About the Master’s in Natural Science
The master’s in natural science endorsement program is a flexible, unique program
that was specifically designed to support full-time teachers. This program typically
takes three to four years to complete. It includes core course rotations that are
offered in person in Laramie, WY each summer. These modules take place over the course
of four weeks each June. Each summer you will take a different course rotation, including
physical sciences, earth sciences and life sciences.
The remaining courses are offered online in the fall and spring semesters. Online
courses are completed synchronously, after school hours, meaning you get to virtually
meet face-to-face with your professors and classmates while maintaining your current
teaching schedule.
This program is also supported by a generous endowment that covers tuition for all
Wyoming teachers enrolled. Instead of awarding funds based on financial need or academic
merit, the support is distributed equally to all participants.
All graduates receive the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) endorsement
for middle-level science.
To be considered for the program, teachers must:
- Have at least two years of teaching experience.
- Submit a writing sample in response to the provided prompts.
- Have a valid teaching license.
- Provide three letters of recommendation, including a letter from the teacher’s principal or employer.
Why get a master’s degree and middle-level science endorsement?
There are many reasons that teachers seek additional education, and this program accomplishes
all of them! A master’s in natural science and a middle-level science endorsement
enable teachers to advance their careers and, oftentimes, their pay scale. The program
also provides advanced education to improve the teaching and knowledge you bring to
the classroom.
In addition to the tangible benefits the program provides, teachers also get to interact
with other science teachers from across the state to network, share techniques and
learn together.
If you're a current teacher looking to deepen your content knowledge, expand your instructional skills and open doors to leadership roles, a master’s in science education is definitely worth it. This degree can help you become a more effective educator, boost student engagement and improve outcomes in the classroom. It also increases your earning potential and qualifies you for roles like curriculum specialist, instructional coach or department head. Whether you want to stay in the classroom or grow into new opportunities, a master’s in science education strengthens both your expertise and career path.
Earning a middle-level science endorsement expands your teaching qualifications, allowing you to teach science in grades 5–9 and making you more versatile and marketable. It helps deepen your understanding of science content and pedagogy tailored to middle school learners, which can boost student engagement and achievement. This endorsement also opens up new job opportunities, increases your value to schools and districts and may lead to additional career advancement or pay incentives.
Yes, our program was specifically designed for working professionals! The flexible schedule allows teachers to take online courses during the fall and spring, and core courses in-person during the summer.
Yes, earning a master’s degree can significantly boost your teaching career. It often leads to higher pay, stronger job security and greater eligibility for leadership roles such as department head, instructional coach or curriculum specialist. A master’s also deepens your content knowledge and teaching skills, which can improve student outcomes and classroom confidence.
"My professional practice changed through this program by [incrementally] working on moving away from being a teacher-led to a student-led classroom."
