(16 semester hours minimum)

The principle objective of the “gateway” credential is to leverage the efficacy of the College of Technology (COT) seamless pathways and increase the pipeline of students in STEM disciplines. The certificate purpose is to fill the need for applied learners and applied careers. For every theoretical engineer or scientist as a company, there are typically multiple technicians to service the hands-on and applied workload that comes with innovations; this certificate addresses that need. This certificate will integrate a STEM careers explorations course to expose the students to the vast opportunities available to them as they hone their mathematical problem solving skills. This approach will connect them to the field of study even before they matriculate to the more advanced technical courses later in the degree(s).

Learners who complete the Technology Studies-STEM certificate will:

• Demonstrate an awareness of technology and STEM academic pathways and career opportunities;
• Demonstrate a good understanding of technology principles and concepts;
• Demonstrate a good understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques with regards to STEM;
• Demonstrate an ability to research and approach problem solving algebraically and with statistics;
• Demonstrate an ability to think through a problem in a logical manner;
• Demonstrate an ability to carry analysis through conclusion and present findings in an organized manner;
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and an ability to work efficiently in teams.

For more information, contact Associate Professor Jakob Spjut.