Graduate Certificate in STEM Education

Admission Requirements

Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information. For full admission to the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education, applicants are expected to provide or complete the following:

  1. Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded at www.wilmu.edu/admission/documents/paperapp.pdf
  2. Provide an official transcript or transcripts from an accredited college, university, verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent directly to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions. 
  3. Schedule a program planning conference with an Admissions Counselor, Program Advisor, or the Program Chair. 
After all of the above requirements have been completed, register for the appropriate course(s) in the certificate program.

Purpose

The Graduate Certificate in STEM Education is designed for those who are interested in the in-depth study of pedagogical and technological knowledge and skills that are useful in implementing an integrated approach to teaching STEM concepts in the classroom. Candidates study research-based practices to acquire knowledge and skills needed for educating students in four specific disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. 

Program Competencies

The program competencies adopted for the certificate program reflect the INTASC Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

Outcomes Assessment

Multiple assessments are used to determine candidate growth toward achievement of the knowledge and skills described in the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education program competencies and the university-wide graduation competencies. Performance-based assessments are used to evaluate projects, assignments, and research papers. Goals, learning outcomes and activities, external assignments, and assessment strategies are linked directly to program and graduation competencies as stated on each course syllabus. Other assessment strategies may include mentoring sessions and observations of candidate performance in authentic settings. 

Program Design

Candidates are expected to satisfactorily complete all requirements associated with the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education. The certificate includes 15-credits of content-specific courses related to pedagogical knowledge and skills for teaching four specific disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in an interdisciplinary, applied approach. The program requires that candidates be working in an educational setting or a training center to complete the program competency assignments.

Course Requirements

Content Specific Courses (15 credits)

MED 6102E-Folio

0

MED 7712Curriculum Development

3

MED 7814Problem-based Learning

3

MED 7815Innovations in Teaching

3

MED 7817Professional Studies

3

MED 7819Design, Build, and Test

3

Qualifications for Certificate

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education, a candidate must successfully complete the five 3­credit courses listed above (15 credit hours) with a GPA of at least a 3.0.  Because of rapid changes in the field, we recommend that the certificate be completed within two years.

Candidates completing the five STEM Education courses listed above with a GPA of 3.00 will, upon application to the Wilmington University Office of the Registrar, be issued a Wilmington University Graduate Certificate in STEM Education. Applications may be found on the Wilmington University Registrar’s webpage.

NOTE

Completion of this certificate does not qualify the recipient for a license or certification in Delaware, since there is no relevant Delaware license or certificate.