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Master of Arts

Science Education Master's
(Middle Grades)

OVERVIEW

Enhance Your Career and Help Students with a Master's Degree in Science Education


 

STEM education is more important than ever before, and WGU is proud to support the growth and purpose of STEM by helping over 8,700 students graduate with STEM teaching degrees.* If you're passionate about STEM education as well, a science education degree can prepare you to change direction and show students the wonders of the scientific world. This online master's degree in science education allows current teachers to specialize in teaching general science courses to junior high or middle school students. When you choose WGU you'll get more than a credential—you'll be equipped to connect with diverse students and help all kinds of learners thrive.

The master's in science education helps ensure your proficiency in a wide range of natural science topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. In addition to the subject matter, you will learn the classroom skills necessary to effectively teach this content to students in the middle school/junior high grades.**

*WGU Internal Data

**The specific grade levels you will be qualified or endorsed to teach will depend on your state.

Eligibility note: The M.A. Science Education (Middle Grades) program is for certified teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to add middle-grades science to their existing licenses. This master's of science teaching online program is not intended for aspiring teachers seeking teacher licensure or teaching certification. If you are seeking your teaching certificate, please view our online college for teaching programs leading to teacher licensure.

62% of graduates finish within 

18 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish your teaching degree online faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your teaching degree online. Finish faster, pay less!

Graduates who recommend WGU

97%

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation.

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COURSES

Science Education Courses

Curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills general science teachers need.

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This online Master of Arts in Science Education degree program provides you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to become a middle school science teacher. This science education degree program is for already-licensed teachers looking to complete a master's of science teaching online degree as the next step in their K–12 education careers.

The WGU M.A. Science Education (Middle Grades) degree program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to teach general science content, principles and methodology to young adolescents.

This program is made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.

The program also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.

Chemistry Content
Biology Content
Geosciences Content
General Science Content
Science
General Education
Science Education
Education
Teacher Performance Assessment

14 Courses

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Teacher Work Sample

Special requirements for this program

The final exam requires that you write an original, comprehensive research paper that provides direct evidence of your ability to design and implement a multi-week, standards-based unit of instruction, assess student learning, and then reflect on the learning process. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Teaching: Developed comprehensive and effective lesson plans based on a deep knowledge of the subject matter, ensuring the delivery of engaging and relevant content to students.
  • Classroom Management: Successfully built strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment that promoted student well-being and academic growth.
  • Problem Solving: Conducted research to find effective solutions to a problem.
  • Curriculum Development: Planned instruction that seamlessly integrates principles and theories of learning.
  • Differentiated Instruction: Effectively selected strategies that support differentiated instruction for all students, ensuring that individual learning needs, abilities, and interests are met, resulting in an inclusive and effective learning environment.
  • Educational Assessment: Assessed educational needs and progress using formative and summative assessment data, facilitating data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.

“I loved attending WGU. My mentor, Tammy, was amazing, helpful, and kind. She worked with me in everyway possible and ensured I was successful. Tammy kept me on track the whole way. Everybody responded quickly and was extremely helpful. I am extremely grateful for all the help that was offered to ensure my success. Thank you WGU for helping me achieve my dream of attaining my master's degree.”

—Sarah Merryman
M.A. Science Education

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused principal preparation program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"WGU provided me the opportunity to earn my master's degree at my own pace. Rigorous coursework was challenging and well organized to meet my needs as I continued my education goals.”

—Allison L.
M.A. Science Education

CAREER OUTLOOK

With a Master’s in Science Education, You’ll Be Ready to Turn Your Classroom into a World of Discovery

Early adolescence is a time when science starts to become real for students—real-world applicability emerges, and students who receive a high-quality science education begin to better understand the world they live in through observation and experimentation. Unfortunately, there aren't enough qualified middle school science teachers to help fuel their curiosities and inspire their interest in space science, earth sciences, life sciences, chemistry, and physics.

With today's heavy focus on the importance of STEM in K–12 curriculums, now is a great time to acquire the specialized knowledge to become a science teacher. WGU is proud to be the nation’s #1 producer of STEM teachers.

If you're ready to change up your educational career, a master's degree in science education could be the perfect fit. Take your teaching experience and knowledge and put it to use as you become a licensed middle-grade science educator. Take the next step in your career as a teacher—inspire students, impact classrooms, and change communities.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

4%

Middle school teaching positions are expected to increase by at least 4% from 2021–2031. With the crisis-level shortage of STEM teachers in America, that increase could be substantially higher for science teachers.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Master in Science Education Admission Requirement

If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:

  • A copy of a valid teaching license.
  • Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.

An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.  

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

More About the M.A. in Science Education (Middle Grades)

Our M.A. Science Education program is designed for licensed teachers who want to expand their abilities by adding a science endorsement.

You should pursue a master's in education based on what you want to do for your career. For many current teachers, adding to their existing license to expand or adjust the kind of teacher they want to be can be helpful. For example, a teacher who wants to pivot and teach science courses can pursue a master's degree in science education that allows them to expand on their current license.

Yes! There are online, accredited universities like WGU that allow students to pursue a master's degree in education online. Be sure to find a program that is reputable and will help you get the correct license for your state.

There will be a small practicum in the capstone for the degree. You will be teaching a multi-week lesson plan to a body of at least 10 students. This lesson plan usually consists of about 10 hours of in-class time.

WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

  • How to apply
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?