For Program Information/ Academic Advising:

Why a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades STEM Education?

• Declared a critical needs area throughout Maryland
• UMBC is the only higher education institution in Maryland that offers a Middle Grades STEM
• Uniquely developed in collaboration with UMBC’s STEM powerhouse – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics department & the College of Engineering and Information Technology
• Highly marketable degree that will prepare you for employment immediately after graduation

The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) offers the Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades STEM in response to the critical shortage declared by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) of middle grades (4-9) teachers in mathematics in science and the call by the University System of Maryland (USM) 10-year strategic plan (“Powering Maryland Forward”) to “triple the number of STEM teachers graduating from USM institutions.” With only 41% of teachers in Maryland being prepared in-state, the proposed degree is timely and uniquely prepares graduates for employment in this critical occupational growth area. No other institution of higher education in Maryland offers a Middle Grades STEM degree.

UMBC Middle Grades STEM degree was developed in collaboration with UMBC’s Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics departments along with its College of Engineering and Information Technology to ensure that the program includes an in-depth understanding of all STEM content areas. The education coursework is patterned after existing UMBC teacher certification programs but tailored to focus on characteristics of teaching specific to middle grades and STEM so that graduates can engage their students in meaningful inquiry-driven instruction as required by new education standards (e.g., Maryland College and Career Readiness Mathematical Standards, Next Generation Science Standards). The new degree will further UMBC’s mission to prepare its talented undergraduate students for entry into the workforce, community service, and leadership.

What Are the Required Courses for the Degree?

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 124

Education Major Requirements (41 credits)

EDUC 310 – Inquiry into Education (3)

EDUC 311 – Psychological Foundations of Education (3)

EDUC 388 – Inclusion and Instruction (3)

EDUC 410 – Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas: Part I (3)

EDUC 411 – Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas: Part II (3)

EDUC412M Introduction to Middle Level Teaching and Learning (3)

EDUC466 School, Family, and Community Partnerships for Middle Grades STEM Success (3)

EDUC435 Integrated STEM Content and Pedagogy (3)

EDUC431 Methods for Teaching STEM in The Middle Grades (3)

EDUC454 Phase I Seminar (2)

EDUC456 Phase II Internship (10)

EDUC457 Phase II Seminar (2)

STEM Content Courses (61 credits)

MATH 131 – Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers I (4)

MATH 132 -Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers II (4)

MATH 150 – PreCalculus Mathematics (4)

MATH 155 – Applied Calculus (4) OR MATH 151 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4)

STAT 350 – Statistics with Applications in the Biological Sciences (4) OR STAT 355 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers (4)

BIOL 141 – Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy, and Organisms (4)

BIOL 142 -Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution (4)

BIOL 300L – Experimental Biology Laboratory (2)

BIOL 302 – Molecular and General Genetics (4)

GES 110 – Physical Geography (3)

CMSC 104 – Problem Solving and Computer Programming (3) OR CMSC 201 – Computer Science I for Majors (3)

CHEM 101 – Principles of Chemistry I (4)

CHEM 102 – Principles of Chemistry II (4)

CHEM 102L-Introductory Chemistry Lab I (2)

PHYS 111 Basic Physics I (4)

PHYS 112 Basic Physics II (4)

ENES 101-Introduction to Engineering (3)

Additional General Education Program Requirements (22 credits)

Composition (Recommended: ENGL100 Composition) (3)

Foreign Language 201 (4)

Social Science (Recommended: GES 326 American Conservation Thought) (4)

Arts & Humanities (Recommended: PHIL251 Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering) (3)

Arts & Humanities (Recommended: THTR242 – Presentation Skills for Non-Actors) (3)

Culture (Recommended: GES 102 Human Geography) (3)

As part of an honors university experience, students will be introduced to the richness and diversity of the various academic disciplines through general education requirements. Specifically, they will be required to take a single language through the 201- level or equivalent proficiency; three social science courses; three arts and humanities courses; and one cultural studies course in addition to their coursework in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, and education.

Students will be required to take 123 credits to complete the program.  The sequence of courses is based on an integration of theory and practice, and includes field experiences as well as an internship in a professional development middle school that will extend for two consecutive semesters at the end of the program. The four-year plan of study will include courses aligned with accreditation standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), AMLE, and MSDE.  Successful completion of all course work including the two-semester internship will be required for Maryland teaching certification.

 

All Photos on this page are by UMBC professional photographer Marylana Demond

 

Privacy Policy