Real Degrees for Working Professionals

Master of Science in Biological Sciences with Emphasis in STEM Education

ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT AS A SCIENCE EDUCATOR

Are you an aspiring or current Missouri educator eager to implement evidence-based approaches and improve science education? Our program is tailor-made for you!

With a comprehensive 30-hour curriculum, you’ll unlock your full potential as an educator. Elevate your leadership abilities, strengthen your instructional techniques, and dive deep into cutting-edge subjects like applied biology and environmental science, all with an interdisciplinary approach.

Degree Requirements

  • Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership
  • Master of Science in Biology 

Admission Requirements

  • Online Application 
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (unofficial accepted during application process, official required after admission) 
  • GRE optional
  • Certificate only: Currently teaching or two years of experience teaching (evaluated through resume)
  • Undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0
  • International requirement: TOEFL ≥ 80, or IELTS ≥ 6.5, or PTE ≥ 58, or Duolingo ≥ 115

Graduate Certificates

Your Pathway to a Graduate Degree

Start earning college credit toward a graduate degree. The GRE is not required to enter a certificate program, and credit earned may be applied toward your master’s degree.*

Graduate Certificate Programs

  • Teacher Leadership

*restrictions may apply

Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply. Check with the academic department for program specific details and requirements. Learn more about the certificate to master's program.

Program structure

Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Modality: This program is 100% online: no campus visits required.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

About 3 years

Typical course load

1–2 courses a semester

Courses are semester-based. Educators typically take two courses per semester over four semesters and one summer, and finish the program within 1-2 years.

In addition to the 12 hours of education courses, you’ll take 18 hours of biology courses to include courses such as Conservation Genetics, Biology of Aging, Global Ecology, Pathogenic Microbiology, Geomicrobiology, Insect Biodiversity, Cancer Cell Biology, and more.

Courses are offered asynchronously, meaning they do not have regular meetings. They may consist of various media and content — such as online discussions, videos, quizzes and recordings — that students review and complete at the time of their choice.

Required Course Work – 30 credit hours

The online master of Biological Sciences emphasis in STEM Education requires 30 credit hours of coursework.

The following are the required courses offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless otherwise stated. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. Refer to the S&T Grad Catalog to explore course descriptions. 

Degree Requirements M.S. with Emphasis in STEM Education without thesis – 18 credit hours
BIO SCI 6100 Biology Citizen Science 
BIO SCI 6223 Research Proposal Writing 
    or TCH COM 4550 Proposal Writing
    or TCH COM 5550 Advanced Proposal Writing
EDUC 5150 Teacher Leadership within Educational System
EDUC 5220 Instructional Coaching and Mentoring
EDUC 5225 Curriculum Development and Assessment
EDUC 5330 Community-Based Participatory Action Research 

Elective Courses – 12 credit hours
BIO SCI electives – any combination of additional elective graduate-level BIO SCI courses chosen with guidance from the advisor and advisory committee 
 

Accreditation

Missouri University of Science & Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Prior to acceptance into the program, you may enroll in up to 6 credit hours as a nondegree-seeking (in some cases, post-baccalaureate) student. Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance. Learn more about nondegree-seeking university student admissions.

If you live outside of Missouri and are thinking about enrolling in a program that leads to professional licensure, the University of Missouri System strongly recommends that you check with the relevant licensing board in your state or the state where you plan to work. This will help you obtain the most current information about state licensure requirements before you enroll in any academic program. While Missouri University of Science & Technology strives to provide current licensure information, it's important to note that licensure regulations are subject to change.

For more details, please visit our licensure and disclosure page.

States require that Missouri University of Science and Technology be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. The process for authorization varies by state.

For more details, please visit our state authorization page.

Authorized 

Students residing in all states are eligible to enroll in this program.

Internships are encouraged for explore real-life applications of teacher leadership. Find more about available opportunities on S&T's Career Opportunities page.

Our academic leaders are experts in their respective disciplines, bringing extensive experience in higher education, industry, and departmental management. Learn more about S&T's Biological Sciences and Education Faculty.

Questions?

Contact Us

Missouri S&T Online Education

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  sms@umsystem.edu

Biological Sciences

David Duvernell, PhD
Department Chair and Professor

573-341-4831 | biosci@mst.edu
Department Website: biosci.mst.edu

Education

Beth Kania-Gosche, PhD
Department Chair and Professor

573-341-4692 | education@mst.edu
Department Website: education.mst.edu