Undergraduate Minor

Illustration of Welcome to STEM Education

Preparing STEM majors to advance the understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

STEM Education comprises a partnership in the University of Arkansas between its Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education and Health Professions.

How Does a Minor in STEM Education Enhance My Plans?

Enhance your degree by pursuing STEM Ed options:

  • Earn a minor in STEM Ed — 15 credit hours
  • Earn a minor and an Arkansas teaching license in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics for grades 7-12 or Computer Science licensure in grades 4-12. One degree — multiple career options — 33 credit hours

Catalog: STEM Education minor

The 15 credit-hour Minor in STEM Education is designed for STEM majors (or others) who want to:

  • Strengthen communication skills
  • Understand how people learn STEM
  • Use research-based strategies to explain complex ideas clearly

The program is great for students planning for medical careers that require accurate and empathic communication with patients, graduate school in which teaching is expected  or most STEM professions due to the need to communicate technical information clearly and effectively.

Note: The minor does not lead directly to teacher licensure but, with advising, courses can count toward teacher licensure programs in Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics or Computer Science.

How to Get Started

Enroll in any one or more of the following courses:

STEM 12001 — Introduction to Teaching STEM Subjects — 1 hour

This course provides a preview of what it is like to teach STEM subjects. Engaging activities that model effective teaching practices, discussions of STEM education issues, and optional school observations will help STEM majors clarify interest in teaching as a career or as an additional skill as a STEM professional. Fulfills the UNIV 10051 University Perspectives requirement.

Fulfills the UNIV 10051 University Perspectives requirement

STEM 12102 — Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM Subjects — 2 hours

Along with learning classroom strategies for engaging students and organizing a lesson, student pairs plan and teach three inquiry-based lessons (choice of math, science, or computer science) in a local school classroom. For STEM majors but open to all who are interested in exploring teaching as an additional career option.

The two courses above are required for teacher licensure and should be taken early if you are considering the licensure option to the STEM Ed minor.

STEM 20003 — The Art of STEM Communication — 3 hours

It is widely known that breakdown of communication contributes to mistrust and misunderstanding of the scientific enterprise. In this dynamic, interdisciplinary course including guest lectures, socio-scientific issues, and theatre-style methods, students will learn to communicate complex STEM topics clearly and effectively using research-based practices from the field of education. Fulfills a social science elective for state minimum core.

Next Step

Ask your advisor to add the STEM Education Minor (STEM-M) to your degree plan.

Teach a STEM Subject — Secondary Grades

Want to explore your teaching options? See Why Teaching a STEM Subject Is Right for You has further details.

The overview STEM Ed Pathways — Minor and Teacher Licensure Requirements (Google Drive doc) details both pathways.

Contact a STEM Education Advisor