COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in STEM Education is designed to advance the professional knowledge and skills of educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program prepares STEM teachers and leaders to engage and inspire a diverse population of students in K-12 schools and other informal learning environments. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students develop expertise in integrating mathematics, science, technology, and engineering concepts, fostering a broader understanding of STEM education, and deepening discipline-specific pedagogical knowledge. The program emphasizes equitable teaching strategies, research in STEM education, assessment, technology integration, and advanced instructional methods. Students gain experience in student-centered, hands-on learning approaches, collaborative projects, and reflective practice, aligning instruction with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards. The program also supports credentialed teachers and those pursuing single or multiple subject credentials, as well as Career and Technical Education teachers, special education teachers, and informal STEM educators, by preparing them to obtain foundational and subject-specific teaching authorizations in mathematics, science, and computer science. The proposed program builds upon a previous MA in Education: STEM Education offered at CSUSB, which was primarily targeted at practicing teachers and operated on a two-year quarter system. In the transition to semesters, the new program is designed to streamline completion time, expand enrollment, and integrate more closely with credential programs, while maintaining the goal of developing expert STEM educators and leaders. By emphasizing authentic inquiry, real-world problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, productive collaboration, and effective communication, the program aims to prepare students to create learning environments that equip all students with the knowledge and skills to pursue STEM-related careers and become active, informed citizens in an increasingly technological and complex world. The MA in STEM Education combines advanced coursework, applied practice, and culminating experiences to ensure graduates are prepared to lead and innovate in STEM teaching and learning across diverse educational contexts.