Master of Science in Technology - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Leadership

The program prepares graduates to advance as teacher leaders in the educational setting. As STEM education becomes a greater focus for an increasing number of schools and teachers, it becomes clearer that there is a need to better define what is meant by the term STEM education. STEM education has been defined as a standards-based, meta-discipline residing at the school level where all teachers, especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers, teach an integrated approach to teaching and learning, where discipline-specific content is not divided, but addressed and treated as one dynamic, fluid study(Merrill, 2009). While the STEM Education and Leadership sequence is not a teacher certification program, coursework may be used for endorsement purposes. Certified teachers pursue the degree for professional development or for coursework toward an additional endorsement. Non-certified teachers also may pursue the master's in conjunction with other courses required for teacher certification. Upon completion of their MS studies, students will be able to: approach problems and challenges in a systematic way; understand trends, issues, and developments in area of specialization; demonstrate professional written and oral communication skills; effectively use current techniques and technologies of specialization; function as a leader in their field; understand, evaluate, and apply appropriate research. The degree options are: Thesis and Culminating Comprehensive. In thesis, total of 30 hours is required to complete the degree, including the thesis (for 6 credit hours). After completing the required 5 courses, a student choosing the thesis option will need to complete an additional 9 hours of elective courses. In Culminating Comprehensive, total of 33 hours is required to complete the culminating comprehensive option. After completing the required courses, a student choosing this option will need to complete an additional 9 hours of electives, and 9 hours in a concentration of conceptually connected coursework.