STEM Majors: Still Need Credit Hours to Fill Your Spring Schedule? Enroll in a STEM Education Course

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Would you like to enhance your STEM degree with valuable communication skills while seeing if teaching is for you?

The STEM Education program has three fun and interactive introductory courses to consider. If you enjoy the introductory course, continue taking courses to earn a STEM Education certificate or a STEM Education minor which can lead to earning a teaching license in biology, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science.

ARSC 1201 Introduction to Teaching STEM Subjects

This course previews what it's like to teach STEM subjects. Engaging in activities that model effective teaching practices, discussions of STEM education issues, and optional school observations will help STEM majors clarify their interest in teaching as a career or as an additional skill as a STEM professional. First-year and transfer students in Fulbright College may use this course to fulfill the University Perspectives requirement.

ARSC 1212 Field Experience in Teaching STEM Subjects

After learning strategies for engaging students and organizing a lesson, student pairs plan and teach several student-centered lessons (choice of math, science, or computer science) in a local school classroom, assess student understanding, and reflect on feedback. For STEM majors exploring teaching as an additional career option.

STEM 2003 The Art of STEM Communication

An interdisciplinary course that explores the importance of effective STEM communication in socio-scientific issues. Interactive and engaging, this course collaborates with the STEM and Fine Arts departments. Fulfills a social science elective for State Minimum Core.

These courses have no prerequisites and can be taken in any order or during the same semester.

The STEM Education program has three pathways for STEM majors to enhance their degrees with coursework that develops communication strategies and understanding of learning in the STEM disciplines. Whether or not you are interested in a teaching career, you will find the strategies that teachers use to convey complex ideas and engage students in critical thinking are valuable to any STEM profession. Begin by enrolling in any of our introductory courses, then consider adding a STEM Education minor (15 credit hours), certificate (9 credit hours), or a teaching license (24 credit hours) to your STEM degree.

Program advisors are happy to talk with you about your options in STEM education. Email teach@uark.edu for more information or visit the College of Education and Health Professions STEM website.