Required Coursework

The online M.S. in STEM Education coursework is arranged into five sessions each year with a thoughtful eye on the PreK-12 school calendar. The total number of semester hours required to complete the degree is 36. 

Program Core

18 Semester Hours

STEM Independent Research

6 Semester Hours

The online M.S. in STEM Education program requires 6 semester hours of independent action research, planned in coordination with the course instructor. The subject and execution of the research will vary by student, based on their interests and goals. Students will initiate the research by developing a literature review that will then form the basis for a research project carried out in an authentic setting.

Additional Coursework

6 Semester Hours

There are 6 semester hours of additional coursework required that can include the following (and other courses as available).

STEM Extracurricular Experience and Capstone

6 Semester Hours

The capstone is 90 hours of field work combined with observational reporting and a culminating project. Working teachers can complete the capstone during the summer months, or potentially during weekends or evenings if they are finishing in the spring or fall. Because this will ideally be the last course of the program, activity in the course will be primarily spent on field experience, with some reporting about the experiences and submission of a final project (such as a presentation or report). The capstone course counts for 6 credit hours towards your degree total and can be completed in 8 or 16 weeks. Each student will work with the course instructor to determine the best time for field experiences.

Sites will vary according to the goals of the student. The student will work with the course instructor to identify the sites for the extracurricular experience, but these could include academic environments and applied environments (such as working with the Department of Natural Resources). Students can find and secure their own placement with verification and approval by the program, or program faculty can help the student find a suitable placement.

Iowa K-12 STEM Education Specialist Endorsement

The Iowa K-12 STEM Education Specialist endorsement is a State of Iowa Endorsement only. If students wish to obtain the Iowa K-12 STEM Specialist Endorsement in addition to earning the M.S., they must:

• Demonstrate completion of 12 semester hours of science and 12 hours of math content course work. Credit is granted for math and science content course work completed as part of the M.S. program.
• Complete an additional 3 hours of engineering or technological design course work. Students will work with a faculty advisor to obtain the necessary additional courses.

Students interested in learning more about obtaining this endorsement should discuss the requirements for the endorsement with their advisor as soon as they are accepted into the program. If you have additional questions about program requirements, please contact Ted Neal (ted-neal@uiowa.edu) or Bobbie Bevins (bobbie-bevins@uiowa.edu).

Sample Course Sequence

36 Semester Hours (24 Month Program – August Start)

The following is an example of a course sequence in the online M.S. in STEM Education program. Course offerings in each session are subject to change based on various factors.

Fees for books and other course materials will vary by course. Note that tuition rates may change. Tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year will be $595.00 per credit hour, pending approval from the Board of Regents. The academic year begins August 2020.

Program costs also include an additional one-time $225 documents and records fee and a technology fee based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled each semester:

• 9+ credit hours/semester: $253.50
• 4-8 credit hours/semester: $190.25
• 1-3 credit hours/semester: $126.75

To make higher education more accessible, Iowa offers various financial assistance options. The Office of Student Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students navigate the financial aid process and take advantage of the resources available to them, including:

Federal Stafford Loans: Online graduate students may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans, which allow eligible students to borrow money to help cover tuition, living expenses, books, and other expenses.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: As a graduate student, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. This low-interest, credit-based federal loan provides funds to cover additional educational expenses not met by other types of aid.

Employer Tuition Support Plan: If your employer reimburses you for all or part of your tuition costs after the end of each semester, you may be eligible for tuition deferment, allowing you to pay for your tuition upon receipt of funds.

Degree-seeking graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time (five semester hours during the academic year), or three semester hours during the summer session to qualify for financial aid.

The University of Iowa is proud to serve our veteran students by providing the support services that ensure a clear path to academic and professional success. Recognized as a 2016 Military Friendly School, the University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows veterans pursuing a degree to qualify for additional support if they are eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Our Military and Veteran Student Services staff are here to help you take advantage of VA education benefits, awards, grants and scholarships.