"This program is about opening doors, not closing doors! For example, if you are a science educator and lack one or more of the admission requirements, you may enroll as a non-degree graduate student to earn admissions."

Deadlines

The MSSE Program accepts applications on a rolling basis for the fall semester, spring semester, and summer session. The preferred application submission deadlines are:

Spring Admission: December 8th
Summer Admission: May 8th
Fall Admission: August 8th
 
Early applications are encouraged to provide sufficient time for the application review, admissions, and course registration processes.

Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements

  • Have 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. 
  • Have 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.)

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; however this depends on the policies of individual states.

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How Do I Apply for Admission into the MSSE Degree Program?

APPLY TODAY
 

An application for MSU's Graduate School is available at the button above and at the following website address:  http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/admissions/apply.html  

Choose the "Apply Today" link. Once logged into the online application system choose Online Only - Master's as your Admission Type, then Science Education as your Program Choice. 

In addition to the graduate application and $70 application fee, the following documents are required for admissions to the Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program:

  • Official Transcripts - submit transcripts from all bachelor's and post-bachelor's institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation from a professional setting such as teacher colleagues, school administrators, or undergraduate professors
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement

Electronic copies of official transcripts can be sent to:

msse@montana.edu

OR

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

Master of Science in Science Education Program
451 Reid Hall
PO Box 172805
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT  59717-2805

Suggestions for the Personal Statement

Write a personal statement that discusses your reasons for seeking the Master of Science in Science Education program at MSU.  What are your professional goals and how will this degree help you 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 Information

Graduate level courses/credit taken at another institution may be considered for transfer. There are several guidelines governing use of courses taken at MSU or another institution before being admitted into a specific graduate program. The Graduate School has a nine (9) Credit Transfer/non-degree Policy. Please be sure to contact the MSSE office (406-994-5679) if you have taken previous MSU/MSSE courses or have credits from another university that may be considered for transfer into this program. This is very important for allowing maximum credit transfer.

Graduate Application Checklist

  1. Graduate application 
  2. $70 online application fee
  3. Official transcripts in envelopes sealed by each of the institutions or sent electronically directly from the institution to the MSSE office
  4. Three letters of recommendation
  5. Personal Statement
  6. Resume

Additional Steps for International Applicants

  1. TOEFL scores
  2. Financial certificate and financial documentation (please contact the MSSE office for more information)
  3. Degree certificate(s)
  4. TSE scores if applying for a teaching assistantship

More Information

For more information about the Master of Science in Science Education, contact:

Holly Thompson
Phone: 406-994-7485
hollythompson@montana.edu