Master of Education 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 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.