Master of Science in Science Education

SPRING COURSE REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 2!

Course Catalog

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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 (Fall 2026/Spring 2027)

• $350.95 per credit - MT Resident
• $473.80 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 

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

MSSE Graduate Receives Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award

Chris Monsour, a 2011 MSSE graduate, recently received a Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award for the 2026–2027 academic year!

 

Chris will be one of 2,500 U.S. citizens who will teach, study, and conduct research abroad, gaining experience with innovative educational practices related to technology, AI, and critical minerals.

 

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 and offers unique educational and cultural opportunities to exceptional Americans, as well as citizens from 160 other countries and locations. Through these experiences, the program helps develop leaders with expertise in innovation, research, and the advancement of critical industries—leaders who will be equipped to help the next generation develop essential skills and new perspectives.

 

Congratulations, Chris! We wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting international journey, and please keep us posted on your experiences!

Noyce Grant Supported MSSE Graduate Featured in MSU Article 

A $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program funded the tuition for six of our Summer 2026 graduates.

 

With the goal of supporting and retaining STEM educators in rural areas, this funding enabled these students to complete their MSSE degrees while teaching in Montana’s rural and American Indian communities. The grant is also supporting several other Montana teachers.

 

One of the Noyce-supported MSSE students, Christopher Quinlivan, whose capstone project focused on bringing 3D printers into the science classroom, was recently featured in an MSU News article.

 

Read more about Christopher, the Noyce Scholarship Program, and how it is supporting teachers in rural and American Indian communities: https://www.montana.edu/.../nsf-grant-worth-3-million...

 

MSSE Academic Advisor Holly Thompson Accepts New Position

After many years of serving as the MSSE Academic Advisor, Holly Thompson Reed will be departing the MSSE program as she begins a new position at Montana State University.

 

Holly has been an invaluable member of the MSSE team, supporting countless students through admissions, registration, advising, and graduation. Her dedication to our students and passion for science education have made a lasting impact on our program and the educators we serve.

 

As Holly shared with our students, one of the greatest privileges of her career has been being part of their graduate experience and the incredible community of educators that makes the MSSE program so special.

 

Please join us in thanking Holly for her years of service and wishing her all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter. We are grateful for everything she has contributed to the MSSE community, and while we will miss her greatly, we know she will continue to make a positive impact at MSU.

 

Congratulations MSSE Graduates

Please join us in congratulating the MSSE Program Class of 2026!

MSSE News Archive

View past MSSE news and announcements.

Archived News