The Master of Education (MEd) degree program in General Science (1-6 or 5-8) prepares you to teach effective, hands-on, inquiry-based science education to elementary school students. This program has two tracks: one leads to a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License; the other is a non-licensure option.
Modality
Program Overview for MEd in General Science (1-6 or 5-8)
The General Science (1-6 or 5-8) MEd program prepares educators to teach science content using hands-on, inquiry-based education.
The curriculum is grounded in the Massachusetts science education model, balancing studies in earth, life, physical and engineering sciences and is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Based out of our Boston campus, courses for this program are taught in a mix of scheduled remote classes via Zoom and online (asynchronous) classes.
Program Highlights for General Science (1-6 or 5-8) MEd
Our graduates are ready to take on a variety of jobs for science teachers and are prepared to engage young learners in scientific practices and the engineering design process. Knowledge and skills covered in this curriculum include how to:
- Design and conduct scientific inquiries to test scientific hypotheses
- Communicate scientific procedures and explanations
- Convey how science, technology, and math inform each other and serve as mechanisms for inquiry into the nature of the universe
- Use best practices to teach inquiry-based science and develop a balanced approach to hands-on science instruction
- Create a safe and collaborative learning environment to engage all students in their learning
- Implement well-structured lessons with measurable assessments of learning and engage in ongoing reflection on practice
Why Choose Cambridge College for Your MEd
Gain the specialized knowledge and training to be a teacher of science for grades 1-6 or 5-8. The general science degree at Cambridge College offers a flexible, affordable master’s program option designed for adult learners.
- Career-focused learning: Graduates of the program are career-ready, technologically savvy, able to work effectively across different cultures, and have the training to advance social justice.
- Hands-on training: Licensure students will complete a general science practicum (and supporting practicum seminar) that provides real-world classroom experience with the guidance of an experienced science teacher.
- Licensure preparation: This program satisfies Massachusetts licensure requirements, based on current regulations. If you have any questions about the requirements, please speak to the program chair.
- Flexible, hybrid program: The Master’s in General Science combines remote (Zoom) and online (asynchronous) classes, offering working professionals the flexibility to balance education, careers and family.
- Exceptional value: Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, offering quality education at a low rate of tuition.
MEd in General Science Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course Options
The Master’s degree in General Science features courses such as:
- Methods and Materials for Teaching General Science
- Teaching Engineering and Technology
- Logistics of Teaching Science
Prospective graduate degree students for programs in the School of Education & Counseling must satisfy the following requirements plus any program-specific requirements your program may have.
- Complete and sign the online application.
- Pay the application fee. Pay your $50 ($100 for international students) application fee by the term start date.
- Send official transcripts. Maildirectly to Cambridge College in a sealed, unopened envelope. Learn How to Send Transcripts. Required degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities.
- Master's and most graduate certificate programs require an earned bachelor's degree.
- Post-master's certificates and CAGS require an earned master's degree.
- International transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved agency. See all international student requirements
- Send your résumé and work experience. Send your resume that details your education and work experience, including how they pertain to your career goals. If your SEC program has a work experience requirement, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Submit your personal statement. Write a 500-word, typed, double-spaced essay describing your professional experience, goals and objectives for graduate study. How do you expect your graduate studies to enhance your future career?
- Include two professional recommendations (not required for fully online programs). These should address your professional character and ability to perform graduate work. Download Applicant Recommendation Form
- Interview (required for some programs). If your program requires an interview, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Satisfy Health Insurance & Immunization requirements. (Massachusetts only). These are required only for graduate students taking six or more credits per term in Massachusetts through on-campus or hybrid classes. Health insurance may be waived.
Teacher Licensure Program Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, our Teacher Licensure Programs have these additional requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree with 3.0 or higher GPA.
- MA Educator Documentation from the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website. Keep copies of all documents submitted and, upon admission, post in your electronic portfolio:
- Massachusetts Educator Personnel ID (MEPID number)
- MTEL Communication & Literacy Test, successfully completed.
Required if completed:
- Massachusetts preliminary license, if held
- Sheltered English Instruction requirement
- Fingerprinting and Criminal Offender Record Information
Applicants who do not initially meet all requirements (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or MTEL) for admission into their chosen licensure program must enroll in the corresponding non-licensure degree option. Students who achieve a 3.0 GPA upon completion of the first three SEC courses, pass the MTELs, and now meet all requirements, may request a change of program.
Disclosures: For all Licensure Programs
- Licensure requirements are subject to change per Massachusetts regulations. All Cambridge College licensure programs are based on current regulations.
- All candidates admitted for licensure programs must successfully complete the program in its entirety.
- All requirements at the time of program completion must be finalized prior to seeking Massachusetts endorsement for licensure purposes.
- If you have any licensure questions, please speak to your program chair.
Careers in Elementary-Level General Science
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for elementary teachers in Massachusetts is $82,690* per year. The greater Boston metropolitan area is one of the top 10 cities with the highest employment levels for elementary school teachers.
Keep in mind that your teaching salary will vary based on your experience and the region in which you work.
$82,690
Mean annual salary for elementary teachers in Massachusetts*
9
Rank of Boston metro area in level of industry employment for elementary school teachers*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252021.htm (visited December 29, 2023).
Jobs in General Science for Elementary Teaching
Qualified science teachers are in high demand. This degree provides training and licensure for teaching science in Massachusetts, in addition to preparing you for a variety of other potential career opportunities in the field of science education.
Jobs for science teachers include:
- Elementary science specialist (PreK-5)
- Middle school general science teacher (5-8)
- Science museum educator
- Nature center guide
- Aquarium and zoo educator
Faculty Spotlight
John N. Papadonis
MEd, CAGS
Program Chair: Science and Digital Literacy
John Papadonis is a distinguished figure in science education, currently serving as the Program Chair of Science and Digital Literacy Programs at Cambridge College. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he has been instrumental in shaping the General Science Program at Cambridge College into one of the premier science education programs in Massachusetts. Notably, under his leadership, approximately 20% of all Massachusetts K-8 licensed science teachers receive certification through the...