Master’s in Chemistry: Education Emphasis
Elevate Your Impact as a Chemistry Educator
The Master of Science in Chemistry with an Emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University helps prepare chemistry professionals for new career opportunities and offers advanced training in teaching, scientific inquiry and practical applications of chemistry concepts. You will be taught how to teach undergraduate chemistry courses including mechanisms of disease, therapeutics and advanced chemistry concepts such as the physical, chemical and atomic properties of matter.
This degree is designed to improve the content and pedagogical knowledge of future postsecondary chemistry teachers who often require a doctoral degree for university-level positions.1 However, some community colleges may accept a master’s degree or relevant work experience in lieu of a doctoral degree.1 If you already hold a teaching license and are looking for more advanced career opportunities, this program may be ideal for you.
Earn Your Master’s in Chemistry at GCU
Future STEM professionals — scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians — need a firm foundation of science competencies. As students, many of these future STEM professionals will be required to take chemistry at the college level.2 As STEM fields continue to grow, so too will the need for postsecondary teachers to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers and researchers.3 Transitioning to this career path can be an ideal way to pursue your passion for science education while helping to meet the need for qualified educators in the chemistry discipline.
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Secondary Chemistry Education Course Topics
The program covers effective pedagogy skills, including whole-class and group work strategies, and applies learning theories in the classroom. You will have the opportunity to lead classroom dialogue and utilize effective instructional methods through the development of activities, assessments and lesson plans, covering topics such as:
- Medicinal chemistry, including drug design and interactions
- Modern atomic structure, bonding theory and chemical reactivity
- Physical chemistry principles in chemical and biological systems
- Biochemical principles, including structure-function correlation and thermodynamics
- Current applications in chemistry
- Curriculum design
- Adult learning theories
Blend Your Passions for Teaching and Science
The primary focus of this master’s program is to enhance your chemistry knowledge and teaching skills essential for postsecondary educators. It can prepare you to apply instructional methods effectively and navigate the university teaching landscape, including online environments, where strong communication skills are crucial.1
As a student in this program, you will receive instruction on developing your teaching abilities through instruction that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of both science and instruction.
Career Paths for Graduates in Advanced Chemistry Education
Graduates of this online master’s in chemistry program may choose to pursue opportunities to teach chemistry at the postsecondary level. You may pursue employment opportunities in the following settings:4
- Universities
- Colleges
- Community colleges
- Trade schools
Postsecondary teachers often need a doctoral degree, though a master's or work experience may be sufficient at some community colleges.1 Qualified postsecondary teachers are essential for preparing future STEM professionals to pursue careers in science and technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for all types of postsecondary teachers to increase by about 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 108,100 jobs in the field.3
Earn Your Master's Degree Through an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Natural Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Master’s in Chemistry: Education Emphasis FAQs
If you value sharing your chemistry knowledge with upcoming generations of STEM professionals, we’ve prepared answers to your most frequently asked questions about pursuing this master’s degree with a chemistry education emphasis.
Chemistry is the branch of science that explores matter and its various interactions. Chemistry education focuses on teaching this branch of science to students. As a future chemistry teacher at the postsecondary level, you may have the opportunity to help college students master key topics in organic and inorganic chemistry. It’s important to note that postsecondary teachers who work for some 4-year colleges and universities may need a doctorate in their field of degree.1
The requirements to become a postsecondary chemistry teacher can vary, depending on the educational institution and certain positions. Community colleges may require an advanced chemistry degree that focuses on education, while some universities may require a doctoral degree.1 After earning your MS in Chemistry, you might consider expanding your career qualifications with a doctoral degree.
The time it may take you to earn an MS in Chemistry will depend on your course load and scheduling preferences, among other factors. Since each student’s path toward a master’s degree may vary, it’s important to seek guidance from a university counselor. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it will take you to earn your degree at GCU.
If you’re passionate about the subject, earning an online master’s in chemistry could certainly be worth the effort. With a graduate degree, you may qualify to pursue advanced positions along your current career trajectory or to explore postsecondary teaching positions in academia. According to the BLS, all types of postsecondary teachers had a median annual wage of $84,380 as of May 2023.5
The pursuit of a graduate chemistry degree may be challenging due to the advanced academic requirements and the need to effectively integrate both the principles of chemistry and educational pedagogy. However, if you enjoy chemistry and sharing your knowledge and experience with others, a master’s degree with a chemistry education emphasis may be a good fit for you.
Prepare to make a positive contribution as a postsecondary chemistry educator.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.
2 BigFuture. (n.d.). Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Majors and Degrees. CollegeBoard. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on Aug. 5, 2024.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.
5 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Postsecondary Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved on Aug. 5, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Natural Sciences. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This focus of the course is the fundamentals of medicinal chemistry. Medicinal chemistry is an organic-chemistry-based discipline that interfaces strongly with the biological and pharmaceutical sciences. The field of medicinal chemistry includes the discovery and preparation of biologically active compounds; the study of their metabolism; the mechanism of action at the molecular level; and the construction of structure-activity relationships. This course includes the process of drug design, the structure and function of macromolecular drug “targets” (receptors, enzymes, nucleic acids), as well as the mechanisms by which drugs interact with their targets. Also, the complexity of human physiology and its effects which on the physical and chemical properties of a drug candidate can influence its absorption, distribution, and metabolism in a human patients will be discussed. Prerequisites: Students should have completed a year of organic chemistry and a course in biochemistry.
Course Description
The objective of this course is to provide a foundational knowledge on basic principles and applications of physical chemistry. The following topics will be covered: chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Additional topics will include applications of physical chemistry principles towards chemical and biological systems including enzymatic reactions; time-dependent chemical and nuclear reactions; electrochemistry; and equilibria related to acids, bases, buffers, and solubility. Prerequisite: Students should have completed a year of general chemistry.
Course Description
This course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.
Course Description
The objective of this course is to provide a foundational knowledge on basic principles and applications of inorganic chemistry. The following topics will be covered: modern atomic structure, nomenclature of inorganic compounds, bonding theory, magnetism, periodic trends, and chemical reactivity. Additional topics include fundamentals of organometallic chemistry and transitional element chemistry and their application towards material properties, catalysis, and bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: Students should have completed a year of general chemistry.
Course Description
The objective of this course is to provide basic and advanced theories, techniques, and principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Additional topics may include application of concepts of analytical chemistry to the fields of environmental science, forensic science, and medicine. Students should have a prior understanding of basic quantitative statistics. Prerequisite: CHM-505, CHM-510, CHM-515.
Course Description
This course applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.
Course Description
This course surveys the broad areas of contemporary chemistry research and illustrates the application of chemistry principles. The topics will be determined by current events, technology, faculty and student interest.
Course Description
The objective of this course is to survey basic biochemical principles, including the composition, structure, and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Important biochemical principles, including structure-function correlation, kinetics and equilibrium, thermodynamics, membrane structure and function, and metabolic energy pathways, will illustrate the key concepts of biology and chemistry.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.