Graduate Studies in Science Education

SPRING COURSE REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 2!

MSSE courses are available to degree-seeking students, graduate certificate students, and non-degree students. See program admission options below.

Science Teaching - Graduate Studies Online and in the Field

Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies in Science Education at Montana State Universityallows 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.

Delivery 

• Online courses (Fall, Spring, Summer)

• Immersive Field and Lab courses (Summer)

Programs We Offer

Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE)

MSSE provides an interdisciplinary and student-centered program for earning a master's degree in science education.

 

Graduate Certificates

Choose from graduate certificates in teaching Chemistry, Climate Science, Earth Science, Elementary School Science, Life Science, Physics, and STEM. 

 

Non-Degree

As a non-degree graduate student, you can choose from a variety of science content courses. Apply credits you've earned towards future certificates and degree options.

Coursework Options

 Biology•Cell Biology and Neuroscience • Chemistry andBiochemistry • Computer Science • Earth Science • Education• Electrical Engineering

Engineering • Land Resources and Environmental Science • Mathematics • Microbiology• Health and Human Development• Physics• Plant Sciences

Award Winning Faculty

Courses are taught by MSU and MSU-affiliated instructors who are experts in their field. Our faculty are university scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and science educators, all experienced in online teaching. Our faculty practice a hands-on, inquiry-based style that mirrors the classroom and sparks new ideas. Visit the MSSE News page for a glance at some recent accomplishments. 

Tuition and Affordability

Affordable, competitive tuition rates are available to both Montana residents and out-of-state students. 

Students from Around the World

Below is an interactive Google map with the locations of all 1,479 MSSE graduates. 

Announcements 

Noyce Grant Supported MSSE Graduate Featured in MSU Article 

A $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program funded the tuition for six of our Summer 2026 graduates.

 

With the goal of supporting and retaining STEM educators in rural areas, this funding enabled these students to complete their MSSE degrees while teaching in Montana’s rural and American Indian communities. The grant is also supporting several other Montana teachers.

 

One of the Noyce-supported MSSE students, Christopher Quinlivan, whose capstone project focused on bringing 3D printers into the science classroom, was recently featured in an MSU News article.

 

Read more about Christopher, the Noyce Scholarship Program, and how it is supporting teachers in rural and American Indian communities: https://www.montana.edu/.../nsf-grant-worth-3-million...

MSSE Academic Advisor Holly Thompson Accepts New Position

After many years of serving as the MSSE Academic Advisor, Holly Thompson Reed will be departing the MSSE program as she begins a new position at Montana State University.

 

Holly has been an invaluable member of the MSSE team, supporting countless students through admissions, registration, advising, and graduation. Her dedication to our students and passion for science education have made a lasting impact on our program and the educators we serve.

 

As Holly shared with our students, one of the greatest privileges of her career has been being part of their graduate experience and the incredible community of educators that makes the MSSE program so special.

 

Please join us in thanking Holly for her years of service and wishing her all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter. We are grateful for everything she has contributed to the MSSE community, and while we will miss her greatly, we know she will continue to make a positive impact at MSU.

Congratulations MSSE Graduates

Please join us in congratulating the MSSE Program Class of 2026!

 

MSSE News Archive

View past MSSE news and announcements.

Archived News