STEM Education Endorsement
Graduate Studies

Program Overview

Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools are increasing their emphasis on STEM education and encouraging students to consider advanced study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Employment growth in these areas is expected to be high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, providing STEM education programs in K-12 schools prepares students for life in the 21st century.

Today’s educators need a thorough understanding of STEM and the methods by which students can be prepared with skills and mental habits for achievement in this area. The Pennsylvania Department of Education awards this STEM endorsement as a credential in this new and emerging area where formal certification does not exist. Earning this 12-credit endorsement will help you become competent in planning, designing, applying, and assessing integrative STEM education.

The courses and field experiences in this endorsement program incorporate inquiry-based, project-based and problem-based pedagogies, informed by Next Generation Science Standards, Pennsylvania Core State Standards for Mathematics, and International Technology and Engineering Educators Association’s standards for technological literacy.

You will complete 47 hours of on-site field experiences that are closely integrated with coursework, assessment practices and program goals.

You can finish this program in one year or less, and is available completely online.

Tuition and Costs

The tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $535 per credit for courses offered in the endorsement when taken as a stand-alone credential. This per-credit tuition rate represents a 25 percent discount from the tuition for the courses required for the endorsement. Please review tuition and fees for rates associated with additional program enrollment.

Prerequisite for STEM Education Endorsement Program

To be admitted into a STEM Endorsement Program, candidates must be enrolled in an approved Level I program or hold a Level I or II certificate.

Admission Requirements

Please submit:

  1. A completed graduate application
  2. Official copy of undergraduate or graduate transcript with the degree granted.
  3. One reference form
  4. Copy of Level I or Level II Certification.

Mailed materials may be sent to:

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Immaculata University
Loyola Hall # 229B
1145 King Road
Immaculata, PA 19345
Fax: 484-323-3904

Once the above items have been received by the Graduate Office, you will receive registration and payment information.

Available 100% Online

 

Cohort Locations

Online Asynchronous Delivery

Course Preview

Foundations of Integrative STEM Education K-12

This introductory course places strong emphasis on the understanding of inquiry, project, and problem-based approaches to STEM, grounded in state and national standards and Pennsylvania’s Standards Aligned System (SAS). In this course, K-12 educators will explore past and present social and political influences impacting STEM education, STEM-related careers as well as the foundational principles of Integrative STEM Education to include: transdisciplinary standards-based curriculum, supportive learning environment, and rigorous content. STEM curricular programs that reflect research-based practices will also be reviewed and critiqued.

Engineering and Technology Design and Project-Based Learning for Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers

This course will prepare early childhood (K-2), elementary (3-5), and special education teachers to use and apply problem-solving and design processes to develop and answer questions and pose solutions to real-world problems in STEM. Participants will implement the engineering design process developed by NASA, entitled “Beginning Engineering, Science and Technology” (BEST) and NASA Summer of Innovation Curriculum grades 4-9. Using these approaches, participants will learn how to introduce STEM careers and tie STEM education to other disciplines such as social studies, arts, health, and movement. This course includes five hours of field experiences.

STEM Integration and Application in the Classroom

In this course, educators will integrate learning from previous coursework into meaningful STEM instruction through a job embedded field experience in their own classroom. Students will document and compile projects and products from an integrative STEM unit through the use of a digital portfolio. This culminating course will prepare educators to: 1) implement appropriate assessment and technology tools to enhance STEM teaching, learning, student achievement and college career readiness, and 2) implement innovative problem-based approaches to teaching, learning and the integration of STEM practices. This course includes 37 hours of field experience.

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in STEM Education K-12

This course addresses foundational issues of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in K-12 STEM education. Educators will apply their knowledge of STEM education to revise or create a year-long standards-based curriculum map and a unit plan that incorporates STEM content and practices, transdisciplinary connections, inquiry-based pedagogy and strategic use of technology to support all learners. This course includes five hours of field experiences.

Engineering and Technology Design (ETD) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) for Secondary Teachers

This course will prepare middle and high school teachers to support secondary students in the implementation of the engineering design process. Teachers will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective and creative designs using ETD and PBL to analyze and solve real-world problems and develop innovative solutions. Teachers will learn how to introduce STEM careers and tie STEM education to other disciplines such as social studies, arts, health, and movement. Teachers will incorporate science and math content to include the use of appropriate tools, numerical problem-solving, and technology. This course includes five hours of field experience.

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