Requirements for teaching positions vary by state and school type. In most cases, science teachers need a bachelor’s in science education to teach full time.
Online Bachelor’s in Science Education Programs 2021
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A bachelor’s in science education prepares degree-seekers to work as teachers in public and private schools. They teach foundational ideas from the physical, biological, and chemical sciences to middle and high school students. Science educators may also instruct students in STEM fields like robotics and computer science.
Science teachers plan lessons, create assessments, and motivate students through hands-on activities. They collaborate with other teachers and administrators to promote student success. Educators sometimes advise student clubs and supervise students beyond the classroom.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% growth in high school teaching jobs between 2019-2029. Teachers specializing in science education remain in higher demand overall. Science educators earn median annual salaries of $62,870.
Top 10 Online Bachelor’s In Science Education Programs
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Can you be a teacher with a science degree?
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How long does it take to get a science education degree?
A science education bachelor’s degree generally takes four years to complete.
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What can I do with a science education degree?
A bachelor’s in science education prepares graduates to teach science courses in public and private schools.
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Are teachers in demand?
The BLS projects teaching jobs to grow at an average rate through 2029. Teachers in STEM fields remain in higher demand.
Why Get a Degree in Science Education?
Science education programs provide enrollees with many benefits. Science teachers serve in essential roles within secondary education. They ensure students master important scientific concepts in preparation for college or the workforce.
Teachers benefit from a set working schedule. Most educators work for only 10 months each year, with two months off during the summer. Teaching positions often include benefits such as health insurance and paid sick leave.
Science education bachelor’s degrees include supervised teaching experiences and specialized classes that prepare graduates for immediate employment. The high demand for STEM teachers means that science education students can find jobs sooner after graduation.
How Much Does a Science Education Degree Cost?
Science education programs offer affordable training for teaching careers. Tuition costs vary by location and school type, but public colleges generally charge less than private ones. Some schools extend in-state tuition to all students, including online learners.
Online degrees often cost less to administer and students save money as a result. Online programs feature flexible course schedules and accelerated options for working professionals. Some students reduce their expenses by working while attending school.
In addition to tuition, students need to consider living expenses and other costs such as food and textbooks. Science education bachelor’s degrees may involve additional fees beyond tuition. Total degree costs could include technology, activity, or other yearly fees.
Specialized science classes may require students to pay lab fees. Some schools charge distance education fees for online classes. Learners can offset the cost of their education through scholarships and financial aid.
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How Much Do Science Education Majors Make?
Science education program graduates typically work as secondary school teachers. They may also serve as instructors in nonprofits focusing on STEM education. Teachers make around $60,000, but science teachers may earn more. Jobs in urban locations often feature higher salaries than comparable positions in rural areas.
Teachers who advance to roles as school principals could earn more than $100,000 annually with adequate experience. Professional organizations for science teachers offer continuing education and other career advancement opportunities. Additional certifications can garner higher salaries than a bachelor’s in science education alone.
The BLS indicates that teaching jobs in STEM fields remain in high demand. Schools may pay science and math teachers more as a result. Science teachers with a master’s or doctorate earn more than science education bachelor’s degree-holders. Because science education majors acquire some specialized science skills, they can often work in other fields with higher salaries.
Courses in Science Education
A bachelor’s in science education offers a mix of foundational courses on education and more science-specific classes. Science education programs feature core courses in educational theory, teaching methods, and assessment strategies. Degree-seekers take specialized classes in science fields including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Science education majors learn how to teach complex scientific concepts to middle and high school students. Enrollees master skills in course design, lesson planning, and assignment creation. Degree-seekers take additional courses in educational psychology, special education, and school administration.
Science education programs require participation in supervised student-teaching activities. This capstone experience typically occurs during a student’s final year. Learners must complete their student-teaching to qualify for state licensure. The list below describes three common science education courses.
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Concepts in Science
The course introduces science education bachelor’s degree students to the fundamental concepts of science across all scientific disciplines. Participants learn how to analyze and convert measurements and interpret scientific data. Enrollees study chemical bonds, matter and energy, and atomic structure. The class provides aspiring science educators with the foundational awareness of science required to teach.
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Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
The class covers best practices for creating curriculum, assessments, and instructional activities. The course focuses on preparing pre-service teachers to analyze and craft standards-aligned lessons. Future teachers learn how to assess learner needs and to engage P-12 students based on the most recent research.
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Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning
The course teaches students to analyze educational technology needs. Learners explore current methods for integrating technology into the classroom. The class may include practical exercises where participants create instructional activities using the technologies they study.
Certifications and Licensure for Science Education
Teachers wanting to advance in their careers often pursue additional certifications. These opportunities impart added skills, enabling professionals to transition into different roles. Students who pursue a bachelor’s in science education should consider state requirements for licensure. The following list explores three certifications for science educators.
Basic Teaching License
Most states require educators to obtain licensure to teach in public schools. While these requirements vary by state, they include a bachelor’s degree in education, supervised student teaching, and an exam. Science education programs prepare students for state licensure through coursework, teaching practica, and exam preparation.
STEM Teacher Certification
The National Institute for STEM education offers a certification program for teachers who want to specialize in STEM. This competency-based certification partners science teachers with professional mentors. Participants create a STEM-based instructional portfolio that includes lesson plans and examinations of student work.
Health Science Education Certification
The National Consortium for Health Science Education hosts a health science certification program for educators. Candidates must pass one of two exams demonstrating their proficiency in the National Health Science Standards. The organization offers additional programming for teachers interested in further certification in areas such as nursing.
Scholarships for Science Education
Learners pursuing a bachelor’s in science education qualify for several scholarships. These opportunities provide enrollees with financial support in addition to state and federal aid. Individual schools and science education programs may offer institutional scholarships and grants for qualified students. The list below highlights three scholarship programs for science education students at all levels.
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Barbara Lotze Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The American Association of Physics Teachers sponsors this annual scholarship for students specializing in physics education. U.S. citizens attending an accredited college for science education may apply.
Amount: Up to $2,000
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation grants six annual scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Amount: Up to $10,000
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STEM Teacher Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association presents annual awards to STEM education students. Application requirements include a personal statement, teaching philosophy, U.S. citizenship, and a 3.5 GPA.
Amount: $2,500
Online Bachelor’s In Science Education Programs 2021
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