training to teach elementary school you can expect a more generalized curriculum. But if you're preparing to work in a middle or high school classroom then get ready for an in-depth exploration of your speciality area.

Finally, some programs require field practicums. This will give you real-world, hands-on experience in the classroom if you don't already have it. We've been sure to note which programs require field work.

What are the best online master's in science education degrees?

While some of these programs are offered through large research universities and others through small liberal arts college, they all share one thing one common: they are the 15 best online master's in science education programs in the country.

To determine the best science education programs we first looked at each program in the country that offers the degree online. From there we looked at the academic reputation of each school as well as retention rates, affordability, and the early salaries of graduates.

After such extensive research, we determined the best programs in the nation that prepare science education teachers. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.