Applying to the online Graduate Certificate Program in Science Education

Application Deadlines

Early applications are encouraged to provide sufficient time for the application review, admissions, and course registration processes.

If the deadline has come and gone and there are still courses that have not begun, admissions might still be possible. Contact Holly Thompson to see if you can still be admitted for an upcoming semester at hollythompson@montana.edu or 406-994-7485.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• a bachelor's degree in science, science education, elementary/middle school/secondary education, or a related area. Please inquiry if you have a bachelor's degree in a field that is not listed and would like to apply.
• an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

If you have an undergraduate GPA that is less than 3.0, you may be admitted to the certificate program on a provisional basis. Please contact Holly Thompson at hollythompson@montana.edu  or 406-994-7485.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

• Apply to MSU as a graduate student by visiting the Graduate School website: https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/admissions/apply.html
  
  • Online Application:
    • Under the "Admission Type Applying For" section, select Online Only - Certificate
    • Next, under "Program Selection," select the Certificate option you are applying for (Chemistry, Climate, Earth Science, Elementary School Science, Life Science, Physics, or STEM)
  • Pay the one-time application fee of $70
• Submit the following to the MSSE program, Science Education Graduate Certificates:
  • Official transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution OR graduate degree granting institution (if you have a graduate degree)
  • Personal Statement

Electronic copies of official transcripts (preferred) can be sent to:

msse@montana.edu

OR

Hard copy official transcripts can be sent to the following address:

Applicants can expect to receive a letter from the Graduate School with their MSU ID number approximately 10 business days from the date a graduate student application is submitted.

Suggestions for the Personal Statement

Write a brief personal statement that speaks to your reasons for seeking a science education graduate certificate at MSU.  What are your professional goals and how will this certificate assist you to reach them?

Please include details about your professional science education experiences.  Describe your involvement in schools where you teach and/or have taught (such as courses taught or supervisory responsibilities) and informal science education experiences such as work with a nature center, museum, or curriculum committee. You may also describe your experience with computer mediated instruction.

Your statement is an opportunity to tell the admissions committee unique things about your educational background and personal history.  The admissions committee includes science and education faculty members who teach in the program and serve on the program steering committee.  This personal statement helps them to learn more about you.

Transfer Credit

Up to three credits taken as non-degree from graduate courses in MSU's Science Education course catalog will be considered. Transfer credits from other accredited institutions may also be considered. All transfer credits are subject to approval. 

If you would like to transfer credit into the certificate program, please contact Holly Thompson at hollythompson@montana.edu to request approval.

Credits taken toward the certificate program may also be applied toward the MS in Science Education (MSSE) degree program. 

For More Information

Please contact:

Holly Thompson Reed
MSSE Academic Advisor
Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE)
Montana State University
451 Reid Hall
PO Box 172805
Bozeman, MT 59717-2805

Tel: (406) 994-7485
Fax: (406) 994-5575
hollythompson@montana.edu