T H E G R A D U A T E S C H O O L

Programs Educators

for

Professional Master of Arts in STEM Education

• Master of Arts in Elementary Math, Science, and Technology Education (K-9)• Master of Arts in Environmental Science Education (5-12)

What is STEM Education?STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A STEM educator is a leader in supporting and guiding students with diverse interests, abilities, and experiences make sense of scientific ideas.

The Professional Master’s DegreeThe Professional Master’s Degree is a program for practicing professionals who want to become leaders in their field. It is a stand-alone degree, not intended as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. The STEM Education program offers two professional Master of Arts degrees: • Elementary STEM (K-9) • Environmental Science Education (5-12) Courses and other experiences respond to the individual needs of participants. Each curriculum is aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards in mathematics and science, and with the requirements of the endorsement in Teacher Leadership.

Students receive the privileges of a full-time student while they are enrolled in the program. This includes full access to Bradley’s library, electronic information resources, and internet privileges, as well as the Markin Family Recreation Center, and free or reduced prices for tickets to campus events.

Admission RequirementsApplicants must meet all entrance requirements of the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must present the following: • certification as a teacher in the State of Illinois • a letter of application • a letter of recommendation from school principal • a commitment to complete the program

CostBradley University offers this program at 50% of normal tuition for qualified educators. To be eligible for the professional educator discount, applicants must meet the following requirements: • full-time school district employee • GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework • commitment to complete the program

Contact InformationGraduate Program Coordinator

Dr. Kelly McConnaughay(309) 677-2383

kdm@bradley.eduGraduate AdvisorDr. Robert Wolffe(309) 677-2520

rjwolffe@bradley.eduDean of the Graduate School

Dr. Robert Bolla(309) 677–2375

rbolla@bradley.edu

The Professional Master of Arts in Elementary STEM EducationThis program is geared for elementary and middle grade teachers (grades K-9). Students are expected to successfully complete a STEM Education Project (MST 685). This capstone project integrates research, leadership skills, and inquiry-based teaching and learning as part of a comprehensive assessment. Students will earn a 33 credit-hour master’s degree upon completion.

Sample Course of Study Credit hoursMST 600,601, or 609 Science Through Inquiry 3MST 610 Math Through Inquiry 3MST 611 Directed Research in Science & Math Internship 1MST 612 Introduction to Teacher Leadership 1MST 620, 621, or 629 Science Through Inquiry II 3MST 650 Inquiry-based Curriculum: Development and Analysis 3MST 660 Research in Math and Science 2MST 670 Action Research: Methods and Practice 3MST 680 Nature of Inquiry and Innovation 3MST 681 Advanced Teacher Leadership 2MST 685 STEM Education Project 32 Electives (chosen from approved list, see below for samples) 6Total hours required 33

Program Duration and DeliveryThe program spans 30 months. The majority of the program is delivered during the summers with up to three hours of coursework each fall and spring semester in classes meeting in late afternoons or early evenings.

The Professional Master of Arts in Environmental Science EducationThis program has been developed in partnership with educational experts at NASA and at the International Society for Technology in Education. It is geared for middle and secondary school (grades 5-12) math or science teachers with a focus on environemntal science. Students will earn a 35 credit-hour master’s degree upon completion. Sample Course of Study Credit hours MST 615 Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science 3MST 616 The Mathematics of Environmental Science 3MST 621 Science through Inquiry II 3MST 612 Introduction to Teacher Leadership 1MST 650 Inquiry Based Curriculum Development and Analysis 3MST 661 Directed Research in Environmental Science 1MST 662 Research in Environmental Science 2MST 665 Environmental Systems A 2MST 666 Environmental Systems B 2MST 670 Action Research: Methods and Practice 1MST 680 Nature of Inquiry and Innovation 3MST 681 Advanced Teacher Leadership 2MST 685 STEM Education Project OR MST 686 Environmental Sciences Research Project 33 Electives (chosen from approved list, see below for samples) 6Total 35

Sample Program ElectivesMST 6301 Teaching Science Using Robotic Platforms MST 6311 The Science of Foods and NutritionMST 6321 The Science of MatterMST 6331 Pharmacology and the Human BrainMST 6341 Crime Scene Science MST 6351,2 The Science of Global Climate Change MST 6361 The Science of Computer Games MST 6371,2 Scientific Myths and Misconceptions MST 6402 Water: The Human Perspective MST 6412 Nanotechnology in the 21st century1 Elementary Education2 Environmental Science Education

Program Duration and DeliveryThe program spans 30 months with the majority delivered during summers when residential, immersive programming is held on BU’s campus. Coursework will also take place each fall and spring semester and requires several weekends per semester of residential, immersive on-campus programming. The remainder of course delivery utilizes distance education approaches.

“Being a member of the cohort has been a rejuvenating experience. My passion for learning more about environmental science has multiplied. There are so many interesting branches in science, and this program has incorporated many of them into a truly unique experience. Whether you are passionate about recycling, concerned about global warming, or just want to understand some of the science behind the stories you hear in the news, there is something for everyone! As school districts across the state begin to create cross-curricular courses, it is a great time to be one step ahead of the game and earn a master’s degree in a science that affects all of us and has ties to all other branches of science.”

~ Adele Wheeler (ENS)

“I have not only increased my content and pedagogical knowledge, but my confidence level and professional credibility as well. This master’s program has been a great challenge and one that I feel sets me apart from others in the teaching field. The combined elements of STEM along with the focus on teacher leadership and action research have set a firm foundation for both career and personal growth. If you are looking for a master’s program that will set you apart from others, this is it. The expectations are high, and dedication is not optional, but the rewards are well worth it!”

~ Leslie Maulding (EL ED)