To participate in the STEM Academy, high school students must have a 3.0 overall GPA, be recommended by their school guidance counselor, and submit a letter of recommendation from their science, mathematics, or technology teacher.
First-time STEM Academy students will apply through the application process facilitated by IUP's Office of Admissions and participate in the required orientation to learn about IUP policies, opportunities on campus, and to take placement exams in Math and English.
Students must provide their own transportation to and from IUP.
Tuition and Fees
Participation in STEM Academy will translate into significant savings on the total cost of a college degree. Dual-enrollment students receive 75 percent off the regular IUP tuition rate. Additional scholarships for STEM Academy can add to the savings.
Dual-Enrollment Tuition Information
Scholarships
A limited number of program founding scholarships will be available to eligible applicants. These tuition, travel, and book scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit to students not eligible for tuition waivers. There is no separate scholarship application and students will be considered for STEM Founding Scholarships based on their completed application materials.
STEM Academy Requirements
STEM Academy students will be expected to complete four courses from the STEM course list (see below). These courses, offered by the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, may be taken on-site (Indiana, Northpointe, and Punxsutawney campuses) or online.
We encourage students to use the Exploration Areas (below) in selecting their courses. All course selections must be approved by the STEM Academy advisor prior to registration. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in STEM courses or students must obtain permission to continue in the Academy.
Following successful completion of a minimum of 12Kopchick College STEM Academy credits, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. The completed courses will be put on an IUP transcript but could be transferred to other colleges or universities if the student so chooses.
STEM Academy Course List
IUP Undergraduate Catalog (course descriptions)
Biology
- BIOL 103 - Life on Earth
- BIOL 104 - Human Biology: How the Human Body Works
- BIOL 106 - Human Genetics and Health
- BIOL 107 - Introduction to Forensic Biology
- BIOL 115 - Biotic Diversity of North America
- BIOL 117 - Understanding HIV Biology and Aids
- BIOL 118 - The History of Pain
- BIOL 119 - Emerging Diseases
- BIOL 150 - Human Anatomy*
- BIOL 200 - Medical Terminology
- BIOL 201 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution*
Chemistry
- CHEM 101 - College Chemistry I*
- CHEM 102 - College Chemistry II*
- CHEM 105 - The Forensic Chemistry of CSI
- CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I*
- CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II*
- CHEM 113 - Advanced General Chemistry I*
- CHEM 114 - Advanced General Chemistry II*
Computer Science
- COSC 105 - Fundamentals of Computer Science
- COSC 110 - Problem Solving and Structured Programming
- COSC 210 - Object Oriented and GUI Programming*
Geoscience
- GEOS 101 - The Dynamic Earth
- GEOS 102 - The Dynamic Earth Lab
- GEOS 103 - Oceans and Atmospheres
- GEOS 104 - Oceans and Atmospheres Lab
- GEOS 105 - Exploring the Universe
- GEOS 106 - Exploring the Universe Lab
- GEOS 111 - Earth and Environmental Systems*
- GEOS 119 - Geology of Energy Resources
- GEOS 150 - Geology of National Parks
- GEOS 152 - Physical Resources of the Earth
- GEOS 154 - Human Exploration of Space
- GEOS 155 - Geology of Climate Change
- GEOS 156 - Geology of Natural Disasters
- GEOS 201 - Foundations of Geology*
Mathematics
- MATH 110 - Elementary Functions
- MATH 121 - Calculus I for Natural and Social Sciences
- MATH 122 - Calculus II for Natural and Social Sciences
- MATH 125 - Calculus I/Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- MATH 216 - Probability and Statistics for Natural Sciences*
- MATH 217 - Probability and Statistics
Physics
- PHYS 101 - Energy and Our Environment
- PHYS 105 - The Physics of Light and Sound*
- PHYS 111 - Physics I Lecture*
- PHYS 112 - Physics II Lecture*
- PHYS 121 - Physics I Lab*
- PHYS 122 - Physics II Lab*
- PHYS 131 - Physics I-C Lecture* (requires Calculus)
- PHYS 151 - Medical Physics Lecture
Psychology
- PSYC 101 - General Psychology
- PSYC 310 - Developmental Psychology
Science
- SCI 105 - Physical Science I
- SCI 107 - Chemistry for Everyone
- SCI 117 - Chemistry for Everyone Laboratory
*May be designated for a specific major
Math placement required
STEM Academy Exploration Areas
Below are course recommendations that may be used as a guide for students who would like to explore a specific area of study:
Cyber Security and Forensics
- BIOL 107
- CHEM 105
- COSC 105, 110, 210
- MATH 110, 121, 125
Engineering and Physics
- CHEM 111, 112
- COSC 110
- MATH 110, 125
- PHYS 111/112, 112/122
- SCI 105
Environmental Studies
- BIOL 103, 115, 201
- GEOS 101/102, 103/104, 150, 152, 155, 201
- MATH 217
Health Professions
- BIOL 104, 106, 117, 118, 119, 150, 200
- CHEM 101, 102, 111, 112
- MATH 217
- PSYC 101, 310
- PHYS 151
Co-Curricular Sessions
On-campus STEM Academy students will have access to supplemental instruction (co-curricular) sessions, faculty, and peer mentoring, and will be encouraged to participate in the following programs offered at IUP during the academic year.
Science Inspires Series
The Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the IUP Sigma Xi Honors Society offer a series of lectures featuring research programs, Kopchick College faculty and prominent speakers discussing topics interdisciplinary in nature of interest to faculty and students from a variety of academic fields and to the general public.
Women in Mathematics Science and Technology
In early April, the Kopchick College hosts a special program featuring the accomplishments of women scientists. IUP faculty and women students present their research projects and compete for awards. A special feature of this program is specifically designed for area high school students.
Undergraduate Summer Opportunity for Applying Research
STEM Academy participants will be invited to participate in selected activities of the U-SOAR Program offered in July and August. This is an opportunity to prepare for conducting scientific research under the mentorship of a faculty member.
IUP Scholars Forum
In early April, the university hosts a series of events featuring original research and scholarship generated at IUP.
Independent Research
Upon completion of two STEM Academy classes with a 3.0 GPA, students will become eligible to apply for participation in independent research projects. Kopchick College faculty will serve as supervisors of research projects; students will be expected to present the results of their work at appropriate professional events. This is an opportunity to prepare for conducting scientific research under the mentorship of a faculty member.
For more information, please email dean-cnsm@iup.edu or call 724-357-2609.