FAQ - Science Education Graduate Certificates
See also MSU distance learning FAQs and the Web quiz, Is online learning right for me?
About Science Education Graduate Courses
The Graduate Certificates in Science Education program is part of Montana State University, which has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1932.
In general, courses follow a schedule similar to Montana State University's regular academic calendar, with new courses starting in fall, spring and summer. Courses can vary in length. Some last nearly a full semester, although most run over shorter periods--6 to 12 weeks. The shorter accelerated courses still cover the equivalent of a full semester of content, so the weekly workload is increased accordingly.
- Chemistry
- Climate
- Earth Science
- Elementary School Science
- Life Science
- Physics
- STEM
Some students choose to earn a graduate certificate and then apply those credits toward a master's degree. Learn more on our graduate certificates page.
Our Science Education courses offer graduate-level credits from Montana State University, and these credits can be transferred to degree programs at MSU or elsewhere at the discretion of individual institutional programs and policies. Before taking a course, always check with your educational institution to see if it will count toward your program.
Rules vary by state and by school district. Talk to your district first about whether the academic credits from courses of interest will count in your district. All of the online science education graduate courses are fully approved for academic credit by Montana State University and are fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). All credits for the courses are recorded on an official MSU transcript and may be used toward a degree program at the discretion of individual institutional programs and policies. Learn more about MSU's accreditation.
Registering for Science Education Graduate Courses
First, you must be admitted to Montana State University (see information below). Then, register for all courses through MSU's MyInfo system. You can see detailed information about courses on our course catalog page.
Yes. Apply through the MSU Graduate School as either a degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking MSU student through the formal Admissions process.
Most courses are designed specifically for practicing teachers, including informal educators. If you are not a teacher, please contact the course instructor or Science Education staff before enrolling.
No, you do not need to take the GRE if you want to take a few courses or to earn a Science Education graduate certificate.
However, if you wish to apply the credits from your coursework toward a different degree or certificate program, you may have to take the GRE. Individual program requirements vary, so always check with your program advisor of interest first.
No. If you are a fully online non-degree graduate student or certificate student, the immunization requirement will be waived by emailed immune@montana.edu.
Health insurance is required whenever a student is enrolled for six or more academic credits, and you may be automatically billed for health insurance through MyInfo. If you have your own insurance, you may waive participationin the student policy via MyInfo after you register. View the detailed instructions.
Courses offered through Montana State University may be eligible for financial aid if you are admitted to Montana State University and enrolled in a degree program. Certificate students are not eligible for financial aid.
For information about financial assistance, please visit MSU's Office of Financial Aid.
After Enrolling
Yes. While off-campus, current students can connect to the MSU Library online. The Library offers a variety of services to help people access materials in our library and in other libraries. Our faculty and staff will be glad to be of assistance in helping you find and retrieve the information that you need.
You will receive an automated e-mail from the MSU Registrar's Office after you register for an online course. This e-mail will have detailed instructions for logging in to Brightspace by D2L, MSU's Learning Management System.
Drop: When you drop a course, you will not receive a grade for the course and the course will not appear on your transcript. Students have a limited length of time at the beginning of a course to drop.
Withdrawal: Unlike a drop, students who withdraw from a course will receive a grade of W on their transcript for the course. You withdraw when you request to drop after the posted drop deadline. It is allowed only under extraordinary conditions. Note that non-attendance does not constitute a drop or withdrawal from a course.
If you are receiving financial aid, speak with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how the drop or withdrawal will affect your status.
Courses are dropped through MyInfo during the drop period. If you cannot drop through MyInfo, please go to the online drop request form.
See also the Retroactive University Withdrawal Policy for medical and other emergencies.
You may also request a copy of your official transcript.