The online Master of Science in Education (MS Ed) in STEM Education degree program is an interdisciplinary program designed for certified math and science teachers working in grades 7-12.
The program offers students:
- A hybrid program between a traditional science or math content master’s degree and a curriculum and instruction teaching master’s degree.
- A 12-hour emphasis in biology, chemistry, math, or physical science/physics.
- The ability to strengthen skills and knowledge in pedagogical techniques and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content.
- A flexible, 36-hour program with no thesis.
This program is offered with two emphasis options:
- The integrated option provides graduate course experience across disciplines while also focusing on a major emphasis in your choice of the following endorsement areas: biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics/physical science. Students will complete 12 credit hours in this area, and 6 in another.
- The chemistry option is geared toward chemistry teachers who want a greater focus on chemistry within their graduate degree. The course options are listed in the elective courses section.
Students choose this program to gain:
- Cutting-edge knowledge in their content areas.
- In-depth pedagogical knowledge of content in multiple disciplines.
- Immediate application of knowledge to the curriculum in order to improve teaching and student learning.
- In-depth understanding of recent developments in STEM education standards.
This program appeals to teachers who may be teaching in multiple areas within their schools as well as to new teachers looking for a way to advance up the pay scale while adding professional skills. To enter the program, a bachelor's degree with a teaching endorsement in biology, math, chemistry, natural science, physics or physical science as well as a teaching certificate or license is expected. Applicants with middle-grade teaching endorsements may also be admitted into the program depending on their level of undergraduate science and math preparation.
Note: Students pursuing certification or endorsements in states other than Nebraska must check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements.
