STEM Education (MS)
STEM Education M.S.
Prepare for a career in STEM education through a one-year master’s program that brings together disciplinary knowledge, teaching practice and educational research.
The University of Delaware’s 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 UD undergraduates or a post-baccalaureate option for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
Both options offer certification and non-certification tracks, allowing students to shape the program around their professional goals.
Why study STEM education at UD?
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 University of Delaware 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’s 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’s degree from UD 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’s 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’s 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
“UD 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.”
Juliet Samuel, secondary STEM education
Read the full “Learning Through Connection” 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 approach gives aspiring teachers sustained experience in classrooms throughout the school year while they continue their graduate coursework. The program is designed to provide access to paid residency opportunities with stipends, allowing students to strengthen their teaching skills while working alongside experienced educators.
These experiences also create connections between students and Delaware school districts, helping prepare graduates to enter the classroom after completing the program.
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 Samule, 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 UDaily and the College of Education and Human Development.
Teacher certification requirements
In addition to successfully completing required coursework, students seeking the University’s 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.
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.
