Master of Science in Science Education
Offering Innovative Online and Campus-based Graduate Courses for Science Educators
Fall Registration is Open! View the Fall Course Catalog
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.
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.
MSSE Degree at a Glance
Delivery
- Online (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Campus-based Field/Lab Courses and Capstone Symposium (Summer)
Credits
- 30 Credits
Tuition
- $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
Announcements
Join MSSE Staff at the Graduate Student Fair
MSSE academic advisor Holly Thompson Reed and MSSE program coordinator Pilar Martland will be attending the MSU-Bozeman Graduate Student Fair in person on October 6th and virtually on October 9th.
Want to join us? Register on The Graduate School's 2025 Graduate Student Fair website. We hope to see you there!
MSSE Director John Graves Announces Retirement
After a 47½ year career in education, Dr. John Graves will be retiring at the end of the Fall 2025 semester. Dr. Graves has been a cornerstone of the Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) Program since its inception in 1997—first as a teaching assistant, then as a core education instructor, and most recently as director.
Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Dr. Graves for his decades of service, mentorship, and vision. His legacy will continue to shape the future of science education for years to come.
MSSE Graduate Hired As Regional Science Coach
Cassidy Huggins, a 2024 MSSE graduate, has been named a Regional Science Coach for
the Idaho Department of Education! In this role, Cassidy will provide instructional
coaching to Idaho educators and lead a statewide cohort of “Teacher Leaders” as they
carry out action research projects during the 2025–2026 school year.
Congratulations, Cassidy! We wish you all the best in this new position and are proud
of the meaningful impact you continue to make in science education.
