Bachelor of Education Degree

Empower future innovators through STEM

Bachelor of Science in urban STEM education – secondary

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) shape the future — from everyday applications to groundbreaking discoveries. These fields rely on critical thinking, research, collaboration and creative problem-solving.

At Davenport University, the Bachelor of Science in Urban STEM Education – Secondary prepares you to teach and inspire the next generation of innovators in grades 6–12. With a strong emphasis on culturally responsive teaching, you’ll learn how to engage students through relevant, inclusive and equitable instruction that affirms diverse backgrounds and experiences. This approach equips you to meet students where they are — academically, socially and emotionally — to help them thrive.

What is an urban STEM education degree?

This degree was developed to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in today’s diverse secondary school environments — especially in urban areas. While the program emphasizes teaching in urban classrooms, the skills and strategies you gain are highly transferable to a range of educational settings across the country. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real-world teaching experiences and receive personalized coaching to refine your instruction using data-based feedback.

Choose your STEM focus

Davenport’s urban STEM secondary program offers two focused pathways:

Mathematics Concentration
Integrated Science Concentration

Explore the class options included in this degree

Coursework spans key STEM disciplines such as chemistry, algebra, geometry, physics, biology and literacy — all integrated through the lens of secondary instruction. You'll also gain insight into how adolescent life stages, community factors and school culture influence learning outcomes.

See Full Course List

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

18:1

Expect attentive instruction with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1

93%

Each year, 93% of our students receive a scholarship or gift aid that, unlike student loans, does not have to be repaid

20%

Davenport transfer students receive a 20% tuition discount

You'll be exposed to teaching in urban classrooms starting year one

Why earn your urban STEM education degree at Davenport?

Davenport’s College of Urban Education is committed to preparing confident, capable educators ready to lead in urban schools. You’ll gain practical experience and grow professionally through unique support systems and engagement opportunities. Additionally, you’ll receive course prep and support toward the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Eligible students receive a voucher to cover the cost of the MTTC exam. Mentoring and coaching, increasing employment opportunities and high satisfaction ratings among our partner schools build up your college experience and your future.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Ongoing mentoring and coaching

Receive 1:1 support each year as you complete 120 hours of service learning. You'll work in after-school STEM programs, summer camps, and classroom settings — getting feedback to continuously improve your teaching.

Expert faculty in secondary education

Our faculty bring decades of experience in urban school settings. They are licensed educators and leaders in STEM curriculum and culturally responsive instruction.

Flexible learning options

Earn your degree through a mix of livestream online+ courses and on-campus STEM labs at our Grand Rapids, Warren or Lansing locations.

FUSE Club leadership opportunities

Lead or support a Future Urban STEM Educators (FUSE) Club and help inspire a love of STEM among high school and middle school students.

Connections with partner schools

Our growing network of school partners provides hands-on learning experiences and employment opportunities upon graduation.

Part of a mission-driven university

Davenport is a Transformational Award Winner recognized by the American Council on Education — one of just two universities nationwide to receive this honor annually.

Get started on your Bachelor of Science in urban STEM education degree

The world needs passionate, well-prepared secondary STEM teachers. Take the first step today.

Talk to a dedicated admissions advisor

Our College of Urban Education has a dedicated admissions team to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Get started launching or advancing your career in urban education. Request more information or begin your application now.

Programs related to the bachelor in urban STEM education degree

Bachelor of Science in Urban STEM - Elementary

Master of Education in Urban Educational Leadership

Master of Education in Urban Education

Urban Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate

Urban Education Graduate Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 100 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.

Additional resources

Davenport University designs Bachelor’s Degree to tackle urban-area teacher shortage

Davenport's Bachelor of Science in urban STEM education program develops elementary and secondary teachers with deep expertise in K-12 STEM instruction and culturally responsive teaching strategies to empower them and their students intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Find your path to teaching

Urban education scholarship available for employees in partner school districts

This summer, Davenport’s College of Urban Education teamed up with Grand Rapids-based nonprofit STEM Greenhouse to host a program for 50 students to improve their proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Davenport was not only a sponsor of this program but also developed the STEM curriculum implemented in the camp.

Learn more

Program outcomes

As a Bachelor of Science in urban STEM education graduate, you’ll possess these capabilities:

Understand how to design and manage a student-centered classroom.
Demonstrate the ability to adapt and design standard aligned instruction to meet student needs, assets and interests while connecting student language, culture and experiences to learning.
Reflect on how your teaching practices impact the education of all students.
Design and analyze formative and summative assessments to inform instruction based on student progress.
Integrate instructional technology to empower your students to be creative and analytical thinkers, collaborators and good digital citizens.
Understand how to engage in intentional community partnerships and service learning beyond the school setting — supporting student interests, providing learning opportunities and encouraging college and career readiness, among others.
Apply discipline-specific training and current research on how children learn science and employ culturally responsive strategies.

Partner schools listing

We’re always connecting with fellow educators to expand our list of partner schools. These schools welcome aspiring educators like you into their classrooms, and our culturally responsive teaching strategies are generating greater engagement and performance among their students.

Current partners include Detroit Public Schools Community District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Hope Academy of West Michigan, Muskegon Heights Public School Academy and National Heritage Academies.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Sources:

Davenport University, 2024/2025 Catalog
Davenport University Financial Aid Awards, 2023/2024
IPEDS 2023-24 Data Collection, 2024 Fall Enrollment