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Master of Science in STEM Education

Broaden and enrich your instructional toolkit as you learn to develop engaging, applied lessons in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

School of Education | On-Campus

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What You'll Learn

Empower learners. Lead in STEM. Strengthen your content expertise and prepare yourself to help students succeed with Drake University’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) in STEM program.

The research-based approaches you’ll learn at Drake produce measurably better math and science teaching, giving you new tools to ignite interest around STEM topics in effective, innovative, and integrated ways.

Because STEM instruction knows no bounds, Drake designed the program for all types of educators: K-12, higher education, outreach programming, and informal learning.

For current K-12 educators, the program helps you upgrade your license with one of Iowa’s STEM endorsements. Supplementing a compact core with a robust set of electives, the uniquely customizable curriculum can be tailored to your personal learning goals: add additional endorsements in strategic areas, expand your skills to reach more students, and access new career opportunities.

About the MSE in STEM Education Program

  • Relevant learning. We partner with local school districts to ensure the curriculum is aligned with the needs of today’s classrooms.
  • Upgrade your skills while you work, with accommodating course schedules and delivery methods designed for busy professional educators.
  • Take advantage of an easy, streamlined application process for teachers in partnering districts.
  • Convert your standard teaching license into a Master Educator teaching license upon graduation, leading to more opportunities and better pay.
  • Graduates of the STEM Education master's degree have won local, state, and national awards, published in peer-reviewed journals, and led their districts to be models in effective STEM education.

Program Facts

  • On campus
  • Complete full-time or part-time
  • Accommodating program for working educators
  • Complete in one-four years
  • 32 total credits

Admission Requirements

Program Options

Build a program that takes you where you want to go. A combination of core courses and electives puts you in the driver’s seat.

Master of Science in STEM Education

Discover the latest STEM teaching strategies, pedagogical principles, and learn how to lead school-wide improvements in instructional methods. Thirty-two credit hours include a 14-hour core and 18 hours of electives to customize your learning.

STEM Endorsements

Drake offers three STEM endorsements: K-8 STEM, 5-8 STEM, and K-12 STEM Specialist, and students can use electives to add related endorsements in areas like Science, Computer Science, and Mathematics.

Meet the Faculty

Drake’s education faculty combine the latest data-driven insights and practical classroom experience to help you develop lessons that spark student curiosity.

Jerrid Kruse, Ph.D.

Jerrid Kruse, Ph.D.

Professor, Education

Tonia Land, Ph.D.

Tonia Land, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Teaching and Learning ; Professor, Mathematics and Technology Education

All Faculty Members

Outside the Classroom

Drake’s MSE in STEM Education provides maximum scope for you to tailor your training to your needs and interests. Whether by pursuing research or adding in-demand endorsements, you’ll get equipped for the next-level as an educator.

A student researching on the computer

Research and Publication Opportunities

Faculty actively pursue education research. You’ll find opportunities to join them, making a vital contribution to projects with real-world impact and publishing your results in peer-reviewed journals. Students have previously completed projects sponsored by NASA, the National Science Foundation, the William G. Stowe Foundation, and the Slay Fund.

A student uses their smart phone as an augmented reality device

Flexible Learning Experiences

From schedules designed for working teachers to a variety of topics in STEM education, Drake’s MSE lets you grow on your schedule.

A professor working with students in an soe classroom

Add an Endorsement

Half of the program’s credit hours are dedicated to electives, letting you craft a curriculum that expands your options. Add endorsements in ELL, reading, middle school, and other strategic areas.

Experiential Learning

Careers & Skills

Upon program completion, you’ll understand how to translate evidence-based STEM teaching strategies into learning experiences that foster content mastery among diverse learners. You can pair STEM with art or literacy, emphasizing real-world problem-solving, or guiding learners toward independent or collaborative study.

You’ll also align your instructional strategies with school improvement, ready to help other teachers introduce STEM topics through an applied lens.

Opportunities in STEM Instruction

  • Department head
  • Math teacher
  • Science teacher
  • Computer science teacher
  • Engineering teacher
  • STEM education consultant
  • STEM program director
  • Technology integration specialist

Skills

  • Mentoring
  • Curriculum design and development
  • Instructional material development
  • STEM content knowledge
  • STEM education methods and strategies
  • Technology integration
Students teaching young community members about drones

Salary & Growth Outlook

$

The average salary for high school teachers as of 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Related Programs

Explore additional pathways to expand your instructional expertise in areas central to student success.

Master's in Literacy Education, MSE

Literacy is embedded throughout students’ education. Get equipped with research-based and theory-informed tools to advance literacy instruction in the classroom and beyond.

Master's in Special Education, MSE

Work with and impact learners with diverse needs through a flexible master’s in special education program designed for working teachers.

Master's in Teaching (K-6), MST

Prepare to teach at the elementary level (K–6) with Drake’s MST degree, gaining rigorous training and meeting state licensure requirements to effectively shape the next generation.

Take the Next Step

Reach a new level of teaching effectiveness. Learn the latest evidence based approaches to STEM instruction in Drake’s adaptable master’s program.

Contact

Jerrid Kruse, PhD
Collier Baker Distinguished Professor
jerrid.kruse@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE (37253) x3912

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