A recent study revealed that the nation is lacking innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, which prompted one Colorado-based college to launch an online master's degree program in natural sciences education.

The program, which was created in response to a National Science Board report, is designed for middle and high school science teachers, who can pass on their knowledge to their students. The NSB claimed that many talented minds in the STEM field go unnoticed.

"The nation's economic prosperity, security, and quality of life depends on the identification and development of our next generation of STEM innovators," read the report.

An official from the Colorado-based school said the online courses may benefit teachers who live in a rural area, far from a college campus. The program offers enough flexibility that teachers will not have to neglect their every-day classroom duties.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many states require teachers to earn a master's degree within a definite amount of time. In addition, teachers who complete a graduate program often get a pay raise from their school district after they finish.