Meet Your Major

This cutting-edge interdisciplinary major not only prepares you to teach the next generation of innovators, it provides the specialized training necessary to earn your state STEM teaching license.

A result of a unique partnership between the schools of Education and Social Policy and Science and Engineering, the STEM education major is only open to education majors as a double-major towards licensure in early-childhood education, elementary education and/or moderate disabilities.

Merrimack is a proud co-sponsor of the Northeast STEM network.

STEM astronomy STEM day activity


What You’ll Learn

In the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education program, you will:

  • Gain a foundation for teaching the beauty and logic of the natural world to primary-, elementary- and middle-school students or students with moderate disabilities
  • Participate in key courses in both the Winston School of Education and Social Policy and School of Science and Engineering.
  • Deepen your understanding of the processes of scientific literacy and learn techniques to inspire your students.
  • Make a real difference in developing the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

Hands-On Learning

Through hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll develop your education philosophy, create a portfolio and hone your classroom-management skills during your pre-practicum and practicum student-teaching. In fact, 100% of STEM majors participate in at least one field experience or practicum. It’s your chance to take what you’ve learned at Merrimack and apply it at one of the primary, elementary, middle or junior high schools in the area. Apple Initiative. Merrimack College. Photo by Mary Schwalm 5/23/18

Career Options

Upon successful completion of the STEM program, you’ll be well equipped to teach science, technology, engineering and math in the classroom. Positions may include:

  • Early-childhood STEM teacher
  • Elementary school STEM teacher
  • Guidance counselor
  • Moderate disabilities STEM teacher
  • STEM program school administrator
  • Tutor in one of the STEM disciplines

What You’ll Take

STEM Education: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary major that prepares students to be competent and effective teachers across the areas of math and science. The program helps future teachers understand the process of science and provides the foundation for teaching the “big ideas,” the beauty, and logic of the natural world. The program provides key courses within the School of Science and Engineering as well as thematic courses on the processes of scientific literacy and the teaching of scientific knowledge.

STEM Education is only open to students as a co-major with Education who are seeking licensure in Early Childhood Education (PreK-2), Elementary Education (1-6), or Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8). Students are expected to successfully complete the required MTELs for licensure.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the STEM Education program, these courses may change.

STEM Foundational Courses (complete six, as outlined below)

Required:
  • BIO 1028 Principles of Biology II
  • CHM 1110 General Chemistry I
  • STM 1010 Foundations of STEM
  • One course in Technology or Engineering
Choose one:
  • PHY 2201 General Physics I
  • PHY 2211 Physics I
Choose one:
  • MTH 1217 Calculus I
  • MTH 1314 Discrete Mathematics

 


STEM  Electives (choose 3)

Tailor your academic experience by selecting three electives in the following Science and Engineering departments:

Life Sciences:

  • BIO 1027 Principles of Biology I
  • BIO 1106 Human Biology
  • BIO 2009 Environmental Science
  • HSC 2300 Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
  • HSC 1500 Introduction to Public Health
  • EXS 1104 Introduction to Physical Activity, Fitness and Wellness

Mathematics:

  • HDE 3000 Research Methods & Applied Statistics in Human Development
  • MTH 1111 Basic Statistics
  • MTH 1112 Adventures in Mathematics
  • MTH 1217 Calculus I
  • MTH 1218 Calculus II
  • MTH 1314 Discrete Mathematics

Physical Sciences

  • AST 1101 Introduction to Astronomy
  • CHM 1120 General Chemistry II   -OR-
  • CHM 1220 Chemistry for the Health Professionals II
  • PHY 2202 General Physics II    -OR-
  • PHY 2212 Physics II 

 

Technology/Engineering

  • CSC 1510 Introduction to the Science of Computing and Information
  • CSC 1610 Problem Solving with Java
  • EEN 1001 Introduction to Engineering
  • EEN 1065 Introduction to Electricity and Electronics (for Non-Engineers)


STEM Practicum and Capstone

The STEM capstone or STEM practicum are additional field experience opportunities.  If pursuing licensure, students will also complete a practicum in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities.  Please consult with your academic advisor.

STM 3000 STEM Capstone
STM 4000 STEM Practicum, plus seminar