Elementary STEM Education
Graduate Certificate
Online
Course Delivery
9
Total Credits
$893
Total Credits
1 year
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
Designed for current K-12 teachers, the Elementary STEM Education Graduate Certificate will help individuals understand inquiry-oriented practices across science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. In particular, the certificate helps build expertise in student learning, engagement and instructional practices in STEM.
Program Highlights
Tied for #1 in Curriculum & Instruction in U.S. News Ranking for 2020
Program Outcomes
The graduate certificate in Elementary STEM Education has course focuses on areas across science, technology, elementary and mathematics education and students can build their study around courses that pertain to their interests and career goals.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the certificate will understand how to apply, teach and adapt to using STEM-focused concepts in the elementary classroom.Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Elementary STEM Education can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Elementary STEM Education Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$63,680
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$65,220
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$64,290
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$53,934
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
$103,460
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 1st Best in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 4th Best Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 5th Best Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 7th Best in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 10th Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 24th Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
Dr. Curtis Lewis
Assistant Professor and MATC Program Coordinator
Curtis Lewis is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. He specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.
Furthermore, he specializes in K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, dismantling school structures and practices that devalue student voices and obstruct schools’ ability to engage in liberatory educational practices.
He is a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award for his work around the State of Michigan and beyond.
Course Information
Elective
CEP 805 - Learning Mathematics with Technology (3 Credits)CEP 810 - Teaching for Understanding Technology (3 Credits)
CEP 811 - Adapting Innovating Technologies to Eduction (3 Credits)
CEP 812 - Applying Educational Technologies to Issues of Practices (3 Credits)
TE 809 - Inquiry-Oriented Instructional Strategies for the Elementary Classroom (3 Credits)
TE 831 - Teaching School Subject Matter with Technology (3 Credits)
TE 855 - Teaching School Mathematics (3 Credits)
TE 857 - Teaching and Learning Mathematical Problem Solving (E Credit)
TE 860 - Practice and Inquiry in Science Education (3 Credits)
TE 861A - Teaching Science for Understanding (3 Credits)
TE 861B - Inquiry, Nature of Science, and Science Teaching (3 Credits)
TE 861C - Action Research in K-12 in Science Mathematics Classrooms (3 Credits)
TE 891 - Special Topics in Teaching, Curriculum, and Schooling (1-4 Credit)
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
The certificate is only open to individuals are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the MSU College of Education.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$893
$1,137
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
Designed for current K-12 teachers, the Elementary STEM Education Graduate Certificate will help individuals understand inquiry-oriented practices across science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. In particular, the certificate helps build expertise in student learning, engagement and instructional practices in STEM.
Program Highlights
Tied for #1 in Curriculum & Instruction in U.S. News Ranking for 2020
Program Outcomes
The graduate certificate in Elementary STEM Education has course focuses on areas across science, technology, elementary and mathematics education and students can build their study around courses that pertain to their interests and career goals.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the certificate will understand how to apply, teach and adapt to using STEM-focused concepts in the elementary classroom.Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Elementary STEM Education can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Elementary STEM Education Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$63,680
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$65,220
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$64,290
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$53,934
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
$103,460
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 1st Best in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 4th Best Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 5th Best Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 7th Best in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 10th Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- 24th Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
Dr. Curtis Lewis
Assistant Professor and MATC Program Coordinator
Curtis Lewis is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. He specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.
Furthermore, he specializes in K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, dismantling school structures and practices that devalue student voices and obstruct schools’ ability to engage in liberatory educational practices.
He is a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award for his work around the State of Michigan and beyond.
Course Information
Elective
CEP 805 - Learning Mathematics with Technology (3 Credits)CEP 810 - Teaching for Understanding Technology (3 Credits)
CEP 811 - Adapting Innovating Technologies to Eduction (3 Credits)
CEP 812 - Applying Educational Technologies to Issues of Practices (3 Credits)
TE 809 - Inquiry-Oriented Instructional Strategies for the Elementary Classroom (3 Credits)
TE 831 - Teaching School Subject Matter with Technology (3 Credits)
TE 855 - Teaching School Mathematics (3 Credits)
TE 857 - Teaching and Learning Mathematical Problem Solving (E Credit)
TE 860 - Practice and Inquiry in Science Education (3 Credits)
TE 861A - Teaching Science for Understanding (3 Credits)
TE 861B - Inquiry, Nature of Science, and Science Teaching (3 Credits)
TE 861C - Action Research in K-12 in Science Mathematics Classrooms (3 Credits)
TE 891 - Special Topics in Teaching, Curriculum, and Schooling (1-4 Credit)
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
The certificate is only open to individuals are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the MSU College of Education.
Key Dates
Rolling Applications Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$893
$1,137
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
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MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.