WGU Texas Supports STEM Education with Math and Science Educator Scholarships

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In its efforts to support the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educators, online, nonprofit university WGU Texas, texas.wgu.edu, has announced a new scholarship program for math and science educators.

The Mathematics and Science Educators Scholarships, each valued at up to $4,000, are designed to help aspiring and current mathematics and science educators attend the university to earn either a bachelor's or master's degree (including initial teacher certification) in mathematics or science education.

WGU Texas was created in 2011 through a partnership with accredited WGU (Western Governors University). WGU is a nationwide nonprofit university leading the way in producing K – 12 math and science educators, according to a recent study conducted by education research and consulting group Eduventures. The study, which used data collected by the U.S. Department of Education, found that in 2011, WGU was the nation's largest provider of master's degree programs in math education. In addition, WGU was the third-largest provider of master's degrees in science education and the fourth-largest provider of bachelor's degrees in math education. The university is also a top provider of bachelor's and master's degrees in science education, including biology, chemistry, physics, general science, and earth sciences.

"Helping prepare teachers to rise to the STEM challenge is in our DNA," said Dr. Mark David Milliron, WGU Texas Chancellor. "Beginning with the founding of WGU some 15 years ago, to the creation of WGU Texas in August of 2011 and on to today, we've maintained a laser focus on improving and expanding options for motivated teaching candidates to choose and succeed on STEM pathways."

WGU Texas uses a competency-based approach to learning that is ideal for working adults because it allows students to take advantage of prior education and work experience by moving quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. The approach has proved to be a great fit for working professionals who amass considerable knowledge and expertise in their field prior to earning a university degree. All programs offer flexible online study, state-of-the-art learning resources, expert faculty, and individualized mentor-guided support.

To be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must apply by April 15 and meet specific requirements, which include applying for admission in any of the following WGU Texas programs for math and science educators. The scholarship is for new WGU Texas students only.

For already-licensed teachers, the following programs are eligible: M.A. Math Education, M.S. Science Education (5-9), M.S. Science Education (Chemistry, 5-12), M.S. Science Education (Physics, 5-12), and M.S. Science Education (Geosciences, 5-12). For individuals pursuing a teaching certification, the following programs are eligible: B.A. Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12); B.A. Science (Chemistry, 5-12); B.A. Science (Physics, 5-12); B.A. Science (Biological Science, 5-12); Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Mathematics; Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Science; M.A. Teaching, Math; and M.A. Teaching, Science. For more information about the WGU Texas Mathematics and Science Educators Scholarships, please visit texas.wgu.edu/mathsciencescholarship.

About WGU Texas

WGU Texas is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to quality higher education for Texas residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, health professions including nursing, information technology, and K-12 teacher education.

Established through a partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University, WGU Texas is open to all qualified Texas residents. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) in addition to various programmatic accreditations.

The WGU Teachers College is the first exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The NCATE accrediting team extensively reviewed the entire WGU Teachers College curriculum to ensure that "candidates have the knowledge and skills to be effective in helping all students learn." NCATE is the premier specialized accrediting body for teacher preparation and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information, please visit the WGU Texas website at http://texas.wgu.edu or call Enrollment at 877-214-7011.

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Contact for media inquiries:
Jennifer Rees – Sr. Manager, PR
512-225-6636
[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7011
texas.wgu.edu

SOURCE WGU Texas