The Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education has launched a new graduate Certificate in Maker Education. The program consists of four courses worth 10 credits at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education that can be completed in one year or less. The program is open to all with a Bachelor’s degree, and has been approved by the state of New Jersey as an official Rutgers Certificate program.
The program is designed to help educators and practitioners receive the education and resources necessary for developing competence and confidence to start and supervise Makerspace, or maker-based courses and projects. Participants will gain proficiency in maker-based learning activities, including the development of curricula and assessments meeting common standards in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects such as design thinking, computer science, climate change, and the Next Generation Science Standards. They will also explore how maker-centered projects can be leveraged as a vehicle for meaningful, discovery-based learning that can be applied to the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and integrated STEM/STEAM curricula.
The program is an excellent resource to support NJSBA STEAM Tank and Sustainable Jersey projects.
Many schools have potential makerspace or equipment that are underutilized. This certificate program will provide the necessary training so that schools can make the most of their investment. Educators who take the certificate program will learn how to teach and empower students to complete maker-based projects, and how to assure their safety while using makerspace equipment. Participants will be trained on how to supervise and assess safety using maker equipment and tools aligned to federal safety regulations.
The courses will be conducted in online and hybrid formats. Synchronous or face-to-face classes at the Rutgers Makerspace following strict COVID guidelines will be held one day per week from late afternoon to early evening. Classes will be online asynchronous person on alternating weeks.
The entire program can be completed in a year or less. The first two courses, Developing a Maker Mindset (3 credits) and Makerspace Safety and Emergency Lab (one credit) will be offered in fall 2021. The next course, Facilitating Maker-Centered Learning Environments (three credits) will be offered in spring, 2022. The final course, Maker Education Capstone (three credits) will be offered in summer, 2022.
There are no special qualifications or prerequisites necessary to gain admission to the program. The program is accredited by Rutgers University, and credits may be transferrable to other programs at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) or those at other universities. The cost of the program aligns with the tuition structure of all courses offered by the Rutgers GSE. Tuition for part-time students who are current NJ residents is $739 per credit over the 2020-2021 school year. A noncredit option will be offered at $250 per credit.
For more information, visit the Rutgers Maker Certificate Program webpage or email the program.