FSU-Teach

Program Overview

The FSU-Teach STEM Teaching Certificate is an innovative certificate program designed to support the development of highly qualified STEM educators. The program is based on the recognition that STEM disciplines require skills in innovation and communication. This 20-credit-hour certificate program prepares students from a wide range of STEM disciplines to excel in communicating STEM ideas and technologies in formal and informal contexts. Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to not only excel in K-12 educational settings but also in broader STEM education initiatives Coursework is designed to focus on research-based teaching strategies and real-world field experience.

Join a program that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in education. The FSU-Teach STEM Teaching Certificate equips you with the tools, experience, and credentials to excel as a STEM educator and leader. Together, we can inspire the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow while shaping the future of STEM education today.

Why Add on the FSU Teach STEM Teaching Certificate?

Supports students in considering effective STEM teaching in a wide range of contexts (e.g., K-12 schooling, informal education, postsecondary settings).
Includes 30 hours of hands-on teaching experience through classroom instruction, mentoring, and engagement in informal STEM education settings (e.g., museums, outreach programs, tutoring).
Can be completed in 20 credit hours and is open to a wide range of 42 STEM majors. Note: Credits earned through the Certificate Program do not apply toward the excess credit hour threshold.
Features small class sections with engaging, interactive, and research-based teaching approaches with coursework based on cutting-edge research into STEM teaching and learning.
Provides communication and education skills practice from the very first course.
Students entering the third course and have been accepted into the certificate program receive a $500 scholarship.
Students who complete the certificate will have met the professional preparation coursework requirement for a Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate outlined in Section 1012.56, Florida Statutes.

Pathway to Teacher Certification

Research-Based Principles of FSU-Teach

Teaching and learning science and engineering...

Is empowering
Promotes access and opportunity for all learners
Engages learners in science and engineering habits of mind
Involves uncertainty and productive struggle
Invokes joy and curiosity in learning
Recognizes learners as brilliant problem solvers
Positions educators as architects of opportunity

Career Pathways: Teaching and Beyond

The FSU-Teach STEM Teaching Certificate prepares graduates for careers both in and beyond the classroom. In addition to becoming K-12 STEM educators, alumni pursue roles in:

STEM Outreach & Informal Education – Engage with museums, science centers, and community programs.
Education Policy – Shape STEM education through work in public service, government and nonprofits.
Instructional Design & Curriculum Development – Create educational programs for schools, universities, and corporate training.
Corporate Training & Professional Development – Lead training initiatives in STEM industries.
Science Communication & Public Engagement – Translate STEM concepts for media, publishing, and outreach.

With expertise in teaching, communication, education, and STEM, FSU-Teach graduates are equipped to inspire, educate, and innovate across diverse fields.

Financial Support - FSU-Teach Dual Majors Students

STEM Scholarships

The FSU-Teach program offers scholarships of $1,000 per semester (for up to two semesters) through funding from an anonymous donor. These scholarships support FSU-Teach Double Major students only who have successfully completed Step 1 and Step 2 and are continuing in the program. Students enrolled in the Certificate Program are not eligible. Applications must be submitted within the first two weeks of each semester.

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Apprentice Teaching Scholarship

The FSU-Teach program also provides $2,000 scholarships for students in their Apprentice Teaching semester, helping to cover expenses such as transportation, professional attire, and other teaching-related costs. Applications must be submitted within the first two weeks of each semester.

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Admission Requirements

Eligibility

Open to undergraduate students majoring in STEM disciplines (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and more).
Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Application Process

Students can apply during their first or second course in the certificate program.
Complete the online application.
Work with the Certificate Coordinator/Faculty Advisors to develop a personalized program of study.

After all certificate coursework is completed—and no later than two weeks after final grades are posted—a Certificate Completion Form must be submitted to the Certificate Program Coordinator. Once approved, the form will be forwarded for processing, and the certificate will be posted to your official transcript.

Completion Form

Course/Degree Requirements

A total of 20 undergraduate credit hours will be required for the Certificate, including 30 field hours with math or science learners in an educational setting. Courses that count towards the required credit hours are as follows:

Prefix & Number	Descriptive Title	Credit Hours
SMT 1XXX	Intro to STEM Teaching	2
SMT 3100	Knowing & Learning in Science and Mathematics	3
SMT 4301	Classrooms and Communities	3
SMT 4664	Teaching and Thriving in STEM	3
RED 4335	Teaching Reading in the Content Area	3
TSL 4324	ESOL in the Content Area	3