Graduate Studies in Science Education

Summer Course Registration opens March 25 

June 2026 Galapagos Expedition  (Register by March 15)

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 

MSSE 2026 Galapagos Expedition Dates Finalized

Join us June 8–18 for an unforgettable experience snorkeling alongside sea lions, hiking across a massive volcanic caldera, kayaking through mangrove forests, and observing giant tortoises and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.

 

Participants will explore Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, island biogeography, and the ecology of the Galápagos archipelago while also engaging in activities focused on Life and Earth Sciences pedagogy and best practices.

 

Learn more about this opportunity here:

https://www.montana.edu/msse/msse_galapagos/2026.html

MSSE Instructor Nick Childs Receives Founders Day Faculty Award

We’re excited to share that Nick Childs, MSSE instructor and Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Physics, has received Montana State University’s Teaching Innovation Award!

For more about this award, see MSU's announcement here: https://www.montana.edu/.../2026/teaching-innovation.html

 

Congratulations, Nick, on this well-deserved recognition!

New MSSE Instructor Receives Early Career Award

We’re excited to announce that MSU volcanologist Madison Myers will be the new instructor for our Mineralogy for Teachers course, scheduled to take place this summer!

 

Madison, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences, was recently honored with an early career award from the Geological Society of America for her innovative research. She also received the National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2021 and has earned recognition for her student mentoring and support of undergraduate research.

 

Please join us in welcoming Madison to the MSSE Program!

Learn more about GEO 585 Mineralogy for Teachers and other exciting summer courses in our Summer Course Catalog

MSSE Alumni Named NSTA President

Dr. Beverly DeVore-Wedding, a member of MSSE’s first cohort of graduates, began her term as president of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) this month! Learn more about her background and accomplishments in her official NSTA biography: https://www.nsta.org/leadership/devore-wedding

MSSE News Archive

View past MSSE news and announcements.

Archived News