Science education MA

The MA in science education is a research degree designed for experienced educators who wish to explore and improve science teaching and learning. The field of science education is broad and includes STEM and environmental education in PreK-12 classrooms, higher education, and adult education.

Focus areas of research include:

K-12 teacher preparation and professional development
Induction and mentoring beginning science teachers
Design and implementation of curricula
Environmental education
Integrated STEM teaching and learning
Social justice

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About the program

Curriculum

To view the core curriculum and electives visit the the MA in science education in the course catalog. Look under subplan “Science Education.”

Two curriculum options are available for MA students. You can choose either a thesis (Plan A) or final paper (Plan B) to complete your degree.

As part of your degree program, you can choose to write a dissertation.

Examples of past MA student dissertations:

Educational Ideology as Decisive Factor in Limiting Out-of-Discipline Middle School Science Teaching
Why Can’t Teachers Work in the Cloud: An Examination of Science Teacher Online Professional Development
Enhancing High School Students’ Environmental Awareness and Activism by Using the Theoretical Frameworks of
Constructionism and Social Constructivism
Thinking Systemically: Collaborative Explorations of the Water Cycle
Comparing Inquiry Science Instruction Within Two High School Biology Classrooms

Research opportunities

You can engage in research that advances the field of science education and ties into your specific area of interest. Faculty work closely with you to achieve your research and educational goals and improve educational opportunities for students. Learn more about the student research experience in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Career outlook

Graduates of the MA in science education have assumed positions as university faculty, instructional leaders in the public schools, curriculum development specialists, and assessment specialists. Many go on to earn their PhD in STEM education.

See faculty who teach in this area

Selin Akgün Selin Akgün

Assistant Professor
she/her/hers
sakgn@umn.edu

I am an assistant professor in science education. I earned my BS and MA degrees in primary science education from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey.

Elizabeth Ring-Whalen Elizabeth Ring-Whalen

Lecturer
she/her/hers
eawhalen@umn.edu

Elizabeth (Beth) A. Ring-Whalen is a Lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and directs the Secondary Science Education program at the University of Minnesota. Dr.

Gillian Roehrig Gillian Roehrig

Professor
she, her, hers
612-625-0561
roehr013@umn.edu

My research and teaching interests are centered on understanding how teachers translate national and state standards into their classrooms.

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How to apply

Application deadline and instructions

Priority deadline: December 1
Admissions decisions: January

We have several funding options to support students full-time through program completion. In addition, working professionals can take this program part-time. Please consult an advisor for details.

See detailed admissions, tuition and funding information on the MA and PhD admissions page.

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Tuition and funding

We have several funding options to support students full-time through program completion. Support is available in the form of:

Teaching Assistantships. The majority work as student teaching supervisors for MEd initial licensure students. Daytime availability, a teaching license, and teaching experience are required
Research Assistantships
Fellowships. Based on a departmental nomination process. You will be notified by the Director of Graduate Studies if you are being considered for a fellowship. Decisions are made by April 15.
Graduate students are also eligible to apply for fellowships and graduate assistantships through other University departments. Visit the University's employment page or fellowships through the Graduate School's Graduate Fellowship Office.
Find more detailed federal financial aid and graduate tuition information.
Financial support through Teaching Assistantships in MELP, the Writing Center, or the undergraduate TESL program.
Fellowships such as FLAS

Application requirements

What we look for

Admission to our master's of arts and doctoral programs are competitive and we look for candidates whose goals and interests align with the program’s research and scholarship. Program faculty make admissions decisions based on the candidate’s experience and research competencies, along with compatibility of research goals.

Please look at our current faculty members’ research interests.

Our masters and doctoral candidates display

Evidence of strong interest in research and in the development of research competencies
Evidence of substantial experience in the discipline
Strong writing skills
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent

Required application documents

Unofficial transcripts.Upload your transcripts into the application system. Please include all transcripts from any institution you have attended, even if you did not earn a degree or certificate. Please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted. Tips for uploading your transcript(s).
Resume.
CI Application Form. Upload in the graduate program additional materials section.
Three letters of recommendation. Ask professors, employers, or supervisors to speak to your potential for successfully completing your degree; they will upload their letters directly into the online application.

The GRE is being waived for those applicants applying for Fall 2025.

Required written statements

Personal statement.Upload to the Applicant Statements section of the online application. (Most statements are 1.5-3 pages, single spaced). Please trace how you became interested in research in this discipline, as well as what problems interest you the most and why. Be sure to speak to:
1. Why you want to study in our department
2. What strengths, expertise, and research experience would contribute to your success in our program
3. Your professional goals for pursuing a research-focused degree
Diversity statement.Upload to the Applicant Statements section of the online application. Identify the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to our community. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. (please do not exceed one page in length)
Short writing sample.(Optional except for Literacy Education applicants). For example, an excerpt from a term paper or research paper for publication. No longer than five pages in English.
Common Ground Consortium Fellowship. (Optional) The primary purpose of the CGC is to assist graduate programs in the College of Education and Human Development to recruit exceptional students with the distinct experience provided by HBCUs or similarly distinguishing contexts, provide these students with financial assistance support during their graduate studies, and assistance with career development and job placement afterwards. It offers a pipeline to excellence and an opportunity to diversify perspectives in the academy. If you wish to apply, submit a statement that describes how your participation as a CGC scholar would a) enhance your graduate student experience, b) prepare you for your chosen career, and c) benefit the public. Upload to graduate program additional materials section.

Additional admissions information

Application checklist

Before applying online, go through the application checklist to ensure you have all the required materials. We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

If you are a returning Graduate School student, follow the Readmission guidelines. If you are a current Graduate School student and need to change your program, follow the Change of Status guidelines.

Transfer credits

MA students must complete at least 60 percent of their coursework (not including thesis credits) within our program. PhD students may transfer no more than 15 credits from an outside institution.

A maximum of 12 graduate course credits taken as non-degree seeking or non-admitted status at the University of Minnesota can be transferred; this is counted separately from the maximum 60 percent or 15 non-UMN credits. For example, a PhD student could transfer a maximum of 27 credits (15 non-UMN and 12 non-degree from UMN).

If you earned a MA at the UMN, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator to discuss transfer procedures. Thesis credits cannot be transferred.

After you are admitted, you will work with your adviser to determine which credits may transfer.

International applicants

International applicants may also need:

An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English. Please note: the Graduate School Admissions Office will not accept an evaluation of your international coursework by an outside agency such as ECE or WES; they only accept the original transcripts.
TOEFL/IELTS or MELAB. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or other country where English is the official language (i.e. U.K, Canada). Score requirements and submission guidelines

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