STEM Education, M.S.

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

Concentrations:

Elementary Math and Science
Secondary Math and Science

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 elementary and secondary STEM teachers, and other education professionals (e.g., coaches, curriculum specialists) in ways to improve their content knowledge and enhance pedagogical skills for teaching mathematics and science and prepares them for roles as teacher leaders. This program also prepares educators 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 working in a STEM-related educational setting at time of admission (preference is two (2) years experience at time of application);
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 - 31 Credit Hours

Core Requirements - 15 Credit Hours
Concentration - 15 Credit Hours
Comp Exam/Portfolio - 1 Credit Hour

Core Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

SMT 6315 STEM Methods Credit Hours: 3
SMT 6318 Current Trends in K-12 Math and Science Assessment Credit Hours: 3
SMT 6317 Trends in STEM Education Credit Hours: 3
EDE 6486 Teacher Research for Student Learning Credit Hours: 3
EDF 6432 Foundations of Measurement Credit Hours: 3

Concentration (15 Credit Hours)

Students select one of the following concentrations:

Elementary Math and Science Concentration (15 Credit Hours)

Students must choose five (5) of the following six (6) courses:
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

Secondary Math and Science Concentration (15 Credit Hours)

Students must choose five (5) of the following six (6) courses:
SCE 6836 Teaching Earth Space in Secondary Grades Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6876 Teaching Biology and Ocean Science in Secondary Grades Credit Hours: 3
SCE 6804 Physical Science for Secondary Grade Teachers Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6329 Geometry and Measurement for Secondary Grades Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6650 Technology-Enhanced Numerical Analysis in the Secondary Grades Credit Hours: 3
MAE 6654 Teaching Technology-Enhanced Algebra in the Secondary Grades Credit Hours: 3

Comprehensive Examination (1 Credit Hour)

In lieu of the Comprehensive Exam, students must successfully complete a STEM education portfolio during their final semester. The portfolio will be completed as part of the requirements for EDG 6931 Special Topics in Education. The special topic will focus on STEM Implementation at the Classroom Level, per instructor approval. In the portfolio, students will demonstrate how their teaching strategies have developed, based upon their work in this program. They will also design an interdisciplinary STEM unit for classroom implementation. Guidelines and important dates for submission will be shared at the beginning of the student’s graduating semester.

EDG 6931 Selected Topics in Education Credit Hours: 1-4 (1 credit hour required for this program)

University of South Florida

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