Master of Science in Science Education

Why MSSE?

The Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program offers unique online and campus-based courses in all science disciplines designed for traditional and informal science educators. An emphasis on science inquiry, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and a culminating Capstone Project, often based on the Action-Research model, are hallmarks of the program.

Why choose MSU?

Montana State University is a public land-grant institution and Montana’s largest university. MSU is home to exceptional faculty and students who contribute to over $100 million in research expenditures, with a large portion being STEM-related. Multiple departments run research and community outreach through National Science Foundation (NSF) grants and the university is committed to community engagement and improving student beliefs regarding the learning of science. As an MSSE student and through your Capstone Research Project, you will directly contribute to the vast efforts both in Montana and around the globe to make science a critical part of a student’s education at every level.

MSSE Degree at a Glance

Delivery

Online (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Campus-based Field/Lab Course and Capstone (Summer)

Credits

30 Credits

Tuition

$302.82 per credit - Montana Resident
$411.46 per credit - Non-Resident

Time Frame

2 to 3 years is most common
Up to 6 years to complete all coursework

Degree Awarded

Master of Science in Science Education

Special Announcements

MSSE Graduate Vince Lorenz Named AAPG Foundation Teacher of the Year

Vince Lorenz has been recognized for his extraordinary teaching as this year’s AAPG Foundation Teacher of the Year. He is one of only 27 teachers to have ever received this honor. MSSE would like to congratulate Vince on this latest achievement!

Vince graduated from the MSSE Program in 2020. He also accompanied MSSE on its first international trip to Nepal in 2023, where he visited local schools and completed a trekking expedition in the Everest region. He is held in high regard by his administration and colleagues and brings a global perspective and real-world problem-solving to geoscience education, engaging and challenging his students.

Patrick Simmons and his dad Roger Simmons

MSSE Graduate Patrick Simmons earns Doctoral Degree

Patrick Simmons graduated from the MSSE program in 2007. He taught science for 16 years before serving in administration for 6 years. He is currently a middle school principal in Virginia.

Patrick completed his Doctor of Education in Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2024. His dissertation in practice (Capstone) can be accessed here: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/edd_capstone/35/

MSSE Welcomes New Instructor Chris Pavlovich

Chris earned her master’s in science education, graduating from the MSSE Program in 2016 before completing her PhD through the MSU Department of Education. She is a state and national award-winning educator and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2022—the most prestigious recognition granted to STEM teachers by the U.S. government. Included among her many talents is the ability to make STEM subjects relevant and accessible to students with projects that apply science principles to real world situations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have Chris as your instructor for three upcoming MSSE courses: Exploring Biology, Plant Science: It Grows On You, and Land Use Issues in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Summer and Fall 2024 Course Registration

Registration opens on March 25th! Check out the full schedule of popular summer field courses, as well as the extensive list of online offerings for the summer and fall semesters.

Summer 2024 Courses

Fall 2024 Courses