Master of Education
STEM Education

All-in price:
$7,025
View Tuition Details
Application due date for June 14, 2021 term:
June 11
Estimated time to completion:
15 Months
All-in price:
$7,025
View Tuition Details
Application due date for June 14, 2021 term:
June 11
Estimated time to completion:
15 Months

Empower students to think like scientists.

Designed in conjunction with the National Institute for STEM Education, this program provides a holistic and integrated approach to science education. You’ll learn to develop testable questions, establish variables and controls, select data collection methods, and use tools to test hypotheses. Through systematic problem solving and evidence-based strategies, you’ll help K-16 students become leaders in a technical world. See why American College of Education was named among the best in the EdTech Cool Tool Awards, the largest recognition program in education technology.

ed tech award badge
#4

in the nation for most master's degrees awarded in education*.

How you'll get there.

  1. You’ll take a total of eleven courses, seven of which are STEM-focused (most students take one at a time). You’ll explore concepts such as building scientific understanding in students, modern learning and integrated science education, and engaging diversity in the science classroom. You’ll also take two courses in education and teaching and one course in research design. Each course is five weeks long.
  2. As part of your coursework, you’ll complete the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST) with the National Institute of STEM Education (NISE). The NCST transfers into ACE as two courses, SCI5243 and SCI5263, needed for degree completion. To ensure program progression, you must complete the NCST before starting your third term at ACE.** This requirement means you’ll not only graduate from ACE with a master’s degree, but also a certificate to add to your resume.
  3. At the end of the program, you’ll complete a capstone course to demonstrate and document the impact of the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.

What you can expect along the way.

  • Quality instruction ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and we’re the #4 nationwide conferrer of master’s degrees in education.*
  • Flexible class format Our asynchronous online classes enable you to plan your coursework around your life. Each course is 5 weeks long with outlined expectations each week.
  • Relevant coursework Our classes teach practical and immediately applicable skills. What you learn at ACE today can be applied in your classroom tomorrow.
  • Comprehensive approach This program examines the science, math, and engineering teaching applications at the elementary, secondary, and college level.
  • Dual degree pathway available After you complete the M.Ed. in STEM Education, you can earn an M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum in less time.

What it costs

Our tuition and fees have nothing to hide. The total cost you see is your all-in price, without hidden fees, add-ons, and even textbooks. See if you can say the same about other institutions. Go ahead — we’ll wait.

Total Tuition

31 semester credits
x $229 per credit**

$5,875

Fees

$50 Application Fee

$1,000 Technology & Library Fee
($40 per credit)

$100 Program Conferral Fee

$1,150

Total Program Cost1

$7,025

On average, see how ACE compares to other online universities.

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Learn how we cut costs.

Partnerships save you more.

ACE has more than 1,750 education partners that provide a discounted rate and other partner benefits.

Learn about ACE partnerships.

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Meet your department chair.

Cathy McKay, Ed.D.

Cathy McKay, Ed.D.

Administrative Faculty and Chair,
Department of Professional Educational Studies

Read Bio

Keep exploring.

A degree you can count on.

We are, and have always been, accredited by The Higher Learning Commission— a federally-recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that an institution’s academic program meets or exceeds acceptable levels of quality and is the most recognized accreditation status for higher education entities. To receive and maintain HLC accreditation and affiliation approval, we must continuously undergo routine peer review cycles and provide proof that our programs meet or exceed HLC accreditation criteria and expectations of quality.

Dual Degree Programs

After you complete your M.Ed. in STEM Education, you can earn a second M.Ed. degree in less time due to the overlap in required courses. If you’re interested in an M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum, visit our Dual Degree page.

Courses

M.Ed. in STEM Education

Explore the classes you'll take to fulfill this program's 31 semester credit requirement. For more information, a complete list of requirements, and course options, see the College Catalog.

Science Instruction Courses (22 semester credits)

3 semester credits

This course develops the skills necessary for educators to evaluate and improve the STEM learning environment by empowering students to explore, contribute, and collaborate in learning situations conducive to inquiry. In guiding and facilitating the selection, evaluation, and application of technology effectively through cooperative learning, a deeper understanding is established. By building authentic, real-world connections, as a framework is created which establishes relevant social and interpersonal skills.

3 semester credits

This course develops skills in observing, asking questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing and communicating reasonable conclusions as important skills for daily living. Used by a range of careers, the skills in identifying and solving problems contribute to understanding real issues. Project-based learning (PBL) establishes a genuine world context as it engages students in meaningful experiences. These require the ability to state a claim, cite appropriate evidence, and connect the evidence to the claim using reason as a form of scientific argumentation.

3 semester credits

This course provides a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting science education in today's global society. Emphasis is placed on the examination of diverse viewpoints and approaches to integrated science education to examine research-based integrative models and strategies for the improvement of student learning. Participants will examine current STEM education initiatives related to policy, method, and engagement. Critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and writing skills are emphasized. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.

3 semester credits

The course will examine didactic strategies of pedagogy, andragogy, multiple intelligence theory, social learning theory and exchange theory to foster the innovative engagement of diverse learners. Emphasis will be placed on strategies related to the differentiation of instruction.

3 semester credits

This course will examine the integration of digital resources into the integrated science learning environment. Participates will explore digital resources and develop strategies for effectively integrating technology with didactic strategies to address the needs of diverse learners and enhance learning.

3 semester credits

This course examines best practice in developing curriculum to foster student learning in the field of mathematics and science. Emphasis is placed on curriculum theory, curriculum design, development of instructional manipulatives, and the implementation and evaluation of curriculum for didactic improvement.

3 semester credits

Designed to develop the understanding and strategies necessary to promote student mastery of skills needed for successful, lifelong learning in STEM, this course guides the development of critical questions and essential concepts. By breaking down misconceptions, learning how to observe and analyze communication skills, and using assessment to inform instruction, understanding of the societal role of science fosters scientific literacy.

1 semester credit

The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of studies related to the STEM Education program.



*Credit received through completing the Certificate in STEM Teaching at NISE.

Teaching/Learning Core Courses (6 semester credits)

3 semester credits

Embracing the value of assessment and evaluation is the first step in improving learner outcomes through datadriven decision-making. This course develops relevant competencies and promotes a healthy balance of utilizing formative and summative assessments, evaluation practices, and data to inform and guide integrated curriculum development and instructional delivery. Assessments can provide facilitators with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of diverse learners in a variety of school and organizational settings.

3 semester credits

This problem-based course is designed to guide the conditions of applying principles in new contexts. By examining how common components cross disciplines to create interdependency, this course uses abstract representations to enhance and facilitate conceptual transfer. Curriculum is perceived through the understanding of social relationships, cognition, and frameworks for problem solving using real-world issues which allow theories in one field to parallel application in another.

Research Courses (3 semester credits)

3 semester credits

This course enables students to become informed consumers of research and to develop skills to prepare them to carry out action research in their schools and organizations. An emphasis is placed on providing students with knowledge they can apply in determining whether particular research findings are relevant to their leadership and instructional practices and to distinguish between trustworthy and non-trustworthy research. The course places action research within the context of various types of research and examines research in terms of basic concepts and various purposes, methods, data, and paradigms. Emphasis is placed on how research can become a vital and relevant tool for educational and organizational leaders.

Admission Requirements

M.Ed. in STEM Education

ACE General Admission Requirements

  • Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement, and the payment agreement.
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
  • Provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
  • Minimum Grade Point Average 2.75 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission
  • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission*
  • Documentation of at least an initial teaching license (in the state the applicant resides), school service personnel license, or a school services certificate 
  • If applicants do not have a teaching certificate, they may document their teaching status by providing evidence of full-time teaching assignment from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resources official of the school at their current employment

     

*Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program

A Note About Licensure:

While this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended program outcomes, it does not lead to licensure, certification, or endorsement. ACE offers several programs that do provide a pathway to licensure, certification, or endorsement and they can be found here.

Disclaimer:

1Total cost of coursework at ACE is $6,650. Total cost of the program, including the courses taken with NISE, is $7,285.00. Call 800.531.0864 with any questions.

***Verification of completed National Institute for STEM Education (NISE)/Accelerate Learning (ALI) coursework will be required upon completion of the second course taken at ACE.

*This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program credit hours, receipt of scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.

Students will take two courses of this program through the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) and will transfer into ACE for degree completion. Total cost of coursework at ACE is $6,650. Total cost of the program, including the courses taken with NISE, is $7,285.00.

State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment fifty cents ($0.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.

For information on international transcript requirements, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.

For English as a second language applicant information, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.

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