Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin

STEM Education Graduate 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.

 

Campus: Hattiesburg, Online 100%

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