Carousel
Welcome to the Science Education program
The Science Education program prepares leaders for science education roles in secondary and higher education. We believe that professional science educators should be thoroughly educated in their content discipline and bring modern theories of learning and education to bear on their scholarship as professional teachers and in their research for the doctoral degree. Our graduates have been appointed in major universities as science and/or science education professors. Many of our alumni are major leaders in school leadership and educational reform.
Our work in reforming urban science education and broadening the scope of the theoretical base for teaching and learning in science has become more sharply focused in recent years to include neurocognitive, multicultural, and learning theory based innovations in guiding teaching and research.
Choose Your Degree
- I want initial certification to teach Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics in grades 7-12
- I want to be a Supervisor Teacher in Science Education
- I'm interested in advanced masters degrees
- I'm interested in doctoral degrees
- I'm interested in Science and Dental Education
The M.A. Pre-Service program in Science Education provides students with opportunities to study science education theory, the discipline of science (including its histories, philosophies, and epistemologies), and professional education. It also provides students with opportunities to merge these studies with intensive field experiences through field-based assignments, courses, and student teaching experiences. Upon its completion students earn both an M.A. degree and a New York State initial license to teach Chemistry or Biology or Physics or Earth Science in grades seven through twelve.
- M.A. in Science Education with Initial Certification (36-credits)
- M.A. in Science Education with Transitional B Certification (36-credits)
Teachers College also offers a Teaching Resident's program for Science Education.
The M.A. degree in Supervision/Teacher of Science Education serves students whose professional interests are centered in the enhancement of science teaching and learning including teacher professional development, curriculum improvement, personal professional development and preparation for more advanced studies leading to advanced master’s degrees in science teacher supervision.
- M.A. in Supervisor/Teacher of Science Education (32-credits)
- M.S. degree (60-credits) — is recommended for science educators who want a professional degree with intensive preparation in science subject matter. This degree is especially appropriate for prospective community college instructors who do not intend to pursue a doctorate immediately.
- Ed.M. degree (60-credits) — is recommended for science educators who want a professional degree with intensive preparation in science education.
- Ed.D. degree (90-credits) — places emphasis on breadth of professional coursework with a focus on educational practice. All candidates are required to be competent in both quantitative and qualitative research methodology and to have knowledge of the epistemology of science and of psychology sufficient to be an informed scholar-practitioner.
- Ph.D. degree (75-credits) — is designed to prepare students for leadership in science education. The program includes advanced preparation in science to develop both breadth and depth in science subject matter background. Preparation in research methods in science education, as well as study of recent developments in the broad field of professional education, is included in the program.
M.A. in Science and Dental Education is offered in conjunction with the College of Oral and Dental Medicine of Columbia University. Students in the College of Oral and Dental Medicine at Columbia University who are planning to enter teaching of dental medicine are eligible to enroll for this degree. The curriculum includes content courses in dental medical science, basic courses in adult learning, teaching of science-related disciplines, and culminating research studies on current medical educational theory and practice. Candidates are prepared for a life-long commitment to scholarly reflection and practice as professors of oral and dental medicine.
Inquiries should be sent to Professor O. Roger Anderson, ora@ldeo.columbia.edu.
Program News
Admissions Information
Application Requirements
- Master of Science
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts
- Science and Dental Education
- Supervision in Science Education
- Teaching Biology: 7-12 Initial Cert: Biology 7-12
- Teaching Biology: 7-12 (Peace Corps) Transitional B Cert: Biology 7-12
- Teaching Chemistry: 7-12 Initial Cert: Chemistry 7-12
- Teaching Chemistry: 7-12 (Peace Corps) Transitional B Cert: Chemistry 7-12
- Teaching Earth Science: 7-12 Initial Cert: Earth Science 7-12
- Teaching Earth Science: 7-12 (Peace Corps) Transitional B Cert: Earth Science 7-12
- Teaching Physics: 7-12 Initial Cert: Physics 7-12
- Teaching Physics: 7-12 (Peace Corps) Transitional B Cert: Physics 7-12
- Teaching Biology: 7-12 (Teaching Residents) Initial Cert: Biology 7-12 (TR@TC) [Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle.]
- Teaching Chemistry: 7-12 (Teaching Residents) Initial Cert: Chemistry 7-12 (TR@TC) [Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle.]
- Teaching Earth Science: 7-12 (Teaching Residents) Initial Cert: Earth Science 7-12 (TR@TC) [Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle.]
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy
Fund Your Degree
Education of Teachers in Science
Master of Science
- Major Code: SCTE
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Education of Teachers in Science
Master of Education
- Major Code: SCTE
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Science and Dental Education
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCDT
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Must be Columbia University College of Dental Medicine student, Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Science Education
Doctor of Education
- Major Code: SCSD
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
- Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Science Education
Doctor of Philosophy
- Major Code: SCSD
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
- Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Supervision in Science Education
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCSS
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Biology: 7-12
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIB-INIT
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Biology 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Biology: 7-12 (Peace Corps)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIB-TRAN
- Points/Credits: 34
- Entry Terms: Summer Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Transitional B: Biology 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Biology: 7-12 (Teaching Residents)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIB-INIT
- Points/Credits: 44
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Biology 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): N/A
- Summer/Fall (Final): N/A
* *Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Chemistry: 7-12
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIC-INIT
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Chemistry 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Chemistry: 7-12 (Peace Corps)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIC-TRAN
- Points/Credits: 34
- Entry Terms: Summer Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Transitional B: Chemistry 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Chemistry: 7-12 (Teaching Residents)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIC-INIT
- Points/Credits: 44
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Chemistry 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): N/A
- Summer/Fall (Final): N/A
* *Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Earth Science: 7-12
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIE-INIT
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Earth Science 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Earth Science: 7-12 (Peace Corps)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIE-TRAN
- Points/Credits: 34
- Entry Terms: Summer Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Transitional B: Earth Science 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Earth Science: 7-12 (Teaching Residents)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIE-INIT
- Points/Credits: 44
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Earth Science 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): N/A
- Summer/Fall (Final): N/A
* *Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Physics: 7-12
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIP-INIT
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Physics 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Teaching Physics: 7-12 (Peace Corps)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: SCIP-TRAN
- Points/Credits: 34
- Entry Terms: Summer Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Transitional B: Physics 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)