If you’re passionate about science and love the idea of helping others understand the world around them, a bachelor’s degree in science education could be your ideal path. Whether you dream of teaching biology in high school, guiding middle schoolers through chemistry experiments, or making earth science exciting for curious young minds, the right degree can launch a meaningful and in-demand career.
This guide highlights the best bachelor’s programs in science education—schools that don’t just teach you science, but show you how to teach it well. You’ll find programs that blend rigorous coursework with classroom experience, preparing you to become a certified educator who can make complex topics clear, exciting, and relevant. If you want to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and critical thinkers, this is where your journey begins.
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Last updated: February 14, 2025
What are the Best Bachelor’s in Science Education Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Science Education degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Bachelor’s degree program in the field of Science Education,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Science Education,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Science Education,
- Prepares graduates for career placement/advancement in Science Education.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Purdue University
Purdue University is consistently nationally ranked, including the #6 most innovative school in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Purdue includes 13 schools, including the College of Education, where our #1 ranking originates.
Start your journey to becoming a middle or high school teacher and earn a Bachelor of Science in science education with a concentration in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth/space science.
This 127-credit hour program includes science education, concentration courses, and electives. Of course, you will take classes such as chemistry and calculus, but by your second year, you will add education courses such as Introduction to Educational Technology and Computing and Multiculturalism in Education. During your fourth year, you will be let loose to teach in a classroom of your own to complete 8 to 16 credit hours.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can also add an optional K-12 integrated STEM concentration to this program, which will enhance your resume and future teaching opportunities. If you think Purdue University is in your future, you need a minimum GPA of 2.5 and one semester of calculus with a C or better.
University of Northern Iowa
A school rich in history and traditions, the University of Iowa is ranked #2 in the Best Regional Universities (Midwest) by U.S. News & World Report. One reason why UNI made our list is because of its reputable science education programs.
Here, we are going to focus on the Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Secondary Science Teaching, but there are others to explore, too.
This program entails a liberal arts core curriculum, professional education requirements, and major credit hours, which add up to 134 credit hours. This is a higher credit count than an average bachelor’s degree, so this program will take additional time to complete. However, the good news is that with this major, you can teach all areas of science at the secondary level.
In addition to a culmination of all science courses, you will take education courses such as Classroom Assessment and Human Relations: Awareness and Application. Another perk of this program is that you will start field experiences as early as the fall of your second year. Your entire final semester will be spent teaching in a secondary classroom setting.
Eastern Michigan University
Opened in 1849 as a teacher’s college, Eastern Michigan University continues to offer nationally ranked teacher education programs. Our first two rankings were for future middle school and high school teachers, but if elementary is your focus, the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education integrated science comprehensive major is worth checking out.
In this program, you will learn basic science taught in elementary school, including biology, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. Along with 69 credits of major requirements, you will complete 56 hours in professional elementary education, such as Curriculum and Methods, Early Literacy, and Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age.
You will devote your final year to the capstone experience, which includes applying all you have learned in your own classroom where you will teach! If you want to add the DI endorsement, you can also teach science in grades 6-8. Once you have 56 college credits and at least a 2.5 GPA, you can apply to this notable program.
Arizona State University-Tempe
For the second consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Arizona State University in the top ten for “first-year experiences,” so if you’re a first-year student, even better!
However, if you’re a transfer student, ASU is for you, too, especially if you want to teach STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to grades K-8!
Through the Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education (STEM), you will gain a “firm grounding in science, using the tools of technology, the processes of engineering and the language of math” (ASU website), which will qualify you to become a math, science, or technology teacher in grades K-8. You will take content and pedagogy courses such as Technology Literacy: Problem Solving Using Digital Technology.
During your junior year, you will intern part-time in a K-8 classroom, which will prepare you for a full-time student teaching position the following year. First-year students, transfer students, and international students are encouraged to apply to ASU, and you can complete your application online through ASU’s Application for Admission, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application.
University of Pennsylvania
Penn State’s College of Education is among the best in the country. Among the many reasons this university ranks high is its commitment to educational research and cutting-edge programs.
Check out Penn State’s Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (SECED) with a science education (SCIED) option. It is a great program if you’re looking to teach science at the middle and high school levels.
To further tailor your program, you can choose from the following areas to study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth/Space Science
- Environmental Education
- General Science
- Physics
You will complete 126 credit hours in core science classes, including your areas of concentration, along with education and elective courses. Notable courses include Teaching Secondary Science, Education in American Society, and Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation.
Speaking of field experience, Penn State’s program prides itself on introducing hands-on experience right away. As a science education student, you will begin early field experience during your third and fourth semesters, which will lead to more field experience during your sixth and seventh semesters to ultimately prepare you for your student teaching practicum.
Specializations & Career Pathways in Science Education
The above ranking of science education bachelors is meant to be your starting place. So how do you decide which program is the best fit for you?
Each student will answer this question differently, but it comes down to which program best-aligns with your unique professional goals and interests. So while we can’t tell you which program is your best fit, we can help you clarify which programs match your goals. So below we’ve outlined clear paths to success with a science education bachelors.
Once you decide which path resonates with you most, you will be better positioned to identify which degree programs set you on your desired path.
1. K–12 Science Teacher (General / Subject-Specific)
- Focus areas: General science (elementary/middle school), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science.
- Job outlook: Strong national demand due to retirements and STEM emphasis; ~64,000 high school openings annually and ~41,400 in middle school
- Salary range:
- Elementary/middle school: $50K–$70K (avg. ~$61K)
- High school: $60K–$75K, with advanced certifications (AP Physics, Chemistry) often leading to stipends
- Certified Science Teachers average ~$61K–$72K total compensation
- Most rewarding: Urban/suburban districts, physics/chemistry specialists, National Board Certification holders.
2. Postsecondary (College/University) Science Instructor
- Focus areas: Introductory science courses, community college teaching, labs.
- Requirements: Often requires a Master’s; PhD expected for research roles.
- Salary: Median ~$84K/year, with potential to exceed $100K—especially for physics or environmental science professors
- Prospects: Faster-than-average growth (8% projected 2023–2033); ~118,900 annual openings
- Best path: Start in community colleges with a Master’s; progress toward tenure-track.
3. STEM Education Specialist / Curriculum Developer
- Focus areas: Science curriculum design, instructional coaching, professional development for teachers
- Settings: School districts, education nonprofits, ed-tech firms
- Salary: Typically $63K–$95K; instructional coordinators earn ~$63,740 median
- Why it’s rewarding: Blend of science content and leadership, significant impact on teaching quality
4. Science Education in Informal Settings
- Focus areas: Museum education, nature centers, science outreach, environmental education
- Salary: Varies—generally $45K–$70K, but overlapping with researcher roles on $62K average
- Growth areas: Especially in conservation and ecotourism hotspots
5. Laboratory & Research Technician (Entry-Level Science Roles)
- Focus areas: Biotech, environmental testing, forensics.
- Salary:
- Lab Managers: ~$81,500/year
- Forensic science technicians: ~$58K
- Biochemical/microbiology technicians: ~$52K–$63K
- Lab Managers: ~$81,500/year
- Why consider it: Provides lab-based STEM experience and can be a springboard to graduate studies or teaching roles.
Which Path Offers the Greatest Opportunity?
| Career Path | Salary Potential | Growth | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Science Teacher | $60K–$75K+ | Stable | High (shaping future scientists) |
| Postsecondary Science Instructor | $84K+ | Strong | High (research + teaching) |
| Curriculum Developer / Specialist | $63K–$95K | Positive | Very High (larger system impact) |
| Lab/Research Technician | $52K–$82K | Positive | Medium (hands-on STEM) |
For prospective science educators, focusing on high-demand secondary education tracks (especially in chemistry or physics) or advancing to postsecondary teaching with a Master’s or PhD offers the strongest combination of salary, growth, and impact. Exploring hybrid roles—like curriculum specialist—can provide both leadership experience and rewarding compensation, while entry-level lab roles offer valuable experience and a viable fallback into scientific fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, science education is a major at many colleges and universities. This major focuses on preparing students to teach science subjects at various levels, emphasizing effective teaching methods and curriculum development. It combines scientific knowledge with educational theory to equip graduates for careers in teaching science.
It takes four years to get a bachelor’s in science education degree. Most programs require 120 credits, which means students take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Online programs can shorten your completion time to 3.5 years, on average.
With a degree in science education, you can pursue different career paths. Common options include becoming a science teacher at the elementary, middle, or high school level. You can also work as a curriculum developer, education consultant, or science outreach coordinator or pursue further studies to become a science education researcher or administrator.
High school science teachers make $65,220/year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% make less than $48,040/year and the highest 10% make more than $106,380/year. Science teachers at public elementary and secondary schools make $66,070/year, on average.
Science is the study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis, encompassing various disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, and more. But science education is a field that focuses on teaching and learning science. It involves preparing educators to convey scientific concepts, methods, and skills to students at different educational levels.
While science is the subject of study, science education is the process of teaching and learning that subject.