Science and Mathematics Education
Details about the Science and Mathematics Education Department
The Science and Mathematics Education department offers four academic programs to students interested in Science and Math education. Through this department's work on numerous projects aimed at supporting science, mathematics, computer science, and STEM education throughout Washington State and nationwide, this program provides students with the opportunity to develop contemporary skills in science and math teaching that are consistent with state and national science standards. The department promotes students' understanding of scientific concepts relevant to both the individual and to society, as well as to foster an appreciation of scientific inquiry. Science and Math Education students obtain a broad education covering a wide variety of content disciplines to best prepare them for their future careers.
The department utilizes a constructivist teaching philosophy, curriculum, and facilities to support a rich education experience with small class sizes, hands-on experience, regular interaction with expert faculty, and opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate research. Through cooperative partnerships with local and state organizations, the Science and Mathematics Education department provides opportunities for undergraduate students to develop practical teaching skills in real classrooms. The department also participates in ongoing science education reform efforts based on state and national science standards.
"My experiences at CWU made me want to become a teacher" - Jeff Charbonneau, 2013 National Teacher of the Year
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Why Study Science and/or Mathematics Education at CWU?
- This program graduates candidates that enjoy fulfilling careers with abundant employment opportunities. Science and Mathematics teachers are in high demand in Washington and across the country.
- Students can make a difference through field experience in real classrooms—starting from day one of the program.
- Central has small class sizes that allow for personal connections with faculty and amazing opportunities for experience in research, teaching, networking, and collaboration with P-12 teachers.
- The department houses a supportive community of future educators, including an active Teach STEM club that meets biweekly.
- The department is home to award-winning faculty in Science and Mathematics education, such as June 2012 Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction winner, Anne Egger; 2009 WA Science Teacher of the Year, Martha Kurtz; and 2005 WA Professor of the Year and 2025 Faculty Innovator of the Year, Bruce Palmquist, and 2025 Faculty Sustainability Award, Emiliy Hancock.
- This program prepares great teachers. The 2013 National Teacher of the Year graduated from CWU's Science Education program.
- Graduates can take part in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program or the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, where eligible teachers may qualify for loan forgiveness.
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Scholarships and Funding
Science Education Scholarships
Elliot Family Scholarship
- Secondary or Middle Level Science Teaching Majors
- $1000 or more
- Due March 1
- Requires an essay
- For more information: Elliott Family Scholarship
Howard Family Scholarship
- Secondary or Middle Level Science Teaching Majors
- $1000 or more
- Due March 1
- Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Requires an essay, 3 recommendations, and transcripts
- For more information: Howard Family Scholarship
Washington State Scholarships
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
- Secondary or Middle Level Science Teaching Majors
- $2500 or more
- Due February 24
- Must demonstrate financial need
- For more information: WA Opportunity Scholarship
National Scholarships
TEACH Grant
- Up to $4000 per year
- Must teach in a low-income school for 4 years after graduation
- Apply through financial aid office
- For more information: TEACH Grant
AFCEA Educational Foundation STEM Teaching Scholarship
- Up to $5000
- Due April 1
- For more information: STEM Teaching Scholarship
Physics Teaching Scholarship (Barbara Lotze Scholarship for future teachers)
- Up to $2000
- Due December 1
- Must be studying to become a physics teacher
- For more information: programs and grants
Paid Summer Research Programs
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Program at Department of Energy National Laboratories
- 10-week paid (at some labs) summer research program
- Due January 9
- You can study in the Washington State at the Pacific Northwest National Library
- For more information: science energy
Physics Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Washington Bothell
- 8-week program with a stipend of $5,600 and up to $600 for travel fees
- Due March 8
- Must complete introductory physics sequence
- For more information: University of Washington REU
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program in Mathematics at Oregon State University
- 7-week program
- Due February 14
- Participants receive a $3600 stipend, a $750 travel allowance, and a $1500 campus housing and subsistence allowance
- For more information: OSU REU
Loan Forgiveness
Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
- Forgives up to $17,500 in loans after 5 years of teaching
- Must be teaching at a low-income (Title 1) school
- For more information: Student aid forgiveness.
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Advising
One of the things that makes our department unique is that our advisor, Sam Ludlow, is located within Discovery 301. This gives you more convenient access to get your questions answered in a timely manner. Stop by and meet Sam or contact her at Samantha.Ludlow@cwu.edu.
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