STEM Education Methods: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for educators committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning, this program equips professionals with the expertise to design and implement effective, research-based instructional strategies for PreK-12 learners. It emphasizes the integration of disciplinary knowledge with pedagogical innovation, fostering environments where students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and deep conceptual understanding.
- Critical thinking in STEM: Cultivates analytical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making within science and mathematics contexts, empowering students to evaluate complex problems and develop logical solutions.
- Curriculum and instruction design: Focuses on developing coherent, standards-aligned learning experiences that reflect best practices in teaching and assessment across STEM disciplines.
- History of STEM education: Explores the evolution of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching, providing foundational context for contemporary reform and innovation.
- Interdisciplinary integration: Teaches strategies for weaving STEM subjects into a cohesive, real-world learning experience that transcends traditional subject boundaries.
- Learning sciences and educational technology: Applies cognitive and developmental research to enhance teaching practices, leveraging digital tools and data-driven methods to support student engagement and achievement.
- STEM education methods: Emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-driven pedagogies such as project-based learning, design challenges, and experiential activities to promote active student participation.
- Teacher leadership in STEM: Prepares educators to guide curriculum development, mentor peers, and advocate for systemic improvements in STEM teaching and equity across school communities.
STEM Education Methods Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
STEM Education Methods Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with STEM Education Methods degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,145,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2022 | $62,970 | $47,050 - $100,980 | 620,370 | N/A |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2021 | $62,340 | $46,440 - $102,010 | 1,393,310 | N/A |
STEM Education Methods Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,793 in Oklahoma to $94,820 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,145,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for STEM Education Methods by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 23 institutions offering STEM Education Methods programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in STEM Education Methods is found at American College of Education (ACE) (255 graduates), Central Washington University (CWU) (26 graduates), California State University (CSUSB), San Bernardino (24 graduates), North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (19 graduates), and Lebanon Valley College (LVC) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 399 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American College of Education (ACE) |
Master's
|
255 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | ace.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Master's
|
24 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
|
19 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Lebanon Valley College (LVC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
12 | Annville, Pennsylvania | Private | lvc.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
10 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Wayland Baptist University (WBU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Plainview, Texas | Private | wbu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
9 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| Empire State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| Arcadia University |
Master's
|
2 | Glenside, Pennsylvania | Private | arcadia.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Master's
|
1 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Hamline University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | hamline.edu |
| Rockhurst University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | rockhurst.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Mercy University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Dobbs Ferry, New York | Private | mercy.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Master's
|
1 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about STEM Education Methods programs
How much can I earn with a STEM Education Methods degree?
Salaries for STEM Education Methods graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $94,820 compared to $51,793 in Oklahoma. Approximately 3,145,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest STEM Education Methods programs?
Currently 23 accredited institutions offer STEM Education Methods degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American College of Education (ACE) (255 graduates), Central Washington University (CWU) (26 graduates), and California State University (CSUSB), San Bernardino (24 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a STEM Education Methods degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. Related occupations employ approximately 3,145,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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