MSSE is an intercollege, interdisciplinary effort that allows science educators of all backgrounds to gain knowledge and competence in the science disciplines of their choice. Online science and education courses are offered year-round, allowing students the flexibility to design an online curriculum that caters to their personal and professional interests. During the summer, educators from all over the world have the opportunity to converge on Montana State’s Bozeman campus to experience science through popular field and lab courses that utilize the state’s diverse environment to teach scientific principles and provide models of field-based instruction. With an emphasis on science inquiry, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and K-12 classroom-focused content, our courses are tailored to meet the needs of formal and informal science educators.
 

Interdisciplinary efforts and the incorporation of both science content and pedagogy have been encouraged during the development of MSSE courses. Each student seeking the degree is advised by a three-person faculty committee, and programs are designed to accomodate the student's background, interests, and career goals.

Program Features

      • Designed for science educators by experienced science, science education, and mathematics faculty with the collaboration of outstanding classroom teachers
      • Coursework delivered primarily online, offering flexibility for working educators
      • On-campus summer experiences that vary in length from one day to two weeks (three credit minimum, includes 1-credit capstone course) 
      • Emphasizes Next Generation Science Standards
      • Customized capstone experience
      • Interdisciplinary program with a large selection of science content courses
      • Self-paced program with a 6-year window to complete all coursework

Degree Program Information

The MSSE program is 30 credits, and all coursework must be completed within a six year timeframe. Students typically will complete the degree in 2-3 years.

The program of study may begin with online courses in any semester and/or by taking advantage of the popular summer field and lab courses out of the MSU-Bozeman campus. Study continues with asynchronous online courses and ends with a final campus visit for presentation of the results of a personalized science education capstone project.  

All students complete a group of core courses (14 credits total), which includes a 3-credit capstone course. Students also take interdisciplinary combinations of elective courses (16 credits minimum), including at least two credits from a campus-based summer field or lab course. See the Course Catalog for specific course information.

The 30 credit MSSE degree program requires the following:
  • Fourteen (14) credits of core education classes (listed below). Core courses must be taken sequentially*
  • Sixteen (16) credits of elective courses, including at least two credits from a campus-based summer field or lab course. No more than four (4) elective credits may come from education elective courses. 

Core Education Classes:

Online

      • MSSE 501 Inquiry through Science & Engineering Practices (2 credits) (fall, spring, summer)
      • MSSE 504 Assessment and Evaluation (3 credits) (fall or spring)
      • MSSE 505 Foundations in Action Research (3 credits) (spring only)
      • MSSE 509 Implementing Action Research (3 credits) (fall only)
      • MSSE 575 Capstone Forum (2 credits) (spring only)

On-Campus

      • MSSE 575 Capstone Project/Symposium in Science Education (1 credit) (summer only)

Summer Field and Lab Courses

      • Immersive courses held during the summer months at MSU. Courses vary, but most are held over the course of one week and offer 2 credits. One-day, one-credit courses are also available.
      • The next summer’s field/lab course schedule is posted by end of January.
      • Housing options are available on campus (see information in FAQ).

*MSSE 501 is the only core course not required to be taken sequentially, however, it must be taken prior to MSSE 509. MSSE 504, 505, 509, 575 are designed to be taken sequentially, without breaks, and scheduled so that you end with MSSE 575 Capstone Symposium in your final summer of the program. 

Instructors

The MSSE degree program was developed by Montana State University faculty members who are active in science, science education, and mathematics. The program is a unique, cooperative effort of several colleges and departments. Faculty members of the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Science, Education, Health and Human Development, Land Resources and Environmental Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Plant Science and Plant Pathology, Physics, and other related areas will teach most courses. However, other departments and units play a major role in some courses and courses may occasionally be taught by faculty members from other institutions.

Not a Licensing or an Endorsement Program

MSSE is not a licensing and/or endorsement program. Students interested in initial licensure should check with the Department of Education in their states for local certification policies. MSSE program coursework may be used toward licensure/endorsements depending on the policies of individual states.

Certificate Options

Graduate Certificates in Science Education are offered under the MSSE program in the following seven content areas: Chemistry, Climate Science, Earth Science, Elementary School Science, Life Science, Physics, and STEM. Courses from the certificate program may be applied toward an MSSE program of study. Likewise, courses taken toward the MSSE degree may be applied to a certificate. For more information, please contact the MSSE office.

Online Course Logistics

Online courses are offered by asynchronous via Canvas. Instructors and students work through the material together, discussing topics and issues by using a computer network that allows for private messages and group discussions. Courses are structured, but not conducted in real time; therefore, students can access the class at times during the day or night that are most convenient to them.

Campus-Based Course Logistics

Immersive field and lab courses provide a rich foundation of hands-on experiences enabling students to engage in collaborative inquiry that can be brought back into theirown classrooms. Campus courses are excellent models of using fieldwork to teach science. Teachers are always welcome to take summer field and lab courses to fulfill their elective credits.

MSSE requires the completion of 2 credits from campus-based field or lab courses, as well as a visit to campus to present a Capstone Project (1-credit) at the summer Symposium in their final summer of the program. 

The campus requirements can be completed within as little as one week. 

Campus housing

  • Single or double dorm rooms are available for all MSSE students at an affordable rate during the summer months while taking MSSE courses. Reservation information is offered in the Summer Bulletin located on the MSSE Summer Courses page beginning around March of each year. 

FAQs      Student Quotes