Best institutions to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods

CIP 13.1213New in CIP 2020

A program that prepares individuals to connect education practices with scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles for PreK-12 students.

21 U.S. institutions graduated 398 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1213, a specialization of Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12), and leads most directly to the Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2022).

Institutions
21
offering CIP 13.1213
States offered
14
with graduates reported
Graduates / yr
398
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Women
72%
share of graduates
US median pay · Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$64,370
BLS OEWS May 2025
Share of Teacher Education and Professional Development
0.4%
of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates

About Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods programs

Official NCES definition · CIP 13.1213
A program that prepares individuals to connect education practices with scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles for PreK-12 students. Includes instruction in critical thinking, curriculum and instruction, history of STEM education, integrating STEM across curricula, learning sciences and technology, STEM education methods, and teacher leadership in STEM education.
Also offered asScience, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Educational Methods

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods program, part of Teacher Education and Professional Development, prepares individuals to effectively connect educational practices with scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles for PreK-12 students. This program is ideal for those aspiring to become educators in various school settings, focusing on integrating STEM concepts into the curriculum.

Learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods →

What you'll learn

Students in this program will gain essential skills in critical thinking, curriculum development, and STEM education methods. Coursework includes instruction in learning sciences, technology integration, and teacher leadership, equipping future educators with the tools needed to foster a comprehensive STEM learning environment.

Credentials awarded

What Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).

  • Master's degree305 graduates / yr · 9 institutions
    77%
  • Postbaccalaureate certificate52 graduates / yr · 9 institutions
    13%
  • Bachelor's degree34 graduates / yr · 5 institutions
    8.5%
  • Doctor's degree - research/scholarship4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions
    1.0%
  • Associate's degree3 graduates / yr · 1 institution
    0.8%

Graduates over time

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.

398graduates in 2025
+93% since 2020
20202025206398
Graduates per year (IPEDS completions)
YearGraduates
2020206
2021292
2022286
2023368
2024392
2025398

CIP 13.1213 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.

Top 21 institutions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods, ranked by graduates

Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.

#InstitutionGraduates / yrGrad rateNet priceField earnings* (1 yr)
1American College of Education
Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitMaster's
204———
2California State University - San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CAPublicMaster's
3455%—$25,177
3North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NCPublicMaster's
2085%—$44,979
4Lebanon Valley College
Annville, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's
1965%$24,925$51,300
5Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WAPublicBachelor's
1954%—$47,359
6Western Oregon University
Monmouth, ORPublicPost-degree cert.Master's
1547%—$44,845
7University of Kentucky
Lexington, KYPublicBachelor'sMaster's
1471%—$41,312
8Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PAPublicMaster's
1366%—$37,966
9Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZPublicMaster's
1061%—$45,032
10DeSales University
Center Valley, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
1072%$26,990$46,852
11Arcadia University
Glenside, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
867%$23,796—
12The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TXPublicMaster'sDoctoral
889%——
13The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TXPublicPost-degree cert.
653%——
14Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TXPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's
519%$20,754$38,397
15Empire State University
Saratoga Springs, NYPublicPost-degree cert.
341%——
16Washburn University
Topeka, KSPublicBachelor's
253%—$46,519
17University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSPublicPost-degree cert.
249%—$38,766
18Texas A&M University - College Station
College Station, TXPublicPost-degree cert.
284%——
19Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GAPublicPost-degree cert.
252%—$46,077
20Hamline University
Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
160%$20,981—
21Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NYPublicDoctoral
176%——

* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field (CIP 13.12) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.

Offered in 14 states

Where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods graduates come from. Each state links to all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs offered there.

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2022, Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and its national outlook.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Middle School Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, and Secondary School Teachers, among others. While the job outlook for these positions is projected to decline by 2%, there are approximately 40,500 annual openings, with a median wage of $62,970 for those holding a Bachelor's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-2.0%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~40,500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$62,970
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
620,090
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
US average pay
$72,030
annual, BLS OEWS May 2025
US median pay
$64,370
annual

Top-paying metros

El Centro, CA
$117,020avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$109,140avg
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA
$106,790avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$103,680avg
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA
$102,020avg

Career pathways for CIP 13.1213

The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.

OccupationUS median payGrowthOpenings / yrTypical entry education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educationprimary
SOC 25-2022
$64,370-2.0%
Decline
~40,500Bachelor's degree
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
SOC 25-2021
$63,970-2.0%
Decline
~91,000Bachelor's degree
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
SOC 25-2031
$72,040-1.6%
Decline
~66,200Bachelor's degree
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC 25-1081
$75,350+2.1%
About as fast as average
~5,600Doctoral or professional degree
Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Related careers

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$72,650 avg · 1,388,390 jobs
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$72,030 avg · 620,090 jobs
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$79,350 avg · 60,830 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Learning Strategies
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Learning
Monitoring
Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Education and Training
English Language
Philosophy and Theology
Mathematics
Psychology
Computers and Electronics

Abilities that matter most

Oral Expression
Problem Sensitivity
Written Expression
Written Comprehension
Oral Comprehension
Information Ordering

Day-to-day work activities

Training and Teaching Others
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Thinking Creatively
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Coaching and Developing Others
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

What graduates do on the job

  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.

Tools and technology used

Apple Final Cut ProApple macOSAppletreeBlackboard softwareChildren's educational softwareClassTagCommon CurriculumDesmos

Other Teacher Education and Professional Development specializations

The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12).

Common questions

What degrees can I earn in this program?+

You can earn a Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Bachelor's degree, or a Doctor's degree in this field.

What skills will I develop?+

You will develop skills in critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication.

What careers can I pursue after graduation?+

You can become a Middle School Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, or Secondary School Teacher.

What is the job outlook for teachers?+

The job outlook for teaching positions is expected to decline by 2%, with around 40,500 annual openings.

What is the CIP code for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods?+

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods is CIP 13.1213 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to connect education practices with scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles for PreK-12 students. Includes instruction in critical thinking, curriculum and instruction, history of STEM education, integrating STEM across curricula, learning sciences and technology, STEM education methods, and teacher leadership in STEM education.

How many institutions offer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods programs?+

21 U.S. institutions reported Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 14 states, awarding 398 credentials in the year. That is 0.4% of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates.

How much do Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods graduates earn?+

Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation, which Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,370 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field report median earnings of $44,979 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.

Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

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