Master’s in Secondary STEM Education

Program Overview

The master’s in Secondary STEM Education at the University of Kansas prepares educators to design and implement high-quality STEM instruction. Designed for individuals with a background in STEM fields, as well as current educators seeking to expand their licensure or deepen their practice, this online competency-based program allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of defined competencies rather than completing coursework on a fixed schedule. The curriculum is guided by real-world problems of teaching practice and includes ongoing clinical experiences in school settings. Graduates of the program are prepared for initial teacher licensure in the state of Kansas through either a traditional pathway or a restricted license pathway.

The MSE in Secondary STEM Education is one of four inaugural programs of Jayhawk Flex, the University of Kansas’ online competency-based education format that offers greater flexibility and agency to a KU master’s degree.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the master’s in Secondary STEM Education are prepared to support student learning through research-based instructional practices and to design effective learning experiences in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or mathematics. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Apply research-based approaches from the Science of Learning and Development to support student learning
• Design learning experiences grounded in STEM disciplines and connected to real-world contexts
• Differentiate instruction based on learners’ experiences, needs, and interests
• Create classroom environments that support collaboration, engagement, and belonging
• Assess student learning and provide meaningful, standards-aligned feedback
• Continuously improve instructional practice through reflection, collaboration, and professional development