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.
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
$62,340
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$64,580
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$62,970
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
$104,070
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$58,573
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 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
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #1 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational Administration and Supervision— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #3 in Online Graduate Programs for Special Education— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #1 in Graduate Programs for Elementary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #1 in Graduate Programs for Secondary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$978.25
$1,222.25
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 on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.