Certificate in STEM Education

We prepare students to be able to communicate their expertise of STEM concepts and to work collaboratively and effectively with others.

The undergraduate certificate in STEM education provides STEM majors with skills to effectively communicate STEM related concepts and an awareness of discipline-specific approaches to teaching and learning. Our students become part of a supportive CU Teach community in the School of Education, where they are able to teach STEM concepts in local elementary and secondary schools and work with youth in programs across campus and in the community. 

  • Gain hands-on experience in local schools
  • Understand the complexities of educational equity 
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a certificate

Be part of a collaborative venture among the School of Education, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Arts and Sciences with a focus on preparing students to solve interesting and relevant mathematical, scientific and engineering challenges

Join a community that is nationally recognized for innovating education through our shared commitments to democracy, diversity, equity and justice

Top 25 university worldwide in education, among 500 international schools of education

(ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking)

Be successful.

This certificate allows you enter the workforce and succeed in your career with an understanding of STEM, communication and collaboration.

 

Be prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century by gaining hands-on experience merging your knowledge of STEM with the skill of technological literacy and communication

 

Whether interested in becoming a doctor, teacher or engineer, our STEM education students are able to work in a variety of collaborative environments while embracing diverse perspectives, creating safe and affirming spaces, and valuing social justice and equitable learning

 

100% of our recent graduates surveyed were employed within 6 months

(2016 Graduate Destination Survey)

Academic Plan & Requirements

The undergraduate certificate STEM education is open to degree-seeking undergraduate students majoring in math, science or engineering (through Engineering Plus). To earn the certificate, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Core courses include:

  • Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching STEM
  • Becoming a Learning Assistant
  • Step 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design
  • Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science

In addition to the required coursework, students must complete a total of 15 hours in various STEM education and outreach institutions that partner with CU Teach. Students may propose their own partnership/collaboration for approval by a CU Teach Master Teacher or chose from our list of possible collaborators: 

  • Boulder Valley School District
  • St. Vrain Valley School District
  • CU Science Discovery
  • CU Fiske Planetarium
  • WOW! Children’s Museum
  • Destination Imagination
  • Butterfly Pavilion
  • Science fair judging

Additional program options for STEM students include:

  • Teacher licensure: Many of the courses included in the STEM education certificate may be applied to the curriculum for obtaining licensure in secondary math or science. Students who decide to pursue a STEM secondary teaching license will be able to do so in a timely manner (approximately two additional semesters plus student teaching).
  • CU Teach: This program helps math and science teachers gain tools and resources from the School of Education; College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The School of Education has many alumni across the nation helping to advance democracy, diversity, equity and justice within communities and educational settings.

Anisah Spahn

BA elementary education
Anisah Spahn worked as a learning assistant in the School of Education and as an undergraduate student ambassador. After graduation, she became a teacher resident at Denver Green School and is working toward a graduate degree in communication sciences and disorders.  

Meredith Nass

BAM in ethnic studies and education
A native of Durango, Meredith Nass has used her degree to help address critical questions about world injustices and how educators and community leaders can become transformative educators and policymakers. Nass works for the School of Education as the student coordinator and is a community organizer through the Coalition to Expand Voting Rights in Boulder. 

Garrett Cease

MA in curriculum and instruction plus teacher licensure in English education
Garrett Cease graduated from CU Boulder with a double major in English and philosophy, and then returned to complete a School of Education master’s degree in curriculum and instruction while gaining teacher licensure in English education. As both a sixth grade teacher and an enthusiast for meditation, yoga, rock climbing and skiing, Cease practices his wellness techniques in the classroom to help guide his teaching and students. 

Andrés Martínez

MA in educational equity and cultural diversity
After spending 23 years as a social studies teacher at Thornton High School, Andrés Martínez decided to continue his professional career with a master’s degree. While earning his MA, Martínez was integral at advancing the Seal of Biliteracy initiative for his school district, Adams 12. He also proposed teaching ethnic studies at his school, with hopes of that becoming an official part of the school’s curriculum.