Degree Details

Degree Type

  • Master's Programs

Minimum Requirements

  • 36 Credits

Formats

  • In-Person

Availability

  • Full- and Part-Time Available
Degree Requirements

Empower Students in a Science-Driven World

Equip your students to thrive in a science-dependent world with a Master of Education in Science Education (EdM) from BU Wheelock. You’ll explore the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in science education. You’ll also learn to apply science ed research to the design of teaching materials. This will enhance learning and help you address issues of access, equity, and diversity in teaching science.

Program Pathways

Established Educators (Not Seeking Licensure)

This science education degree is designed for educators who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills. While it offers the option to obtain teacher licensure, the program is geared toward educators who already have an initial license or do not wish to obtain one.

Licensure Pathways

You can earn an endorsement for Massachusetts Initial Teaching Licensure in biology, chemistry, general science, or physics by completing a graduate certificate program along with your EdM in Science Education.

If you prefer a master’s program focused specifically on preparing for initial licensure, you can explore our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Science Education program.


“I loved the opportunity to further my education while still being able to work full time. I appreciate the flexibility of course times, as well as the flexibility to design and tailor my course load to my specific teaching goals and interests”
Hailey Gordon (Wheelock’25)

Career Outcomes

You’ll deepen your impact as an educator with exposure to the latest research and teaching methods in this science education degree. Graduates are prepared for a variety of formal and informal science ed roles in schools, museums, community-based programs, and other organizations. Potential roles include:

  • Science teacher (middle or high school)
  • STEM curriculum developer
  • Science department chair or program coordinator
  • Museum or science center educator
  • STEM outreach or program coordinator
  • Instructional designer (science or STEM)
  • Education research or program evaluation associate

Featured Faculty

Faculty in the Master of Education in Science Education represent broad experiences in science education. Their expertise spans a range of areas, including developing curriculum, designing learning environments, and supporting pre- and in-service teachers.

Affiliated faculty from Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences

Andrew Duffy, Master Lecturer, Physics
Binyomin Abrams, Research Associate Professor, Chemistry
Kathryn Spilios, Master Lecturer, Biology
Manher Jariwala, Master Lecturer, Physics

Dr. Peter Garik, director of BU Wheelock’s Master of Education in Science Education program.

“I am a strong believer in science education to prepare students to be citizens in a world ever more dependent on an understanding of what science is, what science can do, and what science cannot do. Science requires an educated public to determine science policy and respond to scientific discoveries.”

Peter Garik
Program Director, Science Education

Courses in the Master of Education in Science Education (EdM)

Empower your teaching with the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in science education. Choose the Licensure Option and complete a graduate certificate along with your master’s to pursue an initial teacher license. Or select the Customized Option and pair core courses in research, teaching, and curriculum with electives from across BU Wheelock and BU Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Example courses you can take in the Customized Option include:

  • Introduction to Research
  • Science Teaching Methods I & II
  • Foundations of Science Education
  • Exploring Science Teaching: A Practical Experience
  • Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science for Science Educators

Related Programs

If you seek an initial teacher license in the science content area in which you completed an undergraduate major, the MAT in Science Education offers a pathway. Graduates earn an endorsement for Massachusetts initial licensure in biology, chemistry, or physics for grades 8–12, or in general science for grades 5–8.

The MAT also allows you to complete 12 units in your licensure content area that can be applied toward professional licensure after teaching three years in Massachusetts under an initial license.

Our graduate certificates offer a streamlined path to endorsement for Massachusetts Initial Teacher Licensure in biology, chemistry, or physics for grades 8–12, or in general science for grades 5–8

Each certificate can be completed on its own or combined with the EdM in Science Education for a deeper exploration of the latest teaching methods.

Scholarships Available

Don’t let financial concerns keep you from earning your science education degree. BU Wheelock’s graduate programs are eligible for merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships offered to over
65%
of new students

Admissions & Dates

Fall 2026 Start

Jul 1, 2026

Application Closes (International Applicants)

Fall 2026 Start

Aug 1, 2026

Application Closes

Fall 2027 Start

Aug 15, 2026

Application Opens

Spring 2027 Start

Dec 15, 2026

Application Closes

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your Master of Education in Science Education (EdM). Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll study how students learn science and develop expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This science education degree emphasizes research-based teaching and inquiry-driven learning across grade levels.

Yes—you can earn an endorsement for a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License in biology, chemistry, general science, or physics by completing a graduate certificate program as part of this master’s program.

Graduates pursue roles such as science teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or education leader. This program prepares you to support student learning in schools and in other formal and informal science education settings.

The EdM in Science Education is designed for current or aspiring educators who want to deepen their knowledge of teaching, curriculum, and research. The MAT in Science Education is designed for those entering the field and includes fieldwork that prepares you for initial teacher licensure in biology, chemistry, physics, or general science.

Area of Study
Area of Interest
Department