Empower students to think like scientists.
Designed in conjunction with the National Institute for STEM Education, this program provides a holistic and integrated approach to science education. You’ll learn to develop testable questions, establish variables and controls, select data collection methods, and use tools to test hypotheses. Through systematic problem solving and evidence-based strategies, you’ll help K-16 students become leaders in a technical world. See why American College of Education was named among the best in the EdTech Cool Tool Awards, the largest recognition program in education technology.

in the nation for most Master's degrees awarded in STEM Education*.
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Connect with an ACE enrollment counselor who can help you get started.
How you'll get there.
- You’ll take a total of eleven courses, seven of which are STEM-focused (most students take one at a time). You’ll explore concepts such as building scientific understanding in students, modern learning and integrated science education, and engaging diversity in the science classroom. You’ll also take two courses in education and teaching and one course in research design. Each course is five weeks long.
- As part of your coursework, you’ll complete the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST) with the National Institute of STEM Education (NISE). The NCST transfers into ACE as two courses, SCI5243 and SCI5263, needed for degree completion. To ensure program progression, you must complete the NCST before starting your third term at ACE.** This requirement means you’ll not only graduate from ACE with a master’s degree, but also a certificate to add to your resume.
- At the end of the program, you’ll complete a capstone course to demonstrate and document the impact of the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.
What you can expect along the way.
- Quality instruction ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and we’re the #4 nationwide conferrer of master’s degrees in education.*
- Flexible class format Our asynchronous online classes enable you to plan your coursework around your life. Each course is 5 weeks long with outlined expectations each week.
- Relevant coursework Our classes teach practical and immediately applicable skills. What you learn at ACE today can be applied in your classroom tomorrow.
- Comprehensive approach This program examines the science, math, and engineering teaching applications at the elementary, secondary, and college level.
- Dual degree pathway available After you complete the M.Ed. in STEM Education, you can earn an M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum in less time.
What it costs
Our tuition and fees have nothing to hide. The total cost you see is your all-in price, without hidden fees, add-ons, and even textbooks. See if you can say the same about other institutions. Go ahead — we’ll wait.
Total Tuition
25 semester credits
x
$235 per credit
$5,875
Fees
$50 Application Fee
$1,000 Technology & Library Fee
($40 per credit)
$100 Program Conferral Fee
$1,150
Total Program Cost1
$7,025
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Meet your department chair.
Cathy McKay, Ed.D.
Administrative Faculty and Chair,
Department of Professional Educational Studies
A degree you can count on.
American College of Education is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission— a federally-recognized accrediting agency. The College’s accreditation includes approval to offer degree programs, in education, healthcare, nursing and business and leadership through distance education via the Internet. Accreditation ensures that an institution’s academic program meets or exceeds acceptable levels of quality and is the most recognized accreditation status for higher education entities. To receive and maintain HLC accreditation and affiliation approval, we must continuously undergo routine peer review cycles and provide proof that our programs meet or exceed HLC accreditation criteria and expectations of quality.
Dual Degree Programs
After you complete your M.Ed. in STEM Education, you can earn a second M.Ed. degree in less time due to the overlap in required courses. If you’re interested in an M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum, visit our Dual Degree page.Courses
M.Ed. in STEM Education
Explore the classes you'll take to fulfill this program's 25 semester credit requirement. For more information, a complete list of requirements, and course options, see the College Catalog.
Science Instruction Courses (22 semester credits)
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
1 semester credit
*Credit received through completing the Certificate in STEM Teaching at NISE.
Teaching/Learning Core Courses (6 semester credits)
3 semester credits
3 semester credits
Research Courses (3 semester credits)
3 semester credits
Admission Requirements
M.Ed. in STEM Education
ACE General Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement, and the payment agreement.
- Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
- Provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**
*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Program Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
- Minimum Grade Point Average 2.50 on a 4.00 Scale for full admission
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.00 on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission
- Applicants must acknowledge they have access to the educational settings for completion of course assignments throughout the program
- Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their program
A Note About Licensure:
While this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended program outcomes, it does not lead to licensure, certification, or endorsement. ACE offers several programs that do provide a pathway to licensure, certification, or endorsement and they can be found here.
Disclaimer:
1Total cost of coursework at ACE is $6,650. Total cost of the program, including the courses taken with NISE, is $7,285.00. Call 800.531.0864 with any questions.
***Verification of completed National Institute for STEM Education (NISE)/Accelerate Learning (ALI) coursework will be required upon completion of the second course taken at ACE.
*This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program credit hours, receipt of scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.
Students will take two courses of this program through the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) and will transfer into ACE for degree completion. Total cost of coursework at ACE is $6,650. Total cost of the program, including the courses taken with NISE, is $7,285.00.
State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.
For information on international transcript requirements, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.
For English as a second language applicant information, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.
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