STEM Certificate Graduate Program

Empowering educators: Revolutionizing STEM Education in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has set an ambitious goal: by 2025, 100% of K-12 teachers in the state will be proficient in problem/project/inquiry-based learning approaches. This initiative is part of the IDOE's STEM Implementation Roadmap, aimed at transforming STEM instruction across the state.

A Cutting-Edge Stem Certificate

The University of Indianapolis has developed an innovative online STEM certificate program to meet this critical need. Our curriculum is designed to:

  • Immerse teachers in rich, engaging, transdisciplinary learning experiences.
  • Advance educators' knowledge and skills in STEM fields.
  • Prepare teachers to effectively use technology, science, and engineering practices in their classrooms

Learn More

About the STEM Certificate Program

  • Aligned with Indiana Standards
    UIndy's courses incorporate the latest Indiana science and computer science standards, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to teach and assess STEM subjects.
  • Real-World Application
    K-12 students learn best when challenged to solve local and global issues. Our program emphasizes problem- and project-based learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
  • Technology Integration
    Leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance STEM instruction and student engagement.
  • Real-World Application
    Explore the interconnections between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide a holistic STEM education.

Program Length & Format

The program consists of 12 credit hours in four consecutive semesters. Courses are conveniently offered online in an asynchronous format. Some courses may hold a synchronous orientation and open office hours.


Certificate Courses

You have the option to apply course credits toward the Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction - STEM Concentration, which is also 100% online.

Participants in this course will design and implement a project-based learning (PBL) unit in a STEM-related field to engage their elementary and secondary students in deeper learning. Participants will explore the nuts and bolts of designing an effective PBL unit while ensuring the Indiana Standards are the cornerstones of the unit. Participants will also investigate research-based practices for implementing high-quality PBL. Participants will be introduced to the theory and practice of PBL.

This course is designed to explore, identify and address implicit biases that influence student behaviors and interactions with the STEM curriculum and field. It will examine how to create school practices, academic programs, and learning environments that provide equitable access and opportunities for all students, especially those from underrepresented populations. A focus will be placed on research-based STEM pedagogies to promote connected, scaffolded STEM curricula that break down stereotypes, contribute to a positive STEM identity, and encourage students to join a STEM field. The ultimate goal of this course is to create a culture of STEM learning.

This course is designed for K-12 inservice teachers who want to expand their practice to integrate more engaging, hands-on engineering principles and projects into their classroom. Teachers will be introduced to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and strategies to embed inclusive design into classroom projects, books, and games. Modules are designed to enable teachers to flexibly apply the engineering design process to projects within a content area. A set of engineering devices will be shipped to the participants to use during the course and in their classrooms. Participants will be requested to provide basic project materials, such as cardboard, scissors, tape, binder clips, etc.

Technology supports teachers in their efforts to empower and engage students. Modules are designed to help participants interact with different roles that technology plays in STEM education as educational/instructional technology; as coding or computational thinking; and as content-specific technology as tools and practices used by science, mathematics, and engineering practitioners. In each module, participants will not only explore new technologies as learners, but also design learning materials and activities that integrate those new technologies.

When Can I Start?

Fall, winter, or summer semesters

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in education and an instructional teaching license from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
  • 2.75 GPA preferred
  • Completion of the supplemental information on the online application form.
  • Copy of most recent teaching license.

Tuition & Aid

Limited scholarships are available for Indiana teachers through UIndy's partnership with STEM Teach. Interested candidates must apply to CELL's STEM Teach V Grant to be considered for this financial support.

Take the Next Step - Invest in Your Future as a STEM Educator

Join UIndy's STEM Certificate Program and join the movement to transform STEM education in Indiana. Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about enrollment, course schedules, and how our STEM Certificate can advance your teaching career.

Skip the page menu
Back to top ↑