Non-degree Graduate Certificate in Maker Education
- Degrees & Programs
- Visit the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education landing page for the Maker Education program
- Read the program’s FAQ page
- Contact Marie Pavelchak, Senior Student Program Coordinator in the Office of Student and Academic Services
Program Overview
The 15-credit, non-degree graduate certificate program in Maker Education offered at the GSE is designed to help educators and practitioners receive the education and resources necessary for developing competence and confidence to start, supervise, or use a Makerspace in a school, community center, or other learning space. The program is intended for participants to gain proficiency in maker-based learning activities or projects, including the development of curricula and assessments meeting common standards in STEM subjects. Participants will also explore how maker-centered projects can be leveraged as a vehicle for meaningful, discovery-based learning in mathematics, science, computer science, as well as integrated STEM/STEAM curricula.
This program is offered in a hybrid format or 100% online, and is available to students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs at Rutgers University as well as to those who hold a bachelor’s degree. After completing all of the required courses in the program, students will receive a Division of Continuing Studies certificate endorsed by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. This program does not include coursework leading to a New Jersey school personnel license.
For more information about this program:
Program Details
Application Deadline
Aug 15
Entry Term(s)
Fall
Program Level
Non-degree
Program Type
Certificate
Format
Hybrid or 100% Online
Credits
15
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What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the Maker Education certificate program at the GSE will learn how to design and support maker-centered learning experiences for all students. Guided by readings, online videos, and instructor facilitation, they will gain hands-on experience designing and safely fabricating in 2D and 3D with makerspace tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers, and will be trained on how to supervise and assess safety using maker equipment and tools aligned to OSHA regulations. Enrolled candidates will also become comfortable creating new products with electronics, textiles, and coding/Arduino.
Moreover, in alignment with the GSE’s mission, students will learn how to connect to the maker community, and how to create equitable maker-centered learning opportunities for all learners. They will receive valuable practice writing curricula and promoting pedagogical practices supporting the norms and practices of the maker community, as well as develop assessments that best evaluate the academic, professional, and personal gains made through maker-centered learning experiences, and that are aligned with common standards and rubrics in STEM education.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
15 Graduate Course Credits
- 3 Credits – Introduction to Design Thinking
- 3 Credits – Developing a Maker Mindset
- 3 Credits – Makerspace Safety and Emergency Lab
- 3 Credits – Designing/Facilitating Maker-Centered Learning Environments
- 3 Credits – Maker Education Capstone
Students are expected to maintain a “B” or better average as a non-degree student. Accepted students will have 5 years to complete the program. After completing all of the required courses in the program, students should contact the Office of Academic Services at the GSE. Students will receive official documentation of their completion, endorsed by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.
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Careers and Outcomes
Earning a graduate certificate at the GSE allows candidates to advance their understanding of, and gain practical skills pertaining to, makerspace education. Maker-based learning activities are project-based and provide an engaging enrichment experience that can serve as an anecdote to student disengagement in an era of online learning. Solving real world problems that are sustainable requires creative and multidisciplinary thinking modeled in the maker-centered approach to learning. Many schools have a 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.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement: approximately 1-page in length that describes why the program is relevant to the applicant’s interests for career goals
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts
Applicants are responsible for reviewing and confirming that they meet all requirements before the application is submitted. Rutgers Graduate School of Education will not refund the application fee if an applicant is not accepted.
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How to Apply
Current Rutgers University Students:
All applicants who are currently enrolled in a program at Rutgers University and wish to begin the certificate program while continuing their current program should contact the GSE Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) at academic.services@gse.rutgers.edu.
Non-Rutgers University Students:
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us
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Tuition
Tuition:
Click here for the New Brunswick Graduate tuition rates.