STEM Education certificate

Overview

The STEM Education Graduate Certificate is a five-course certificate that supports interdisciplinary STEM teaching, learning, and curriculum development. Students will explore computer science, mathematics concepts, engineering and the engineering design process, science, making-and- makerspace-based learning, and ways to weave and connect the individual STEM content areas in meaningful ways for diverse learners.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires a baccalaureate degree in STEM, Education, or related field from a college or university approved by a recognized accrediting institution. Graduate students currently enrolled at the University in a graduate-level, degree-granting program must be in good academic standing to add the Certificate program to their course of study.

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements, applicants must submit the following materials:

A résumé or curriculum vitae that includes the names and contact information for at least two references of people qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study
A one- to two-page statement of purpose that depicts the applicant’s teaching experience (e.g., philosophy, methods, assessment experience) and professional interests, and academic transcripts

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

The STEM Education Graduate Certificate requires a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours of graduate work with a 3.0 GPA.

There are three suggested pathways to choose from, as outlined below. However, students can earn a STEM Education graduate certificate by taking a combination of five SME graduate courses (15 semester hours) that meet their professional goals and in consultation with their faculty advisor.

STEM Education for Academia Pathway

SME 600 – Dimensions of Science Communication
SME 602 – Teaching & Learning STEM in Higher Education
SME 615 – Academic Grant Writing
SME 653 – Culture & Equity of STEM Learning
SME 691 – Action Research in STEM Education

STEM Education for Schools Pathway

SME 601 – STEM Education: A Holistic Analysis
SME 653 – Culture & Equity of STEM Learning
SME 691 – Action Research in STEM Education
SME 700 – Science Curriculum in the Public Schools
SME 720 – Mathematics Curriculum Research in STEM Education

STEM Education for Communities Pathway

SME 600 – Dimensions of Science Communication
SME 650 – Informal STEM Education
SME 652 – Critical Histories of US STEM Education
SME 701 – Issues in Science & Mathematics Education
SME 703 – Foundations of Science & Math Education

Courses Requirements (15 hours of 600+ level SME courses)

Select five courses from any of the three areas of STEM Education listed below

Curriculum Studies

SME 602 – Teaching & Learning STEM in Higher Education
SME 609 – Dimensions of Learning in Science Education I
SME 610 – Dimensions of Learning in Science Education II
SME 650 – Informal STEM Education
SME 695 – Applications of Basic Concepts in Biology for Secondary School
SME 695L – Applications of Basic Concepts in Biology for Secondary School
SME 700 – Science Curriculum in the Public Schools
SME 720 – Mathematics Curriculum
SME 792 – Special Problems

Critical & Current Issues

SME 600 – Dimensions of Science Communication
SME 652 – Critical Histories of US STEM Education
SME 653 – Culture and Equity of STEM Learning
SME 701 - Issues in Science and Mathematics Education
SME 733 – Earth Science for Elementary School Teachers
SME 756 – Marine Science for Teachers – Field Work (Biannually, Odd Summer)
SME 757 – Marine Science for Teachers
SME 792 - Special Problems

Traditions of Inquiry

SME 601 – STEM Education: A Holistic Analysis
SME 622 – International Studies: History of STEM Education
SME 703 - Foundations of Science and Mathematics Education
SME 725 – Research in Mathematics Education
SME 761 – Qualitative Educational Research Design
SME 762 – Qualitative Educational Research Practicum
SME 791 – Research in Science Education
SME 792 – Special Problems