STEM in Education Advanced Certificate
Are you curious about STEM? Or what it means to teach at the intersection of multiple, related disciplines? Whether you are a K–12 classroom teacher, educational administrator, curriculum specialist, or learning designer, this flexible certificate program expands your expertise in individual STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while providing practical strategies and methods for integrating them effectively in diverse educational contexts. You will be introduced to current questions and issues in the STEM movement, preparing you to help shape the future of STEM teaching and learning. This NYSED-approved 12-credit Advanced Certificate program* is designed for students and working professionals and can be completed in as little as one year. The program is conducted on 911爆料网’s campus in New York City, putting you at the center of a collaborative network of pioneering STEM educators, researchers, and ed-tech leaders. It can be completed as an add-on to an existing degree program at the College or as a standalone certificate.
* Note: A certificate program is a self-contained course of study that provides a supplemental professional credential. The program is not designed to fulfill requirements for initial state teaching certification or licensure.
Mission and Objectives
Our mission is to empower K-12 educators, curriculum designers, and STEM professionals to successfully implement meaningful STEM teaching and learning across diverse disciplines and career contexts.
The objectives of the STEM in Education Advanced Certificate program are to:
- Bring together students and faculty with differing expertise to identify meaningful collaborations and integrations across the STEM disciplines
- Offer enriching STEM learning experiences both within and across disciplines
- Provide practical STEM education competencies that empower educators to lead integrated STEM instruction in real-world learning environments
STEM in Education Advanced Certificate Outcomes
Upon completing the STEM in Education Advanced Certificate, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep, practical understanding of STEM disciplines both as distinct subjects and as an interconnected system
- Develop practical models, activities, and strategies for teaching STEM in integrated ways
- Cultivate awareness and critically analyze the historical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of STEM in education
Faculty & Curriculum
The Advanced Certificate in STEM in Education was collaboratively developed and designed by faculty from three programs: the Programs in Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Technology, Media and Learning, all of which reside in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. As home to some of the nation’s first and largest graduate programs in mathematics and science education, and some of the nation’s most innovative and cutting edge programs in educational technology and media, the MST Department connects students with world-class faculty, active researchers, and dedicated educators. Our faculty serve as accessible mentors, leading and supporting hands-on projects across specialized labs, research centers, and institutes, while connecting students to an expansive alumni network.
For the certificate program, all students will enroll in one required course (MST 4090: STEM in Education) and then choose an elective course across each of the three programs that aligns with their personal interests and professional aspirations. The possibilities include several cross-disciplinary thematic pathways:
- Elementary STEM: A focus on exploring STEM in elementary school contexts.
- Media Arts & Pop Culture: A focus on the intersection of STEM and STEM education with culture and the arts (e.g., STEAM).
- Technology and AI: A focus on examining the role of technology, including generative AI, as it relates to STEM and STEM education.
- Disciplinary Exploration: A focus on deeper exploration of each of the individual STEM disciplines, including what makes them distinct and unique.
- Curriculum Design & Development: A focus on interrogating the design and development of curricular materials for STEM and STEM education.
Although not a pre-requisite for entry into the certificate program, some of these elective courses may have additional content-specific prerequisites. In addition, students who are enrolled in degree-granting programs at Teachers College may be eligible to apply credits from the Advanced Certificate towards their degree program requirements, and vice versa.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Advanced Certificate
- Points/Credits: 12
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | July 1, 2027 | July 1, 2027 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| , including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| At least 9 undergraduate credits of coursework with a grade of B or better in any of the STEM disciplines is required (although it is not required for entry, for some courses and thematic electives, a mathematics background that includes undergraduate Calculus is required) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact MSTadmission@tc.columbia.edu.