Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering Education, M.A.

The MA in STEM Education is a two-year program designed to prepare highly qualified and culturally sustaining STEM teachers in K-12 settings and beyond. During the first year of the program, candidates will complete coursework and practicum experiences required to earn a Preliminary Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. During the second year, candidates will engage in seminars that support their ongoing professional development by providing a community of practice, promoting research-based classroom practices, and enabling a structure for action research that promotes a culture of ongoing practitioner inquiry to support student learning.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the MA in STEM Education must:

hold a qualifying* baccalaureate degree in a STEM discipline from a regionally-accredited institution (or equivalent academic preparation);
be in good standing at the last university attended; and
have a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted (90 quarter units)

* The qualifications for undergraduate degrees must conform to admission requirements for the SED or EED programs as applicable.

In addition, for the majority of students who will complete this degree in combination with a credential program, applicants must also include the following

certificate of clearance
evidence of subject matter competency
evidence of completing 45 hours of early field work
US Constitution Courses (all CSU graduates meet this requirement. Other students may need to pass this exam).

An overview of requirements are available for the following programs: Elementary Education Program (EED); Secondary Education Program (SED).

Requirements for the Degree

For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below see, “Master’s Degree Requirements ”.

Core Courses (15 Units)

EDUC 614 - Advanced Teaching Methods in STEM Education Units: 3
EDUC 615 - Critical STEM Teaching and Learning Units: 3
EDUC 616 - Practitioner Inquiry in STEM Education Units: 3
EDUC 617 - Curriculum and Theory in STEM Education Units: 3
EDUC 618 - Science, Technology, and Society Units: 3

Electives (12 Units)

Option 1: Elementary Education

EED 721 - Multicultural Foundations Units: 0.5-2 (take 2 units)
EED 722 - English Language Skills and Reading Units: 0.5-3 (take 2 units)
EED 723 - Integrated Math/Science in Elementary School Units: 4
EED 728 - History/Social Science in the Integrated Elementary Curriculum Units: 2
EED 733 - Teaching English Learners Units: 2

Option 2: Secondary Education

SED 715 - Multicultural Education Units: 2
SED 730 - Bilingual/ELD Theory and Methods Units: 3
SED 743 - Content Area Literacy Units: 3
SED 776 - Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms Units: 2
SED 737 - Secondary Curriculum Instruction: Math Units: 2
or
SED 740 - Secondary Curriculum Instruction: Science Units: 2

Option 3: Self-Designed Studies of STEM Education

Courses related to STEM Education with consent of program coordinator (12 credit units). Example courses from other programs that students can consider include: Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program, MA in Education, Master level or upper-level courses in the College of Natural Resources & Sciences (science disciplines, mathematics and computer science), as well as graduate independent study options.

Culminating Experience (3 Units)

Students in this program may select between a project and a thesis for their culminating experience. Students who pursue elective options 1 and 2, aligned with existing credential programs, will complete an action research project or other form of practitioner inquiry grounded in their work as STEM educators. Students who pursue election option 3 may choose between a project or thesis for their culminating experience. Students in all elective options will submit a proposal and receive approval aligned with coursework in EDUC 616 , taken in the fall of the second year of the program. There is a required oral defense for both theses and projects, either in person or via video conferencing.

EDUC 690 - Thesis Units: 1-3
or
EDUC 692 - Master’s Project Units: 1-3

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from the MA in STEM Education program, students will be able to:

Examine and apply STEM Education Structures and Standards: Analyze the historical, philosophical, and contemporary frameworks of STEM education, including how they reinforce or challenge social inequities and dominant narratives.
Apply Critical Theoretical Frameworks in STEM Education: Utilize diverse theoretical perspectives, such as Critical Race Theory, Feminist Science Studies, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, to inform STEM teaching, curriculum development, and research.
Develop Rigorous and Inclusive STEM Teaching Practices: Design and implement STEM discipline-specific pedagogical strategies that promote rigorous learning and foster equity, inclusion, and justice in STEM classrooms.
Engage in Practitioner Inquiry and Ethical Research in STEM Education: Conduct systematic research on STEM teaching and learning using action research, self-study, and participatory methodologies while addressing ethical considerations such as power, positionality, and research impact.
Analyze the Societal Impact of STEM Education, Knowledge, and Innovations: Investigate the cultural, political, and economic influences on STEM advancements, policies, and public engagement, examining issues such as environmental justice, digital divides, and diverse epistemologies.