The field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) higher education research has emerged over the last several decades. The emergence of this area of research is in part due to a lower than optimal degree of success for students aiming to pursue a STEM degree and the increasing evidence that there are significant disparities in this success for minoritzed student populations. The minor program enables STEM students to pursue coursework in the education and social sciences while leveraging their disciplinary knowledge to improve teaching and learning in STEM higher education settings.
Students who complete the minor requirements are capable of designing an education research study in a STEM higher education context, identifying the appropriate theory and methodologies to conduct this study, conducting the study, and communicating their findings to the field at large. Students also learn about social and behavioral research ethics requirements and complete relevant training and certification.

