STEM Education and Society MS

Major: STEM Education and Society
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 46.5
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.1213
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-1199, 25-1081, 25-2031, 25-3099, 25-2022

Note: This program will begin accepting new student applications starting fall 2025 for the Fall 2026 admission cycle.

About the Program

The MS in STEM Education and Society at Drexel University equips educators to address societal challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary STEM teaching. This program emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and inclusive teaching practices, preparing students to integrate STEM knowledge with real-world problem-solving. Key areas include environmental justice, diversity in STEM, and the role of technology in education. A capstone project allows students to apply design-based research to address practical issues in education, preparing graduates to lead in formal and informal STEM learning environments.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website. 

Admission Requirements

Each candidate interested in the MS in STEM Education and Society will submit the following application materials:

  • Completed application form
  • Transcripts (must be provided for every institution attended)
  • Personal essay, providing commitment to program’s unique features Professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Admission to the MS in STEM Education and Society program will follow the University standards for admission to graduate study including the receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an earned GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Provisional admission may be granted with a GPA between 2.70 to 2.99.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements
STEM Core
ESTS 510Foundations I: Introduction to STEM Education and Society3.0
ESTS 520Foundations II: Design and Research in STEM Education3.0
ESTS 530Foundations III: Critical Perspectives and Experiences in STEM Education3.0
STEM Education Content
ESTS 551Computing for STEM Educators3.0
ESTS 561The Structure of Matter3.0
ESTS 562Water, STEM and Society 3.0
Applied STEM and Society
ESTS 581Equitable Learning Environments for STEM Education3.0
ESTS 582Community Gardens: Learning in the City 3.0
ESTS 583Emerging Technologies and STEM Instructional Strategies3.0
Concentration
Select one concentration from the options listed below:9.0
Creativity Tools and Techniques for the Classroom and Workplace (CTCW):
Tools and Techniques in Creativity
Creativity in the Workplace
Current Trends in Creativity & Innovation
Instructional Design for eLearning (CIDL):
Instructional Design Methods
Instructional Design: Project Management
Teaching and Learning Issues in E-Learning
Learning Analytics (CLA):
Learning Analytics: Lenses on students, teaching, and curriculum enactment
Information Enabled Change in Educational Organizations
Using Data to Understand Educational Systems
Learning Sciences and Engineering (LEDT):
Learning Experience Design
The Learning Sciences
Learning Engineering
Mind, Brain & Learning (CMBL)
Mind, Brain and Learning
Select two of the following:
Foundations in Creativity
Neurodiversity in Education and Workforce
Neuropedagogy and Assessment
Neuroscience, Creativity and Innovation
Custom-Designed Concentration
A custom-designed concentration will consist of 9.0 credits of professional electives that will be selected in consultation with the Program Director and/or Advisor
Capstone Research Sequence
EDU 780Capstone Research3.0
EDU 781Masters Capstone I3.0
EDU 782Masters Capstone II4.5
Total Credits46.5

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ESTS 5103.0ESTS 5203.0ESTS 5303.0ESTS 5813.0
ESTS 5513.0Concentration Course3.0Concentration Course3.0Concentration Course3.0
 6 6 6 6
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ESTS 5613.0EDU 7803.0EDU 7813.0EDU 7824.5
ESTS 5823.0ESTS 5623.0ESTS 5833.0 
 6 6 6 4.5
Total Credits 46.5

Program Level Outcomes

  • Critically analyze and apply foundational and contemporary theories in STEM education, focusing on research-based instructional strategies and diverse pedagogical methods.
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate STEM knowledge to design solutions to pressing societal challenges such as climate change, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.
  • Apply inclusive, equitable teaching practices that address issues of access, representation, and justice in STEM education for diverse student populations.
  • Use design-based research methods to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative STEM learning experiences, focusing on improving educational practices in K-12 and informal learning environments.
  • Be equipped to take on leadership roles in schools, communities, and policy settings, advocating for STEM education that promotes civic engagement and societal improvement.