STEM Education (MS)
STEM Education M.S.
Prepare for a career in STEM education through a one-year master鈥檚 program that brings together disciplinary knowledge, teaching practice and educational research.
The 91原创鈥檚 STEM Education M.S. prepares students to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the middle and high school levels or pursue other careers in STEM education. Students can enter through a 4+1 option for current 91原创 undergraduates or a post-baccalaureate option for students who have already earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Both options offer certification and non-certification tracks, allowing students to shape the program around their professional goals.
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Why study STEM education at 91原创?
The STEM Education M.S. combines strong preparation in both STEM content and pedagogy. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the program connects students with faculty who bring expertise in their disciplinary fields, teaching and STEM education research.
Students develop strategies for engaging a broad range of learners while building the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in classrooms and other STEM education settings. They also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on classroom-based research.
Choose your pathway
4+1 option
The 4+1 option is designed for current 91原创 undergraduates. Eligible students may apply during their junior year or the fall semester of their senior year.
Students begin working toward the graduate program as undergraduates and, after completing their bachelor鈥檚 degree, continue for one additional year to earn the STEM Education M.S.
Students entering through the 4+1 option may pursue either the certification or non-certification track.
Post-baccalaureate option
The post-baccalaureate option is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from 91原创 or another accredited institution.
Like students in the 4+1 option, post-baccalaureate students may pursue either the certification or non-certification track. The master鈥檚 program is designed to be completed in one year.
Choose your track
Certification track
The certification track is designed for students who plan to become middle or high school STEM teachers.
Students complete coursework and a yearlong residency experience that gives them sustained opportunities to develop their teaching practice in a school setting. Upon successful completion of program and certification requirements, students may be eligible for certification in the STEM subject area related to their bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Subject areas may include physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, agricultural science and career and technical education.
Non-certification track
The non-certification track is designed for students who want to work in STEM education but do not plan to become classroom teachers.
Instead of completing the teaching residency, students take coursework focused on areas such as leadership, curriculum development and research. This pathway can support students interested in STEM education research, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, community engagement and related fields.
Student perspective
鈥91原创 stood out to me because of its strong Teacher Residency program and emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and mentorship. Coming from Nigeria without prior knowledge of the U.S. education system, this program provided me with the guidance and support to successfully navigate a new educational environment and adapt my teaching approach.鈥
Juliet Samuel, secondary STEM education
Read the full 鈥Learning Through Connection鈥 story.
Coursework that connects theory and practice
Coursework in the STEM Education M.S. is designed to help students develop and use teaching practices aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards while creating learning environments that encourage participation, critical thinking, curiosity and problem-solving.
Courses include topics such as:
- Inclusive Assessment
- Inclusive Instruction
- Issues in STEM Education
- Inclusive Classroom Management
Students also examine instructional approaches that can broaden participation in STEM and help learners think critically about the connections between science, education and society.
A yearlong teaching residency
Students in the certification track complete a yearlong field experience known as the Residency Experience.
The residency gives aspiring teachers sustained classroom experience throughout the school year while they continue their graduate coursework. The program provides access to paid residency opportunities with stipends, allowing students to strengthen their teaching skills alongside experienced educators.
These experiences also connect students with Delaware school districts and prepare graduates to enter the classroom. Accepting a stipend requires you to teach in a Delaware public school district, including charter schools, for three years after graduation.
Partnerships with Delaware schools
The program partners with school districts across the state of Delaware to provide residency placements for students.
Partner districts have included Brandywine, Appoquinimink, Christina, Red Clay, Caesar Rodney, Colonial and Indian River school districts. In some cases, students have gone on to accept full-time teaching positions in the districts and schools where they completed their residency.
Former student Juliet Samuel, for example, completed her residency in the Brandywine School District and was retained by her placement school. Her work supporting high-needs students and her commitment to professional mentorship have been featured by 91原创aily and the College of Education and Human Development.
Accelerating STEM education
Through 91原创鈥檚 STEM Education 4+1 program, students can earn bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in five years while gaining a full year of classroom experience.听"The residency approach positions the pre-service teachers for employment and provides school districts with access to a recruitment pool," said Mark Akubo, director of 91原创鈥檚 secondary science education and M.S. in STEM education programs.
Teacher certification requirements
In addition to successfully completing required coursework, students seeking the University鈥檚 recommendation for teacher certification must complete their residency experience for the full school year and meet applicable subject-area testing requirements.
Before beginning the residency, students must also complete required health and child protection clearances, including a TB test and child protection registry clearance.
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Careers and professional opportunities
Graduates of the certification track typically pursue middle and high school teaching positions in STEM fields in Delaware and beyond.
Students who choose the non-certification track can prepare for opportunities in areas such as STEM education research, curriculum development, educational leadership, advocacy, nonprofit organizations and community engagement.
Policies and program requirements contained in the Graduate Catalog
supersede any similar information that may be contained in any of the websites of any of the colleges or departments.