Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Science Education

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 Educational Psychology and electives that allow the exploration of graduate-level science content and of other fields with the College of Education such as Middle Grades Education, Gifted and Creative Education, Mathematics Education, Language and Literacy Education, and Educational Theory and Practice.

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., 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.