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Master of Arts

Science Education Master's
(Secondary Chemistry)

OVERVIEW

The Science Education Graduate Program For Chemistry Teachers


 

Chemistry is not just the basic building block of life—it’s the key to many of tomorrow’s technological and medical developments. And while it is a standard requirement for graduation in all American high schools, a teacher who is passionate about science can make an even greater impact. Teachers who can ignite their students with an interest in chemistry play an important role in making our world a better place. Great science teachers can be the catalyst for students being drawn to impactful careers in STEM. And WGU is proud to support the growth and purpose of STEM by helping over 8,700 students graduate with STEM teaching degrees.* Join the force of teachers who are making a difference for students, classrooms, and entire communities by getting a chemistry degree online.

This online master's degree program with chemistry education specialization ensures your proficiency in general, physical, inorganic, organic, and bio chemistry. Our science education master's degree program will prepare you to teach chemistry courses at the junior high and high school level.**

*WGU Internal Data

**The specific grade levels you will be qualified or endorsed to teach will depend on your state.

Eligibility note: WGU's M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) programs are for already-licensed teachers. This master's in chemistry education program is for certified teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to add secondary chemistry to their existing licenses. This program is not intended for aspiring teachers seeking licensure or certification. If you are seeking your teaching certificate, please view our programs leading to teacher licensure.

85% of students finish within 

24 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their business management degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Graduates who recommend WGU

97%

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation. 

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COURSES

Chemistry Science Education Courses

Curriculum designed by education experts who know what it takes to be an excellent chemistry teacher.

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This online M.A. Science Ed. program provides the essential skills, knowledge and experience you need to successfully teach chemistry courses to students in middle and high school.

This program is made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.

The WGU M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) teaching degree program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These experts know exactly what it takes for a graduate to teach chemistry content, principles, and methodology at the secondary school level.    

The program also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.

Chemistry Content
Mathematics Content
Science
Science Education
Teacher Performance Assessment

14 Courses

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Teacher Work Sample

Special requirements for this program

The final exam requires that you write an original, comprehensive research paper that provides direct evidence of your ability to design and implement a multi-week, standards-based unit of instruction, assess student learning, and then reflect on the learning process. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Teaching: Developed comprehensive and effective lesson plans based on a deep knowledge of the subject matter, ensuring the delivery of engaging and relevant content to students.
  • Classroom Management: Successfully built strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment that promoted student well-being and academic growth.
  • Mathematics: Successfully applied mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems, showcasing the ability to translate theoretical concepts into real-world applications effectively.
  • Curriculum Development: Planned instruction that seamlessly integrates principles and theories of learning.
  • Differentiated Instruction: Effectively selected strategies that support differentiated instruction for all students, ensuring that individual learning needs, abilities, and interests are met, resulting in an inclusive and effective learning environment.
  • Educational Assessment: Assessed educational needs and progress using formative and summative assessment data, facilitating data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.

“I searched for the right program for me for several years before finally hearing about WGU at the Georgia Science Teachers Association annual conference. I called my wife right after speaking with the representative and then spent the evening in my hotel room discussing options with a representative from WGU over the phone. It seemed too good to be true, but it definitely was not. It was exactly what they said it would be, and I'm extremely grateful that it was.”

—Robert Bice
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

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FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused science teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"Working full time, having a toddler, and wanting to complete my courses in a year did provide some obstacles, but I had a lot of supportive people in my life that allowed me to have time to focus on my courses and get the work done. My mentor, Purisima, kept me focused and on track and was a great person to have on my side. The course mentors/instructors were very helpful when I was stuck and gave good feedback. My family support gave me time to work without distraction so I could move forward at a rapid pace.”

—Erin Menhennick
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)

CAREER OUTLOOK

Advance Your Teaching Career with a Chemistry Education Master's Degree

Curious young minds need passionate, inspired educators with the knowledge and skill to teach them about how their world works. WGU's online chemistry education master's degree is nationally recognized for helping outstanding educators gain an advanced understanding of chemistry.

Find the formula for success with the help of a master's degree in education! This program, designed for already-licensed teachers, can help you qualify to teach chemistry at the junior high/middle or high school level. Your career options will increase and your value rise commensurate with your master's degree.

A serious shortage of STEM teachers nationwide means science teachers are in very high demand. WGU's M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) degree program can prepare you to fill a critically important role in secondary education.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

5%

Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching in Schools Across the Country

Graduates of WGU’s Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Master's Degree in Chemistry Education Admissions Requirements

If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:

  • A copy of a valid teaching license.
  • Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.

An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.  

Transfer Credits

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

More About Earning This Degree

Our M.A. Science Education program is designed for licensed teachers who want to expand their abilities by adding a science endorsement.

You should pursue a master's in education based on what you want to do for your career. For many current teachers, adding to their existing license to expand or adjust the kind of teacher they want to be can be helpful. For example, a teacher who wants to pivot and teach science courses can pursue a master's degree in science education that allows them to expand on their current license.

Yes! There are online, accredited universities like WGU that allow students to pursue a master's degree in education online. Be sure to find a program that is reputable and will help you get the correct license for your state.

There will be a small practicum in the capstone for the degree. You will be teaching a multi-week lesson plan to a body of at least 10 students. This lesson plan usually consists of about 10 hours of in-class time.

WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

  • How to apply
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?