Offered online through the University of Georgia Mary Frances Early College of Education's Department of Mathematics and Science Education, the Master of Education in Science Education focuses on teaching and learning in the natural sciences at the secondary level (Grades 6-12). The program is designed for teachers professionally certified in a secondary science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth/Space Sciences, “Broad Field” Secondary Science) or in Middle Grades Education with a specialization in Science. Graduates qualify for a certification upgrade in Georgia and should also do so in most other states. All required coursework is available online to accommodate working professionals, and is taught by the internationally recognized faculty of UGA's award-winning College of Education. Nearly all M.Ed. students in Science Education pursue the degree on a part-time basis while maintaining a full-time teaching position, although those able to devote themselves to full-time study or to attend some face-to-face courses at UGA’s Athens or Gwinnett campuses may choose to do so.
Students and instructors address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by secondary science teachers today and emphasize an understanding of research-based practices that build on their applied professional expertise developed from classroom experience. Required Science Education courses develop the knowledge and skills necessary for critical consideration of the research literature, and special attention is paid to incorporating the integration of Crosscutting Concepts and of Scientific Practices with Disciplinary Core Ideas, as advocated in the Next Generation Science Standards. Other highly recommended Science Education courses at the master’s level focus on integration of science content with technology, engineering, and mathematics, and with socio-scientific issues. Other areas of required coursework include graduate-level science content, Educational Psychology, and electives that allow the exploration of other fields with the College of Education such as Middle Grades Education, Gifted and Creative Education, Mathematics Education, Language and Literacy Education, and Social Foundations of Education.
Is the MEd the right degree for me?
1) Yes, if you are a Georgia teacher certified to teach science at the middle or secondary level and you are looking to upgrade your certification from T4 to T5.
2) Yes, if you are interested in issues related to teaching and learning, but are not seeking certification (e.g., you are a community college faculty, informal science educators, etc.). Such applicants should be aware that the primary emphasis in our MEd program is on issues related to teaching and learning at the middle and high school levels.
3) Maybe, if you are from another state or if you are an elementary teacher. In these cases you will want to check in with your professional standards board, prior to application, to ensure this degree will be accepted to upgrade your certification. Elementary science specialists should be aware that the primary emphasis in our MEd program is on issues related to teaching and learning at the middle and high school levels.
4) No, if you are seeking initial certification. In this case, you should consider the BSED, non-degree, or MAT programs in science education, as the MEd program does not grant initial certification in Georgia (i.e., T4 certification).
University of Georgia online Master's in Education programs are ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
| In-State Tuition | $370 per credit hour | 36 credit hours | $13,320 USD |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $1,050 per credit hour | 36 credit hours | $37,800 USD |
| Student Fees | $597 per semester | 5 semesters | $2,985 USD |
| Total Program Cost | In-State | $16,305 USD | |
| Total Program Cost | Out-of-State | $40,785 USD |
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, Special Institutional, and Technology. See UGA Tuition and Fees for the complete schedule of fees.
Additional costs may include:
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 36 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Only transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered. If transfer credit is awarded, it will still be necessary to complete the required number of hours to graduate, which will more than likely necessitate additional coursework above and beyond the degree program requirements.
Prospective candidates must:
Domestic Applicants
International Applicants
Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar web site provides up-to-date information on registration dates.
The program allows for flexible scheduling, rather than presuming a uniform cohort – students may begin the program in any semester, and choose how intensively to pursue coursework. It is possible, although not common, to complete the program in 4 semesters (averaging 3 courses per semester). At a minimum, UGA Graduate School rules require registration for at least one course in at least 2 of the 3 semesters of every year (Fall-Spring-Summer) until graduation. Because most students will be full-time teachers, it is expected that most students will take approximately 2 years to complete the program, with the most common pattern being 3 courses per Summer and 1 or 2 per academic-year semester.
Other Graduate-only Courses in Science Education (Choose 2):
Core Educational Psychology courses (Choose at least 1):
Science Content courses (Choose at least 3)
Download the Advising Guidelines .pdf
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
"I wanted to expand my knowledge of science to become a better teacher for my students. I was able to balance the academic workload and the teacher workload. This path can help strengthen my knowledge of research, development, and implementation of the curriculum with K-12 and continue to learn the best ways to educate my students." - Dejanna Pressley, '19
