The PROFESS program, a National Science Foundation (NSF) pilot uses a new model of graduate education that enables students to train in educational methods as a part of their graduate careers and earn an additional graduate minor or advanced degree in Undergraduate STEM Teaching. PROFESS focuses on evidence-based practices of STEM teaching and learning, and inclusive classroom and laboratory practices. Students can either complete the entire graduate minor, masters, or only a few courses to gain some pedagogical knowledge and teaching experience to enhance their STEM undergraduate teaching skill-set.

PROFESS Program Structure:
The PROFESS program offers a graduate minor in Undergraduate STEM Education, a MS in Undergraduate STEM Education, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in STEM Undergraduate Education. Students also have the opportunity to take additional coursework and internship opportunities that allow them to pursue the MS in Undergraduate STEM Education concurrent with their PhD in a STEM discipline.

Program Benefits:

• Graduate students will receive preparation for future academic faculty positions, enhance their resume, and receive help with the academic job search

• Access to STEM educational resources, including scholarly articles, research design best practices, faculty mentorship and professional development

• Development and maintenance of a STEM electronic portfolio, including the development of a teaching philosophy, practical experience in STEM education grant writing, and experience developing a course syllabus

• An option to earn an additional advanced degree or graduate minor in undergraduate STEM education. Students can either complete the entire graduate minor, masters, or only a few courses to gain some pedagogical knowledge and teaching experience to enhance their STEM undergraduate teaching skill-set.

Contact Information:
For more information about this program, contact:

Rachael Switalski, M.Ed.
Director of Operations, CASTLE
RRS44@drexel.edu