Science Education (M.A.)

For International Students

  • Online

This major requires as a prerequisite a bachelor's degree (teaching preferred) with a major in science or in a specific science discipline. If a teaching license is not held, then obtaining teacher licensure is required by the time of program completion. This major is available on thesis and non-thesis options. A minimum of 30 semester hours, including 6 hours of SCI Ed 6299 for thesis research and writing, is required for the thesis option; a minimum of 32 semester hours, including 3 hours of SCI ED 6299 for completion of a creative component project and paper, is required for the non-thesis option. Successful completion of a final written comprehensive examination is required for the non-thesis option.


Admission Requirements:

  • International Application for Admission
  • All post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from your current and/or all prior academic institutions that you have attended to the Office of Admissions at the mailing address listed below.
    • Mailing Address:
      • University of Northern Iowa
      • International Graduate Admissions
      • 002 Gilchrist Hall
      • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • Official TOEFL score of (79), IELTS score of (6.5), or Duolingo score of (105) to be considered for full admission
  • One letter of recommendation from one of the references listed on your resume/CV
  • This degree requires existing teacher license OR the completion of a teaching license and science endorsements by the end of the degree program.
  • Resume/CV including the employment history, a teaching certificate indicating the state in which it was granted, subject area endorsements, and three references (in science or education) including name, title, address, email address and phone number
  • Writing sample of career goals that integrates your views on the aspects critical to teaching science including the Next Generation Science Education Standards
  • Applicant statement addressing the following items in order (be sure to number your answers):
  1. Why are you interested in a Master's degree in Science Education? 
  2. Science Content area in which you have a specific interest (if interdisciplinary, state disciplines).
  3. What do you consider the strengths and weaknesses in your science background?
  4. What do you consider the strengths and weaknesses in your education background?
  5. How do you hope to enhance your teaching by participating in the Science Education MA program?
  6. What factors attracted you to UNI for the pursuit of your graduate degree in science education?
  7. If you have preference to work with a particular faculty member or on a specific research topic as part of your degree program, please indicate that preference. 

Application Deadlines:

  • Aug 1 for a Fall start
  • Dec 1 for Spring start
  • May 1 for Summer start

Program Duration:

  • 2 Years

Graduate Funding Requirements:

  • No funding is offered by this program.