| Major Code: 8920 |
Degree Awarded: Specialist in Education |
| Delivery Mode(s): Classroom |
Admission Status: Graduate |
Admission Materials: letters of recommendation,
résumé, objectives, transcripts |
Location(s): Main Campus - Melbourne |
The primary purpose of the Educational Specialist in STEM Education is to develop competencies in a selected area of STEM education (science education, mathematics education, educational technology). lt includes graduate coursework in content and educational theory and practice relevant to a specialization, and resembles a Master’s + 30 program model for teachers in many states.
This program can be taken on either a full- or part-time basis. Graduate courses in education are offered in the evening to allow teachers and other working professionals to complete these degree requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should hold a master’s degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) or in an area of K-16 STEM education, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants are required to submit the materials listed above, including a statement of objectives that describes their background and reasons for graduate study in STEM education and in the area in which they wish to specialize.
General admission requirements and the application process are presented under General Academic Information (all students) and Graduate Academic Information .
Degree Requirements
The Educational Specialist in STEM Education is conferred on students who successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, including core courses, content area courses, and courses in a specialization. Although research methodologies are included in the curriculum, no thesis is required. Up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate transfer credit may be applied.
lt is the responsibility of the student to follow all master’s degree program policies governed by the graduate programs office. Candidates for the degree must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better throughout the 30 credit-hour program.
A three-member committee approved by the program chair, department head and graduate programs office administers a final program examination in the last semester of enrollment. lt is also the responsibility of the student to organize this committee and schedule the examination in consultation with their academic advisor.
Curriculum
Each student must establish an appropriate program of study with the guidance of their academic advisor, subject to final approval by the program chair and department head.
