K-12 Integrated STEM Education

EDCI 53900: Introduction to K-12 Integrated STEM Education

3 credits

Offered Spring semesters

This foundational course will provide students with a conceptual understanding of integrated K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the philosophical underpinnings/nature of the disciplines of STEM. Students will explore implications for teaching, learning, and teacher education through an evaluation of integrated approaches to STEM, national teaching standards and current research. This course also introduces integrated STEM pedagogies including project/problem-based (PBL), design-based, and inquiry-based approaches to teaching. Students learn to plan and create integrated STEM instruction for K-12 classrooms.

EDCI 55800: Integrated STEM Education Methods – Secondary

3 credits

Offered Fall semesters

This methods course will focus on operationalizing the theoretical pedagogical approaches to integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Agriculture (STEM) education. Students will collaboratively and cooperatively investigate, plan and deliver integrated learning experiences appropriate for secondary education. Course content will blend philosophical considerations with practical application. Undergraduate and graduate students in these areas are encouraged. Currently practicing teachers interested in integrated pedagogies are encouraged to participate and should contact the instructor.

_{Requisite: Must be taken after or concurrently with EDCI 53900 and a disciplinary methods course, or with instructor approval.}

EDCI 55850: Introduction to Teaching Engineering and Technology Design in the Context of Integrated STEM

3 credits

Offered Fall semesters, odd-numbered years

In this course, students are introduced to engineering and technology design and examination of where and how best fits in the K-12 curriculum. Students learn how to use engineering and technology tools to design, develop, prototype, deliver and assess authentic integrated STEM artifacts and lessons utilizing engineering and technology design principles.

EDCI 55950: Engineering Design Practicum

3 credits

Offered Fall semesters in odd numbered years

This practicum is an EDCI version of EPICS–a course in which graduate students will participate in the traditional EPICS course with an additional research component. EPICS is a service-learning design course in which teams of students from across campus work together on long-term projects that benefit the community. The students will engage in a small-scale research project with their project team. The students will study one aspect of design such as teamwork, problem identification, client communication, ideation, decision making, or a variety of other topics. The student will have 2 roles on their project team. They will be a researcher of their team and they also will have a role as a team member on the project. This will allow the student to learn about engineering design as well as understand one aspect of design from a research perspective.

_{Requisite: Must be taken concurrently with or after EDCI 55850 Introduction to Teaching Engineering and Technology Design in the Context of Integrated STEM.}

Choose one

3 credits

ASEC 54500/EDCI 54501: Teaching STEM Through Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Offered Spring semesters

This course focuses on the background and history of STEM movement and agricultural education, contemporary models, strategies, and justification for incorporation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and practices into K-12 formal and informal agricultural education programs. The goal of the course is to help students develop knowledge about STEM integration and equip them with teaching knowledge and skills for designing K-12 lesson plans by using agriculture, food, and natural resources as context. Students will learn strategies that promote engagement in STEM activities in agricultural education.

EDCI 69500: Internship in Integrated STEM Teaching

Fall and Spring semesters; Students may inquire with program faculty regarding course availability

A special course in K-12 integrated STEM, designed to provide practical field experience under professional supervision in selected situations related to the candidate’s area of specialization.

Applications are considered complete and ready for admission consideration if the application is submitted (including all required materials) and the application fee is paid by 11:59PM EST on the day of the application deadline.

We encourage prospective students to submit an application and pay the application fee a minimum of 7 business days in advance of the deadline, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Our office will begin processing applications only after the application fee is paid. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline may be considered, upon completion, for admission to a future term.

Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the admission requirements and required materials listed below.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, from the most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
• A completed bachelor’s degree is required for admission to this program.
• International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars

Please submit the following required materials with your graduate application:

• Current, unofficial Purdue University transcript
• If applying from a department other than Curriculum and Instruction, a Form 18 (Concurrent Graduate Program Request) must be submitted. Applicants may fill out the top portion of the form, sign, and upload with their graduate application (or email to edgrad@purdue.edu).  

When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:

• Campus and Program Tab:
  • Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
  • Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
• First Choice Program Details Tab:
  • Please select an Area of Interest: Graduate Certificate
  • Please select a Degree Objective: K-12 Integrated STEM Education Graduate Certificate
  • Primary Course Delivery: Residential