Program Overview
The program curriculum is to enhance teachers’ knowledge and practice in STEM education through student-centered, integrated teaching approaches, culturally relevant pedagogy, hands-on experiences, collaborations and reflections, with a focus on Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards. Through an advanced course of study, this program provides candidates with specialized experiences that will enhance their knowledge, skills and dispositions that prepare them to become expert STEM educators and leaders who will advance STEM education, either in discipline-specific or integrated settings, in K-12 schools and other informal contexts.
Program Features
Units: 30 Units, can include up to 12 credit units from multiple or single subject credential program obtained from CSUSB, or transfer up to 9 units from another credential or master’s program.
Length: This program can be completed in as short as 2 semesters (3 courses per semester, with transferred 12 credit units) and also can be tailored to fit individual plans.
Delivery Mode: Hybrid
Location: CSU San Bernardino Campus for face-to-face classes. (Students from the desert area can join through Zoom).
Program Learning Outcomes
- Plan and implement discipline-specific and integrated STEM lessons that are aligned with educational standards; use research-based teaching strategies; foster science, engineering, and mathematical practices as well as conceptual change strategies; and include appropriate assessments of student learning.
- Demonstrate a solid foundation of the subject matter, including the core concepts and practices in mathematics, science and engineering in K-12 classroom, the nature of the STEM disciplines, and the differences and interconnectedness among the STEM disciplines.
- Evaluate and use educational technologies and resources to enhance STEM teaching and learning.
- Employ a variety of strategies to ensure educational equity among diverse student populations, including students from diverse ethnic groups, English Language Learners, students with special needs, gifted students, etc., such as culturally relevant pedagogy, differentiation and adaptations.
- Articulate the rationale for selected pedagogical decisions based on knowledge of students and the context, curriculum standards, and educational research/theories.
- Develop appropriate assessment plans and utilize assessment data to guide instruction.
- Analyze scientifically based research and make connections to teaching and learning for the classroom; evaluate research design and methodology of published research; conduct classroom-based research to improve teaching.
- Demonstrate the qualities of a reflective practitioner who collaborates with other STEM teachers, participates in a professional community and assumes leadership to promote STEM teaching and learning.
Student Learning Objectives
- Plan discipline-specific and integrated STEM lesson plans that are age-appropriate, engaging, rigorous, aligned with standards and research-based teaching strategies, technology-rich, as well as have appropriate adaptations and considerations for diverse student populations.
- Explain the pedagogical decisions made in their lesson plans based on knowledge of students and the context, curriculum standards, and educational research/theories.
- Synthesize knowledge and issues around current STEM topics, such as climate change and genetically modified organisms, with reflections on how the research reflects the nature of the disciplines, including how STEM disciplines interact with society.
- Identify and analyze students’ common misconceptions in STEM disciplines and use such information to develop lesson plans that facilitate conceptual change.
- Evaluate curriculum to promote standard-based STEM education, focus on students’ inquiry and critical thinking, attend to diversity and equity issues, and use appropriate assessment
- Determine or create appropriate assessment instruments to collect and analyze student data, and evaluate the quality of the assessment instrument
- Conduct classroom based (action) research that requires the teacher to have a specific question, implement a teaching strategy, collect evidence of students' learning, analyze data, reflect on the results, and make plans for improvement.
- Collaborate with other educators to explore opportunities for STEM teachers’ professional development based on literature, available resources, and empirical evidence.
Program Plan, Admission Requirements, Courses, and Graduation Requirements
- See CSUSB Bulletin MA STEM Program for Admission Requirements, Courses, and Graduation Requirements
- Fall Program Plan
Financial Support
Other scholarships are also available through the CSUSB Financial Aid Office.
Tuition Information
Tuition information is available online.
Application Deadline
Fall 2026 Admission: Application Deadline is July 15, 2026
Spring 2027 Admission: Application Deadline is December 15, 2026
Tips for Applications (Program Admission Requirements)
Teaching Credential (Relevant teaching experience):
A valid California Teaching or related teaching experience.
Relevant K-12 teaching experiences including but not limited to: public or private school teaching, substituting teaching, and teaching in informal settings. (If you are in or have finished a credential program, you are qualified for the teaching experience. You can upload a copy of your credential, or a statement for your teaching experience).
For Recommendations:
On CSU Apply there are two (2) reference contacts. Please put in people who are familiar with your work history or educational background. Common references are your college professor, supervisor and administrators at your work that can speak to your ability and potential to succeed a master’s program.
Advising Form:
Students need to attend an information meeting with the program coordinator and/or the admission advisor before submitting their application. If you are unable to attend an information session, please watch the recording (recording to be available soon). An Advising Form needs to be submitted to "Other Documents" through CSU Apply.