What is a Graduate Certificate in STEM education?

Are you a teacher looking to enhance your career and aren’t sure how? A graduate certificate in STEM education could be the perfect choice for you! The postgraduate course is designed for teachers who want to enhance their teaching skills and incorporate new technologies to improve the experience and outcomes for their students. Today, we provide you with everything you need to know about the graduate certificate in STEM education to help you see if it is the right course for you. 

An overview of a graduate certificate in STEM education

A graduate certificate in STEM education is a postgraduate course that is designed for current teachers who want to enhance their practice. During the course, you will gain specialist skills and understanding of contemporary STEM pedagogical frameworks. Doing so will help you improve and support the education experience and the outcomes for your students. To achieve this, you will look at the current practices in STEM and current and emerging technologies, and use evidence-based research to critically evaluate these practices. 

The postgraduate course features four units and will take eight months to complete. Most course providers allow you to study part-time, making it ideal for teachers who want to continue working as they enhance their careers. You can also choose to study online, with complete flexibility, allowing you to study at a time that suits you. All of your resources are available instantly, so you can access everything you need and improve your career as a teacher. 

You can also find other graduate certificates in education and other pathways if STEM is not relevant to you. 

What will I learn in a graduate certificate in STEM education?

What you will learn in a graduate certificate in STEM education will vary depending on the course provider that you choose. There tends to be overlapping content, but before applying, make sure you check the brochure to ensure it suits your goals. Through the course, you will learn about the future of STEM education and the best practices in the industry. You will learn how you can adapt your teaching to meet the changing technologies and how you can enhance your students’ outcomes and experiences. 

The course is usually split into four units, and you can expect to see the following unit titles in your course brochure: 

• STEM pedagogy, foundational theory 
• STEM and design thinking 
• Spatial thinking 
• STEM practices and learning outcomes 

What can I do with a graduate certificate in STEM education?

After completing your graduate certificate in STEM education, you can progress into higher paid education roles, allowing you to advance your career. The course is designed for existing professionals who are looking to enhance their teaching practices, allowing them to progress into the following roles: 

• Education assessment specialist (STEM)
• Executive teacher (STEM)
• Curriculum coordinator (STEM) 
• Curriculum specialist (STEM) 

You can also choose to remain in education and complete a master of Education (STEM). The postgraduate course will build on the knowledge and skills you have gained in the graduate certificate course, learning about educational inclusion and well-being. The master of Education will take longer than a graduate certificate and usually includes a research project in an area of your choosing. You can speak to your course provider after completing your graduate certificate in education (STEM) to learn more about the master’s programme if you are interested. 

What do I need to apply for a graduate certificate in STEM education?

The entry requirements for a graduate certificate in STEM education will vary slightly depending on the course provider that you choose. It is best to check with them directly for applying to ensure you have the right qualifications or experience. Typically, you will need to have one of the following: 

• Current registration as a teacher at a proficient level or higher with an Australian regulatory authority 
• A three-year undergraduate degree in Education or a  relevant field, and three years of FTE professional experience in education 
• A graduate and/or postgraduate education qualification approved by the course provider 

Applying and enrolling for these courses is typically done online, but you can reach out for assistance or to ask any questions if needed during the application process. You can also contact the course provider directly to find out about any fee assistance you can access to reduce the cost of your course. 

Find your STEM education course today 

A graduate certificate in education (STEM) is the perfect way to enhance your teaching skills and improve the learning experience for your students, using new technologies. The University of Canberra offers an excellent programme that is delivered online and has plenty of flexibility to fit around your employment and other commitments. Learn more about their graduate certificate in STEM education to see if it’s right for you.