About the Department

The future of US and international innovation lies in the teaching of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines because the traditional workforce is contracting. Individuals from groups who are not well represented in the traditional workforce can be inspired to pursue careers in the STEM disciplines at all levels in order to fuel innovation.

The Department of Engineering and Science Education (ESED) is a dynamic community of scholars engaged in ground-breaking research that seeks to understand the connection between motivation and learning in engineering, science, and mathematics education, the role of social capital in determining academic and career choices, approaches to problem-solving, virtual reality, equity in higher education, and more.

The future of US and international innovation lies in the teaching of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Through the research of its faculty and students, ESED creates new knowledge that informs the US and international education policy as well as instruction in higher education about methods and practices that will attract, motivate, and retain new talent in the STEM disciplines. In support of its vision and mission, ESED also prepares future academics and professionals who will serve as inspiring role models.

ESED offers a Ph.D. and a certificate in Engineering and Science Education. The certificate program is open to any graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline.

Mission

The mission of ESED is to prepare doctoral students who will inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and mathematicians by creating and communicating new knowledge through robust research in education and teaching at the foundational levels of the STEM disciplines.

Vision

The vision of Engineering and Science Education (ESED) is to be an international leader in engineering science, and mathematics education through discipline-based education research; preparation of future faculty, leaders, and change agents; and translation of research to practice through inclusive, evidence-based curricula and programming.