K-12 Integrated STEM Education

EDCI 53900: Introduction to K-12 Integrated STEM Education (3 credits)
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 54900: Assessment in STEM Education (3 credits)
Teachers of STEM will recognize the link between productive assessment and productive instruction, using STEM education standards for teacher competence in educational assessment. This course also helps STEM teachers meet professional standards and understand the public pressure as well as instructional need for effective formative and summative assessment.

EDCI 55800: Integrated STEM Education Methods – Secondary (3 credits)
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)
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)
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.

Please see our webpage on Graduate Application Helpful Tips. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Application Steps

1. Create an application account and log in to start your graduate application.
2. Select the following options for the K-12 Integrated STEM Education Graduate Certificate:
   • 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: Integrated STEM
     • Please select a degree objective: K-12 Integrated STEM Education Graduate Certificate
     • Primary Course Delivery: Distance (Online)
3. Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
   • In the Additional Information section, faculty selections are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program.
   • Test Scores
4. Upload the required materials, listed below. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about these requirements.
   • Resume
   • Transcripts for every institution of higher education attended (a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or equivalent is required), including evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree. For degrees still in progress – if admitted, the applicant will be required to submit a final transcript showing evidence of an awarded degree during the second session of enrollment. 
   • Personal History Statement
   • Academic Statement of Purpose
   • International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5. Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections and submit the application. The application must be fully submitted and the application fee paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
6. Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.

Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.