FAQs - Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE)

MSSE is not a licensing and/or endorsement program. Students interested in initial licensure should check with the Department of Education in their states for local certification policies. MSSE program coursework is commonly used toward licensure/endorsements depending on the requirements of individual states. Montana State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

A bachelor's degree in science, science education, elementary/middle school/secondary education, or a related area.

Be a practicing educator with a strong science background. 

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 have the opportunity to begin the program as a non-degree student to earn admission.

No GRE is required for admission.

Visit the How to Apply page for further information.

30 credits, consisting of 14 credits of the MSSE Core Education courses and 16 credits of science/elective credits.

Up to 9 credits of non-degree or non-MSU coursework may be transferred in, with the approval of MSSE Leadership and the Graduate School. If an MSU Graduate Certificate in Science Education is completed, all 12 credits will count toward MSSE.

Yes, there is a 3-credit minimum residency requirement. A minimum of 2-credits of summer field or lab courses and the 1-credit Capstone Symposium week. This requirement can be completed in one short visit (6 day minimum) during the final summer of the program.

Each Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) student, with the cooperation of her or his graduate committee, identifies and completes a science education capstone project. This is in lieu of a thesis. Learn more about the Capstone Project.

While study needs vary for each student, you should plan on studying at least 3 hours per credit hour (e.g. 3 credit course equals 9 hours of studying per week)

Courses are located online via Brightspace/D2L. All courses are asynchronous, meaning you can login when it works for you. Each course is designed a little differently, but all offer levels of flexibility. Learn more about MSSE Online Learning here.

It can be completed in as little as 2 years or at your own pace of up to 6 years. An accelerated option is not available. Upon admission to the program, a plan of study will be prepared to guide a timeline to completion.