By TED Staff
November 2021
Maybe you are a current teacher looking to advance your skillset or change specialties. Or perhaps you are a science aficionado with a keen desire to teach. No matter what your motivation for researching physics education, a master’s degree in physics education may be just the right option. Of course, earning an entire degree is often easier said than done. That’s why Top Education Degrees went on the search for the best master’s degrees in physics education that can be completed entirely online, at one’s own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Ranking Methodology
To come up with our ranking of the best online master’s degrees in physics education, we began by compiling a list of any and all universities offering just such a degree. We then used the following points-based system to narrow down our ranking. Note: In the event of a tie in points, the school with the lower out-of-state annual tuition rate was awarded the higher ranking. All tuition numbers and other statistics are accurate as of March 2021.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition:
Under $10,000 — 5 points
Under $20,000 — 4 points
Under $30,000 — 3 points
Under $40,000 — 2 points
Under $50,000 — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Return on Investment (ROI):
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 point
Graduation Rate:
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 75% — 4 points
Above 50% — 3 points
Above 25% — 2 points
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
Under 10:1 — 5 points
Under 15:1 — 4 points
Under 20:1 — 3 points
Under 25:1 — 2 points
#14. Western Governors University
Online Master of Arts in Physics for Secondary Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Annual Tuition: $7,500
Total Points: 10
Western Governors University utilizes competency-based instruction methods so that students move on in a course only when they have shown mastery of current material, hence the tuition charge that is based on a semester’s work rather than traditional credit hours. The school has an online MA in science education (secondary physics) that includes the courses conceptual physics and space, time, and motion. For admission, a teaching certificate, official transcripts, and a fee of $65 are required. Western Governors University offers a rate of $3,240 per 6 month term for their 13-course, online MA in science education (secondary physics).
#13. SUNY College at Brockport
Online Master of Science in Education in Physics
Brockport, New York
Annual Tuition: $23,100
Total Points: 12
State University of New York The College of Brockport has a 33 credit hour, online MSE in physics education that is open to individuals with a New York state initial teacher certification in teaching physics to grades 7-12. Two of the courses offered are education and society and language skills. Cost for the program is $944, out of state, for each credit hour. For their online MSE in physics education, SUNY Brockport asks for a $50 application fee, 3.0 GPA, and GRE, GMAT, or edTPA scores. If you have a teaching certificate and a graduate degree, you need not submit test scores.
#12. University of Northern Iowa
Online Master of Arts in Science Education
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Annual Tuition: $21,375
Total Points: 12
The University of Northern Iowa has an online MA in Science Education degree that requires on-campus attendance at least once per course, and meetings are typically scheduled for evenings or weekends. The 33 credit program costs $509 for each unit of credit. Techniques for science teachers and research methods in science education are two of the courses available in the online MA in Science Education program. The University of Northern Iowa calls for transcripts, resume, an application fee of $40, and while a teaching certificate is not required, students are urged to complete teacher licensing as they complete their degree.
#11. Columbus State University
Online Master of Arts in Teaching w/ certification in Physics
Columbus, Georgia
Annual Tuition: $11,394
Total Points: 12
Columbus State University has an online MAT in science education, with a concentration in secondary physics degree that is a 39 hour program. A minimum of 27 hours must be earned at CSU. Classroom management and assessment in education are two of the courses offered. Cost for each credit hour is $801, out of state. Students from outside Georgia should check with their own state’s boards of licensing before enrolling in any course of study. For their online MAT in science education, with a concentration in secondary physics, Columbus State University asks for a 2.75 GPA, GRE/GMAT/or MAT scores, and a $50 application fee.
#10. Mississippi State University
Online Master of Science in Secondary Education w/ a concentration in Physics
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Annual Tuition: $23,840
Total Points: 13
Mississippi State University offers a 33 semester hour, online MS in secondary education degree. The Carnegie Foundation lists MSU as “R1–Doctoral Universities–Very High Research Activity.” Courses in the program include issues of accountability and improving instruction. In addition to core courses, students may take 3-6 hours in education electives and 6-9 hours in content electives. Admission to this online MS in secondary education calls for GRE scores, transcripts, a statement of purpose, three references, and a $40 application fee. Mississippi State University requires $474.50 for each credit hour.
#9. Northern Arizona University
Online Master of Arts in Science Teaching
Flagstaff, Arizona
Annual Tuition: $18,630
Total Points: 13
Northern Arizona University ranks in the top 10% of degree-granting institutions worldwide for the frequency with which its research is cited by other researchers. The school offers an online, 30 credit hour MA in science teaching where special emphasis is placed on connecting learners, schools, teaching methods, subject matter, and curriculum. Northern Arizona University charges $575 for each credit hour, with no out of state upcharge. The online MA in science teaching requires the following with an application: personal statement, transcripts, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a $25 fee.
#8. East Carolina University
Online Master of Arts in Education in Science Education
Greenville, North Carolina
Annual Tuition: $17,898
Total Points: 13
East Carolina University has an online master of arts in education in science education that consists of 36 credit hours, arranged in 12 three hour courses. Three courses are taken outside the department, and the other nine are in such areas as subject content, methods, and assessment. The program charges $893.82 per credit hour and includes the following courses: communications skills in education action and research in teaching and leadership. East Carolina University requires that applicants provide GRE or GMAT scores and a $70 application fee for this MAE in science education online.
#7. Texas A&M University – Commerce
Online Master of Science in Physics with an emphasis on Teaching
Commerce, Texas
Annual Tuition: $10,992
Total Points: 13
Texas A&M University Commerce’s online MS in physics with an emphasis in teaching physics was designed for middle and high school teachers of physics/physical science to enhance their store of knowledge and skills or to gain certification in 7-12 physics/mathematics. Courses in the 36 credit hour program include thermodynamics for educators and the quantum universe for educators. Texas A&M University-Commerce charges $1,034.57 for each credit hour. Admission to the online MS in physics with an emphasis in teaching physics requires official transcripts, GRE scores, and a $50 fee.
#6. Northeastern State University
Online Master of Education in Science Education
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Annual Tuition: $9,999
Total Points: 13
Northeastern State University offers a 36 credit hour, online MEd in science education degree that includes the courses of educational research and fundamentals of curriculum development. The cost per credit hour, out of state, is $566.15, but qualified students may apply for TEACH grants (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) if the intent is to teach in public or private schools that serve students from low-income families. Northeastern State University asks for a 2.5-2.75 minimum GPA as well as GRE or GMAT scores for admission to their online MEd in science education program.
#5. Drexel University
Online Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Physics Teacher Certification Track
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition: $36,234
Total Points: 14
Drexel University offers a 45 quarter credit, online MS in teaching, learning, and curriculum: teacher certification track, physics certification. Instead of the semester system, this program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year to allow more courses in a shorter time. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits. Courses include science teaching methods and professional studies in instruction. Drexel University charges $949 for each credit, but their admissions require no application fee. To apply for the online MS in teaching, learning, and curriculum: teacher certification track, physics certification, students should submit transcripts, personal essay, resume, and letters of recommendation.
#4. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Online Master of Arts in Teaching: Science, Secondary Education
Raleigh, North Carolina
Annual Tuition: $26,421
Total Points: 14
North Carolina State University is one of the three legs of the state’s famed “research triangle.” The school’s online MAT in science education is a 33 credit hour program. Technology tools for science teaching and an introduction to research in science education are two of the courses offered. Out of state tuition is $1,261 for each credit hour. Admission to the MEd in science education online program at North Carolina State University calls for an undergraduate degree in science or science education, at least two years of experience in classroom teaching of science, an application fee of $85, a GPA of 3.0, and three letters of recommendation.
#3. Colorado State University
Online Master of Natural Sciences Education
Fort Collins, Colorado
Annual Tuition: $25,791
Total Points: 14
Colorado State University has a 30 credit hour, online master of natural science education degree, with two options, coursework and research. Both are very similar in the classes that are taken: the coursework option requires a 3 hour independent study; the research option requires a 6 hour research project. Classes include such subjects as curriculum development and action research. Colorado State University asks for $609 for each credit hour. To apply to the online master of natural science education program, submit GRE scores, transcripts, and a $60 application fee.
#2. Montana State University
Online Master of Science in Science Education
Bozeman, Montana
Annual Tuition: $19,660
Total Points: 14
Montana State University’s MS in science education is an 80% online program with on-campus, summer experiences of one to two weeks. A personalized science education capstone project is designed for every student. The 30 credit degree costs $460.30 for each credit. Coursework includes formative assessment in science education and implementing action research in science education. Admission to Montana State University’s online MS in science education requires official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, essay, and a fee of $60. Each student seeking this degree has a three-person committee of advisors.
#1. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Online Master of Science in Education in STEM Education
Kearney, Nebraska
Annual Tuition: $13,656
Total Points: 14
The University of Nebraska Kearney offers an online master of science in education that is a 36 credit program. Courses include education research and curriculum development in multicultural education. Nine of the 36 required credit hours will be from education courses (such as curriculum or research) and 12 will be devoted to your core content (physics). The University of Nebraska Kearney asks for $302 for each credit hour. In addition to the prerequisites of a bachelor’s degree with a teaching certificate and endorsement in physics, admission to the online master in science education requires official transcripts and an application fee of $50.
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