The science education graduate program area offers K-12 teachers, curriculum specialists, higher education faculty, informal education specialists, scientists, and other educational professionals opportunities to investigate contemporary issues related to science learning, teaching, assessing, and curriculum, in the context of K-12 schools, colleges, and universities and informal settings. The faculty are internationally known and are engaged in 21st century fundamental and applied research. Students pursuing the M.S. degree complete either a master's thesis or non-thesis project and, upon graduation, often serve as lead science teachers, science department heads, science curriculum coordinators, or serve as science specialists for museums, nature centers, or other informal learning experiences. The doctoral program is research oriented and includes completion of a dissertation. Graduates provide leadership in science education via positions at colleges and universities in both education and science departments, school districts, informal education settings, or governmental agencies.

Graduate students may specialize in the following areas within the science education program: biology, chemistry, earth/space, elementary science education, geoenvironmental, or physics. Graduate degree programs are based upon student experiences and professional goals and interests. Each specialization features individually planned programs that include core science education courses, science content courses, and course work in educational foundations and research methods. The program of study is designed in consultation with a faculty committee.