CS-STEM Teacher Program FAQs

Answer: The difference is whether the student begins the CS-STEM program as an undergraduate STEM major or as a graduate student in the PLU Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program.

CS-STEM Scholars apply to the program in their junior year at PLU and receive 2 years of financial support through the program. They are CS-STEM Scholars during their senior year at PLU and then continue to the PLU MAE program to earn teaching certification.

CS-STEM Teacher Candidates apply to the CS-STEM program when they apply to the PLU MAE program and receive 1 year of financial support. CS-STEM Teacher Candidates may have earned their Bachelor’s degree at PLU or at a different institution.

Answer: The Master of Arts in Education program prepares you with a strong theoretical foundation and real classroom experience. Our intense coursework and schedule provide you with rigorous preparation to gain the skills to become an effective teacher and educator.

The MAE Program at PLU is a 1 year program that utilizes a cohort model. The faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring each student in the program develops the skills to become an effective teacher and role model. Students get 800+ hours in field placements during the 1 year program.

Visit the Master of Arts in Education homepage for more information.

Answer: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Although STEM includes a variety of disciplines, the STEM majors offered at PLU that qualify for the Noyce Program are:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Science
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Education
• Physics

Answer: There are separate applications for CS-STEM Scholars and CS-STEM Teacher Candidates.

Application Steps for CS-STEM Teacher Candidates:

1. Apply to the PLU MAE program.
2. Submit a brief essay as part of the CS-STEM Teacher Candidate application form by March 3, 2025.
3. Candidates will have an interview.
4. More information can be found on the CS-STEM Teacher Candidate page.

Application Steps for CS-STEM Scholars:

1. Apply to the PLU CS-STEM Scholars program using the CS-STEM Scholar application form by March 3, 2025.
2. Candidates will submit a brief essay and their resume.
3. Candidates will have two letters of recommendation submitted by their letter writers.
4. Candidates will have an interview.
5. More information can be found on the CS-STEM Scholars page.

Answer: Yes. However, the total amount of scholarships and financial aid that you can receive cannot exceed your financial need, defined as the Cost of Attendance (COA) for an institution.

Answer: Participation in the CS-STEM Scholars Program will provide the following benefits:

• participation in Equity Seminars as part of a cohort
• financial and tutorial support for the WEST-B, NES, and EdTPA
• advising and mentorship
• induction support during the first year of teaching

Answer: For each year of financial support you receive through this program, you are required to teach for 2 years in a high-need school district. Both CS-STEM Scholars and CS-STEM Teacher Candidates are required to complete the MAE program at PLU.

CS-STEM Scholars are required to:

• Participate in Equity Seminars while in school
• Earn a Bachelors Degree in a STEM field
• Apply to and attend the PLU Master of Arts in Education program
• Earn a Masters Degree through the PLU MAE program with a science or math endorsement
• Teach science or mathematics for 4 years in middle school or high school in a high need school district
• Participate in a CS-STEM Induction program during their first year of teaching semester

CS-STEM Teacher Candidates are required to:

• Have earned a Bachelors Degree in a STEM field
• Participate in Equity Seminars while in the MAE program school
• Earn a Masters Degree through the PLU MAE program with a science or math endorsement
• Teach science or mathematics for 2 years in middle school or high school in a high need school district
• Participate in a CS-STEM Induction program during their first year of teaching semester