Summer Course Registration opens March 25

June 2026 Galapagos Expedition  (Register by March 15)

 

 

Course Catalog

Registration

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Tuition

Tuition

 

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.

MSSE Degree at a Glance

Delivery

  • Online (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Campus-based Field/Lab Courses and Capstone Symposium (Summer)

Credits

  • 30 Credits

Tuition (Spring 2026)

  • $332.96 per credit - Montana Resident
  • $449.50 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 

 

In-Depth Program OverviewRequest Program Information

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.

 

Announcements

Image of last trip to Galapagos

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:
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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
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MSSE News Archive

View past MSSE news and announcements.

Archived News