Program Overview

Introduction to the Maker Education Certificate Program

The Maker Education Certificate program is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate maker-based learning into their teaching practices. The program is offered by the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education at Rutgers University.

Program Overview

• The program can be completed in one year and one semester, starting in the fall semester.
• The program is open to all individuals with a Bachelor's degree, and there are no special qualifications or prerequisites required for admission.
• The program is designed to provide educators with the training necessary to teach and empower students to complete maker-based projects, and to assure their safety while using makerspace equipment.

Course Descriptions

The program consists of the following courses:

• Introduction to Design Thinking (3 credits): This course introduces participants to the principles of design thinking, including skills, habits of mind, and ways of thinking. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to unlock their creative potential and examine how industry leaders apply design thinking to obtain patents and protect intellectual property.
• Developing a Maker Mindset (3 credits): This course provides participants with hands-on experience designing and safely fabricating in 2D and 3D with makerspace tools, such as laser cutters and 3D printers. Participants will also learn how to connect to the maker community and create equitable maker-centered learning opportunities for all learners.
• Makerspace Safety and Emergency Lab (3 credits): This course provides participants with lessons in developing and implementing curriculum and instruction in safety, including guided practice and assessments.
• Designing and Facilitating Maker-Centered Learning Environments (3 credits): This course teaches participants how to design and support maker-centered learning experiences for all students, including setting up and supervising makerspaces to ensure safety and maximize student learning.
• Maker Educator Capstone (3 credits): This course provides participants with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the program to a specific area of content expertise and/or local learning context. Participants will design a significant maker-centered learning experience and present it to peers, colleagues, instructors, and mentors.

Program Details

• The program is approved by the state of New Jersey as an official Rutgers Certificate program.
• Credits may be transferrable to other programs at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) or those at other universities, as assessed by those programs.
• The cost of the courses aligns with the tuition structure of all courses offered by the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, with tuition for part-time students who are current NJ residents being $902.00 per credit over the school year, and $1,549 per credit for out-of-state students.
• Applications must be received by August 12, 2025.

Program Format

• The program is designed in a hybrid format, with most classes being online and one or two classes for some courses being face-to-face.
• The mostly online classes alternate between synchronous and asynchronous virtual classes, with synchronous classes being every other week and asynchronous classes being in the weeks in between.
• A kit of materials will be provided to all students early in the program, and some students may require 100% online access, which can be accommodated with access to a local makerspace.