STEM Education, M.S.

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College of Education
Department: Teaching and Learning
Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information.

Concentrations:

Elementary

The Masters of Science in STEM Education is designed to prepare school educators to teach in the challenging and high demand fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program cultivates and trains teachers in how to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to both create STEM-related experiences that excite and interest students of all backgrounds and to support states and school districts in their efforts to transform schools into vibrant STEM learning environments.

The program engages secondary STEM and Elementary teachers in ways to improve their content knowledge and enhance pedagogical skills in teaching mathematics and science and prepares secondary grades mathematics and science teachers for roles as teacher leaders; and, prepares secondary school STEM teachers to inspire and teach students to be successful in STEM education, thereby increasing the number of individuals capable of filling critically important STEM-related career positions.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

Must be teaching in math and/or science in secondary grades (6-12) at time of admission or an elementary classroom (preference is two (2) years);
Earned a teacher certification in elementary education;
Grades of ‘C’ or better in all core undergraduate science and mathematics courses OR;
A previous graduate degree from an accredited university with grades of ‘B’ or better in all science and mathematics graduate level coursework
A statement of purpose indicating reasons for applying to the Program, pertinent personal and professional dispositions or experiences and/or credentials relevant to teaching.
Two letters of recommendation (professional/academic reference letters and contact information from individuals who can attest to academic accomplishments.
A current resume.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours - 36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements - 9 Credit Hours
Concentration - 27 Credit Hours

Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)

SMT 6318 Current Trends in K-12 Math and Science Assessment Credit Hours: 3
SMT 6315 STEM Methods Credit Hours: 3
EDE 6486 Teacher Research for Student Learning Credit Hours: 3

Elementary Concentration (27 Credit Hours)

EDF 6432 Foundations of Measurement Credit Hours: 3
EDF 6552 The Role of Education in a Democracy Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6735 Trends in Math and Science Education for Elementary Teachers Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6315 Algebraic Thinking for Elementary Teachers Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6334 Problem Solving for Elementary Teachers Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6316 Geometry and Measurement for Elementary Teachers Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6855 Teaching Biology & Ocean Science in Elementary Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6803 Physical Science for Elementary Teachers Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6838 Teaching Earth Space in Elementary Credit Hours: 3

Comprehensive Examination

In lieu of the Comprehensive Exam, students must successfully complete a STEM portfolio by the end of their graduating semester. In the portfolio, students will demonstrate how their teaching strategies have developed, based upon their work in this program. Guidelines and important dates for submission will be shared at the beginning of the student’s graduating semester at the latest.

Other Requirements

Students must possess 60 hours of ESOL training upon completion of the program. If a student enters the program without 60 hours of ESOL, it is the student’s responsibility to provide proof of successful completion of 60 hours of ESOL prior to being certified to graduate.

University of South Florida