Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Secondary Education (General Science 6-12 Certification)

Master of Arts (MA) in
Secondary Education (General Science 6-12 Certification)

Online

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Secondary Education with General Science 6-12 Certification online degree program is designed for busy professionals who are interested in increasing their science knowledge and applying those concepts in an instructional setting.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30-33
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Teach Science on a Higher Level

The program provides science teachers with strong content base and professional development, including how to apply technology to the curriculum.

Students who earn the degree may be eligible for master’s level teacher certification in biology, chemistry, physics or general science. This program follows the National Science Education and National Educational Technology Standards.

The MA in Secondary Education (General Science 6-12 Certification) requires 30-33 credit hours and may be completed in as little as two years of part-time study.

Application DeadlineWe are now accepting applications for Fall 2025. Applications accepted year round.
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
AccreditationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Required For EntranceBachelor's-level teaching certificate
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Teacher Salary ScheduleAccess the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators
Completion TimeMost students earn their degree in less than two years

Curriculum

The MA in Secondary Education for General Science 6-12 Certification program requires 30 credit hours. Teaching field courses are not offered by distance at UA. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses

CSE 530 Modern Secondary School Programs
CSE 576 Improving Science Teaching
CSE 565 Improving Science Instruction
CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction

Additional Requirements

Foundations of Professional Studies: 3 credit hours
Educational Research course: 3 credit hours
Teaching Field: 12 credit hours
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)

Up to 12 credit hours of graduate science courses in the teaching field may be transferred to the program from other institutions if they meet the following conditions: The teaching field graduate courses must be advisor preapproved and from an NCATE-accredited institution of equivalent value, and the graduate courses must be within the certification subject teaching field.

Admission

Admission to the Master of Arts in Secondary Education (General Science 6-12) degree program requires the following:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate in General Science (6-12), Biology (6-12), Chemistry (6-12) or Physics (6-12)
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 average for the last 60 hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Statement of purpose
Completed UA Graduate School application
Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
Three letters of recommendation
- Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Applications are accepted each semester. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester.

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education.

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.