Department of Technology and STEM Education

CTE 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

CTE 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

CTE 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

CTE 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

CTE 431. History, Philosophy and Practices of Career and Technical Education. 3 Credits.

A study of history, growth, theory and present status of Career and Technical Education in secondary and post-secondary schools. The course focuses on principles, practices and major issues of Career and Technical Education and its relationship to individual Career and Technical service areas. This course will also cover relationships between general education and Career and Technical Education.
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.

CTE 432. Work Based Learning. 3 Credits.

A study of principles and techniques used in coordinating internships, cooperative work experiences, job shadowing, and apprenticeships for students in Career and Technical Education fields. Included is a study of labor laws, public relations programs, advisory committees, organizations, and supervision of on-the-job training, evaluation, and follow-up of student learners.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

CTE 434. Leadership in Career and Technical Student Organizations. 3 Credits.

Introduction to planning, implementing, and leading Career and Technical Student Organizations. This course is designed for advisors at the secondary and post-secondary level wishing to begin, expand, or promote Career and Technical Student Organizations.
Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.

CTE 437. Student Performance Evaluation in Career and Technical Education. 3 Credits.

An examination of methods used for a comprehensive program of assessing and evaluating student achievement. Included is a study of the need for a system of evaluation and construction of evaluative instruments to measure learner outcomes to enhance improved academic and work performance.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CTE 438. Developing and Managing Competency-Based Instructional Materials. 3 Credits.

A basic course for Career and Technical educators. The course introduces concepts supporting the development of competency-based education (CBE) curriculum materials. CBE terminology, illustrations, presentations, procedures, and resources that relate to Career and Technical Education are discussed and a CBE learning unit of instruction is developed.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CTE 490. Methods for Teaching Career & Technical Education Subjects. 3 Credits.

A concentration of teaching career and technical education subjects with a focus on trade and industry teaching subjects. Topics are designed to develop and enhance the instructional competencies for teachers in Career and Technical Education programs.
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.

CTE 492. Career and Technology Education Teaching Experience. 1-12 Credits.

Provides an online supervised teaching mentorship program to be used in place of a student teaching experience when a mentorship is allowed for satisfying the requirements of licensure. Students will observe mentor teacher(s), prepare units for delivery of content, maintain a log of activities, conduct or participate in parent/teacher conferences, observe or participate in IEP meetings, and meet with mentors and supervisors as required.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.

CTE 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

CTE 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

STEM ED 160. Integrative Physical Science for Elementary. 4 Credits.

A conceptual physical science course intended for elementary education majors. Topics include the study of the structure and properties of matter, interactions and energy, interactions and forces, interactions and systems (electricity and magnetism), and the study of waves (including light and sound). This course includes exploration of PLTW Launch Modules and other hands-on activities.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

STEM ED 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

STEM ED 306. Inquiry Based Thematic Instruction. 3 Credits.

A course that focuses on designing and implementing standards-based thematic STEM and Gifted and Talented units for the elementary classroom through scientific inquiry, mathematics concepts, and the engineering design process. Students engage in design challenges and examine developmentally appropriate engineering for children with a thematic approach. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and enhancing existing thematic STEM and Gifted and Talented curricula. A hands-on lab component is included. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 671.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 310. Design, Technology, and Engineering for Elementary. 3 Credits.

A course focused on standards-based thematic units using the engineering design process for integration into the elementary classroom. Students will complete and create transdisciplinary hands-on design challenges to promote technological literacy. A primary goal of the course is to expand the range of activities implemented in the elementary classroom, while meeting the specific needs of all learners, including Gifted and Talented students. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 670.}.
Typically Offered: Spring.

STEM ED 331. Invention and Innovation. 3 Credits.

Prepares pre-service and practicing teachers how to teach engineering design as well as concepts surrounding inventions and innovations. Students use their own creativity to solve open-ended problems using the Engineering Design Process in various labs. Several teacher units utilizing Backward Design are generated that can be implemented into classrooms. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 665.}.
Typically Offered: Summer.

STEM ED 342. Building Math. 3 Credits.

A course focused on hands-on transdisciplinary labs using project-based engineering design activities that focus on the collection and analysis of lab data to solve real world problems. Students will develop the ability to apply math knowledge and concepts to their investigations while using the engineering design process. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 680.}.
Typically Offered: Summer.

STEM ED 355. STEM Curriculum and Methods for Elementary. 3 Credits.

Foundational course for fully implementing effective elementary-level STEM Education. Reviews and explores current trends in STEM Education using standards-based education curricula. The course includes interdisciplinary methods, thematic instruction, and practical problem solving. The overlay between STEM education and Gifted Education will also be emphasized. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 655.}
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 411. STEM Curriculum and Methods. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare students to teach courses in program areas like STEM, technology and engineering education, and CTE. Students will learn standards-based instructional planning techniques, usage of the Understanding by Design template, and curriculum development. Course work will emphasize teaching methods that support student learning in a STEM and Technology Education environment. Facility planning, lab organization, and coordinating hands-on labs are also studied. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 650.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 431. Design for Engineering. 3 Credits.

Course provides students with experience in Project-Based Learning (PBL) using the Engineering Design Process (EDP). Students will examine engineering practices of analytical and physical modeling to design, build, modify, test and demonstrate. Students produce teaching materials, assessments and outlines for delivery. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 660.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 450. Engineering the Future Using Computational Thinking. 3 Credits.

This course examines the use of computational thinking in technology, or how problems and their solutions can be formulated to be effectively executed by a computing platform. Students develop the skills to break problems into smaller parts, identify patterns, focus on the relevant details of a problem, and think of solutions to problems in an algorithmic fashion. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Spring.

STEM ED 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 161. Technology, Engineering, and Design. 4 Credits.

An introductory course that examines the engineering design process and its use to solve technological challenges. The course will cover the nature of technology, technology systems, and the history, evolution, and characteristics of technology, as well as learning activities to apply technology, science, and mathematics concepts.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

TECH 165. Technology Solutions for Society. 4 Credits.

An introductory course that examines the impacts of technology and society. This course will cover concepts related to heat transfer, crop production, material properties, structural forces, and energy conservation. Working through the Engineering Design Process students will research societal problems, gather data, propose design ideas, and build practical solutions.
Typically Offered: Spring.

TECH 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 300. 3D Modeling and Design. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the principles of graphic design and 3D parametric modeling in the creation and visualization of engineering designs and drawings. Students will be able to illustrate parametric 3D part modeling, assembly, rendering, and production of working drawings from design ideas. The course includes a lab component.
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 325. Technology and Engineering I. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide technology education and STEM content expertise through examination of a myriad of ITEEAs Engineering by Design (EbD) curricular challenges. Students will use Middle and High School authentic Problem-Project Based Learning (PBL) content and lab-based activities to complete engineering design challenges selected from EbD Courses Exploring Technology, Invention and Innovation, Technological Systems, Foundations of Technology and Engineering, and Technological Design. All units of study will promote the design process, critical thinking and problem-solving through completion of embedded lab activities that support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 330. Technology and Engineering II. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide technology education and STEM content expertise through examination of a myriad of PLTWs curricular challenges. Students will use Activity and Problem Based Learning (APBL) content and lab-based activities to complete engineering design challenges selected from PLTW Gateway Units Design and Modeling, Magic of Electrons, Automation and Robotics, and Flight and Space. All units of study will promote the design process, critical thinking and problem-solving through completion of embedded lab activities that support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Spring.

TECH 356. Safety and Management in CTE. 3 Credits.

The study of safety and liability in Technology/STEM Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) workspaces. This course covers essential understandings related to legal responsibilities, controls for safety, machine safety, as well as hazard mapping and mitigation of workspaces. Students will create a safety program for their area of TEE, CTE, and/or STEM. {Also offered for graduate credit - see TECH 688.}.
Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.

TECH 371. Technology Systems. 3 Credits.

A focus on content and processes associated with technological systems. Students apply systems thinking, reverse engineering, and other related concepts in projects to better understand systems design, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The course includes a lab component.
Typically Offered: Spring.

TECH 391. Foundations of Technology. 3 Credits.

An exploration of the foundations of technology using the design process. Students learn to innovate and engineer practical solutions. The course includes a lab component.
Typically Offered: Spring.

TECH 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 416. Innovations in Energy and Power Technologies. 3 Credits.

A foundation of key concepts in energy, power, and electronics. Students develop an understanding of the science of energy and its application in technology; power plant technologies; sustainability; life cycle assessment; and analog and digital circuitry. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 421. Computer Science, Programming, and Robotics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to basic computer systems, programming, and logic. Students will learn about computer hardware and general digital functionality of major system components. Students will learn how software used to program computer systems can create new functionality within the same system or additional system components. Students will use new knowledge and understanding to read and create basic coding operations to complete a task or solve a problem in a robotic setting. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Spring.

TECH 441. Foundations of AI in Education. 3 Credits.

This course introduces preservice and in-service teachers to the foundations of artificial intelligence in education. It explores AI's role in society, its applications in K-12 teaching and learning, and the ethical, equity, and policy considerations that shape responsible use. Teachers will develop a working knowledge of AI concepts and build a framework for evaluating AI tools and for classroom integration. {Also offered for graduate credit - see TECH 641.}
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 442. AI for Personalized Learning. 3 Credits.

Focuses on the use of AI to create adaptive, student-centered learning experiences. Teachers will learn to apply AI tools for scaffolding, enrichment, and accessibility across diverse learners and content areas. {Also offered for graduate credit - see TECH 642.}
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

TECH 443. AI-Ready Classrooms: Enhancing Teaching Efficiency and Student AI Literacy. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on preparing educators to integrate AI thoughtfully into their professional workflow while preparing students to be active, critical users of AI tools. Teachers will learn practical applications of AI to streamline lesson planning, assessment, and communication while developing strategies to teach students effective prompting, critical evaluation of AI outputs, and creative collaboration with AI tools. {Also offered for graduate credit - see TECH 643.}
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

TECH 444. AI Innovation Lab for Educators. 3 Credits.

A hands-on makerspace experience where educators design, test, and evaluate AI-enhanced instructional projects. Participants collaborate to explore cross-disciplinary applications of AI, assess the effectiveness of tools, and reimagine future-ready learning environments. {Also offered for graduate credit - see TECH 644.}
Typically Offered: Summer.

TECH 456. Intelligent Machines. 3 Credits.

A focus on the structure and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and components to create an AI system and machine. Students will be required to build varied technological devices that contribute to creating artificial intelligence and machine learning. Through use of electronics, microcontrollers, sensors, and coding students will gain an understanding of digital and analog controls embedded in AI systems and machines. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 478. Technology, Society, and Sustainability. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide the student with conceptual knowledge and know-how to better assess the impact of technology on society and the environment. It will familiarize students with environmentally friendly consumer products that may lead to a more sustainable future. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Fall.

TECH 491. Senior Portfolio. 1 Credit.

A course to assist the student in developing the digital portfolio used to assess the completion of the program outcomes. The course addresses both technical application and content and allows the student to demonstrate program outcome competencies.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grading: S/U only.

TECH 497. Internship. 3-12 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted in the range of three to twelve hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

TECH 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.