OVERVIEW
Become a Chemistry Teacher with a Master's Degree
Chemistry is not just the basic building block of life—it’s the key to many of tomorrow’s technological and medical developments. And while it is a standard requirement for graduation in all American high schools, a teacher who is passionate about science can make an even greater impact. Teachers who can ignite their students with an interest in chemistry play an important role in making our world a better place.
The two online master’s degree programs at WGU can prepare you to teach science courses at the junior high and high school levels. The programs help ensure your proficiency in organic chemistry, biochemistry, climates, and more. You will also learn the skills necessary to teach this content to students in junior high, middle school, or high school*.
If you have a bachelor's degree but do NOT have a teaching license, you'll choose the Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Chemistry program. If you are currently a licensed teacher looking to add to your license, you'll choose the Master of Arts, Secondary Chemistry program. Both of these programs will help you progress toward your goal of becoming a chemistry teacher!
*The specific grade levels you will be qualified or endorsed to teach will depend on your state.
Two Programs to Choose From
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Chemistry: This version of our chemistry education program is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but are NOT licensed teachers. This program helps you get your teaching license and proceed with licensure in secondary chemistry.
- Master of Arts, Secondary Chemistry: This version of our chemistry education program is for individuals who are already licensed teachers and are looking to add secondary chemistry to their licensure. This program helps you be prepared to add a secondary chemistry certification to your existing license.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) — Master of Arts in Teaching
This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers...
This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, and are looking to become a licensed teacher.
- Time: 62% of students in a similar program earn this degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who are looking to get their teaching license, and become prepared to teach secondary chemistry.
Concepts in this program include:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.
- Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,125
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
COURSES
Chemistry Science Education Courses
Curriculum designed by education experts who know what it takes to be an excellent chemistry teacher.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The online Master's of Chemistry Education degree programs offer the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience you need to successfully teach chemistry courses to students in junion high, middle school, or high school. The WGU M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry Science) and M.A.T. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry Science) programs were designed (and are updated regularly) with input from experts. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to teach chemistry content, principles, and methodology at the secondary school level.
The programs also include a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens, and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.
These programs are made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.
Sample Chemistry Courses
“I searched for the right program for me for several years before finally hearing about WGU at the Georgia Science Teachers Association annual conference. I called my wife right after speaking with the representative and then spent the evening in my hotel room discussing options with a representative from WGU over the phone. It seemed too good to be true, but it definitely was not. It was exactly what they said it would be, and I'm extremely grateful that it was.”
—Robert Bice
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities:
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 15,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2023 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable, We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—And All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused science teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"Working full time, having a toddler, and wanting to complete my courses in a year did provide some obstacles, but I had a lot of supportive people in my life that allowed me to have time to focus on my courses and get the work done. My mentor, Purisima, kept me focused and on track and was a great person to have on my side. The course mentors/instructors were very helpful when I was stuck and gave good feedback. My family support gave me time to work without distraction so I could move forward at a rapid pace.”
—Erin Menhennick
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
CAREER OUTLOOK
Advance Your Teaching Career with a Chemistry Education Master's Degree
Curious young minds need passionate, inspired educators with the knowledge and skill to teach them about how their world works. WGU's online chemistry education master's degree is nationally recognized for helping outstanding educators gain an advanced understanding of chemistry.
Find the formula for success with the help of a master's degree in education! These programs can help you qualify to teach chemistry at the junior high/middle or high school level. Your career options will increase and your value rise commensurate with your master's degree.
A serious shortage of STEM teachers nationwide means science teachers are in very high demand. WGU's secondary chemistry master's degree programs can prepare you to fill a critically important role in secondary education.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
5%
Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU's Alumni Teach Across the Country
Graduates of the WGU School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding careers in classrooms at:
- Inclusive K–12 classrooms
- Middle/junior high schools
- High schools
- Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including:
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
- Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
- Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
- Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Online Master of Arts in Chemistry Admission Requirements
Master of Arts, Secondary Chemistry Education
The Master of Arts, Secondary Chemistry Education is for currently licensed teachers only. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide:
- A copy of a valid teaching license.
- All official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Chemistry Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Chemistry Education program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree but are not currently licensed teachers. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:
- Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state)
- Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major.
- Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.
This program requires a 2.5 minimum cumulativeGPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your bachelor's program. Applicants with a cumulative GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE). An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Compare Chemistry Education Master's Programs
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