Secondary STEM Teaching and Learning

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Description

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary (7-12) STEM Teaching and Learning is an 18 credit graduate certificate program designed for middle or high school math and science teachers who want to expand their knowledge and practice of inquiry-based collaborative teaching and learning. Students in the certificate program will develop the tools necessary to design and deliver learning experiences for students that are inquiry, project, and problem-based. The program gives students the opportunity to collaborate with a cohort of math and science teachers to plan and implement integrated, multi-disciplinary lessons that align with NSTA Next Generation Science Standards, NCTM Principles to Action, and Common Core State Standards. Graduates of the certificate program can become STEM leaders and resources for their schools. Information on admissions requirements can be found at Post-Baccalaureate Certificates Admissions Requirements.

Certificate Outcomes

Upon completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary STEM Teaching and Learning, recipients will be able to: 

1. Relate relevant theories, concepts, and issues in STEM education to the planning, teaching, and learning process.
2. Design and implement a variety of literacy strategies to support student motivation and independence in STEM content learning.
3. Create and implement student-centered and integrated learning experiences that make the major concepts and processes of inquiry in the STEM disciplines accessible, meaningful and differentiated for all learners.
4. Design and analyze pre-assessments, and formative and summative assessments of and for STEM learning.
5. Integrate instructional technology into STEM curriculum and instruction to enhance and extend learning to address real world and global issues.
6. Engage in collaborative inquiry, critical analysis, and reflection to lead STEM pedagogy and practice.
7. Analyze and address current trends, pedagogical viewpoints, and issues that emerge in practice in Secondary STEM education.
8. Evaluate STEM education as a transdisciplinary approach and attitude toward teaching and learning.

Certificate Policies

The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a post-baccalaureate certificate one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only. A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for completion of the certificate. Only one grade of "C" may be applied toward the GPA requirement. Certificate requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree was completed.

Required Courses

Students must complete the following 18 credits: