Full STEAM Ahead

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m at h e m at i c s

Our STEAM Story: Columbus State University forges full STEAM ahead in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — better known as STEAM fields. Why? Because preparing students to enter careers in STEAM builds stronger, more economically competitive communities. Developing engaging STEAMbased programs is a national initiative that Columbus State has taken the lead on in education; economic development and entrepreneurship; research; health care; and arts, entertainment and tourism.

The university’s STEAM programs are designed to not only create new technologies and businesses but also strengthen those already in place throughout the region. STEAM at Columbus State also directly impacts the success of health care and industries; cultural arts; high-skill manufacturing; and other industries vital to the region’s growth and sustainability.

By investing in STEAM programs at CSU, you are contributing to the development of high-skilled, creative students, preparing them to become successful and contributing members of society on the local, state, national and international level.

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CSU-in-Mexico Program: Outreach and History.

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Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.

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STEAM in Education: The national emphasis on STEAM has created a significant impact on teacher education at Columbus State University. Innovative undergraduate programs like UTeach Columbus have created opportunities for students to explore mathematics or science teaching as careers. Providing access to such programs opens the door for students to become qualified middle and high school teachers in fields such as chemistry, biology, math, and earth and space sciences. Students are becoming better equipped to engage and inspire the 21st-century learner.

On the graduate level, CSU has implemented a cutting-edge masters program through the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation to position students to earn a teacher certification in mathematics or science. The fellowship program is bringing national recognition to CSU by attracting teacher candidates from across the country. In the university’s redesigned Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education, coursework integrates with field experiences in high-need middle and high school math and science classrooms. MAT candidates also have opportunities to participate in teaching at renowned academic enrichment centers: Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Coca-Cola Space Science Center and Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative. As a result of these efforts in both undergraduate and graduate studies, Columbus State is expanding its numbers in preparing effective mathematics and science teachers.

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STEAM in Economic Development & Entrepreneurship: Columbus is home to a diverse set of nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture that have a significant impact on the region’s economy. Many for-profit businesses in the region, along with the arts and culture assets and activities associated with CSU’s College of the Arts, have had a tremendous economic impact on the region as well. In total, arts and culture organizations in the region directly spend more than $45 million annually and generate more than $30 million in additional economic output annually.

The economic impact of CSU’s presence downtown is approximately $21.5 million, which is a significant part of the university’s overall economic impact of nearly $242 million.

The Columbus area and surrounding region are rapidly becoming known as an economic center driven by finance, information management, health care, arts, entertainment and innovative product development. Mid-sized cities like Columbus are increasingly becoming economically viable in the coming years. Entrepreneurial innovation impacted by committed local businesses and an educational community is critical for progression, and STEAM initiatives also are critical to building the entrepreneurial capacity of the region.

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CSU students building and designing for a 7better community.

Chemistry in action at CSU.

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STEAM in Research: STEAM can have a real and meaningful impact in research.

Research requires certain skills: curiosity, a deep understanding of the content area, and the ability to learn and understand material from other related disciplines. At CSU, research also demands problem identification and framing; designing experiments; developing the ability to analyze, understand and interpret the meaning of results; and knowing how to use creativity and innovative thinking to solve problems.

Additionally, undergraduate and graduate research at CSU fine-tunes communication skills that permit work with a variety of audiences; deals with uncertainty and ambiguity; incorporates critical thinking and argumentation skills; and prepares students to accomplish challenges like designing products that will appeal to consumers and perform to specifications.

Scientific research — including environmental research, mathematical research, engineering work and technological research — depends on the creativity and critical thinking of researchers in answering questions. It depends on engaging and satisfying curiosity — and in sparking the curiosity of others.

By engaging the curiosity and creativity of students, we are able to frame and solve community and global problems better.

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STEAM in Health Care: STEAM encompasses programs offered in CSU’s College of Education and Health Professions. Because of the critical role technology plays in society, it is the university’s responsibility to ensure graduates are fluent in the use of technology in its application to their professions. For example, health professionals such as nurses, trainers and coaches rely on advanced technology to support the work done on a daily basis — whether through diagnostic health assessments or maintaining patient records. Additionally, CSU’s School of Nursing houses state-of-the-art simulation equipment that allows nursing students to gain valuable experience working with patients prior to going out into clinics and hospitals for clinical practice.

The STEAM focus prepares graduates to enter their professions ready to take on the challenges of a technology-based world with the creativity and interpersonal skills necessary to be excellent team members. Whether it is preparing future educators, nurses, trainers or public health professionals, the College of Education and Health Professions is intricately involved in STEAM education.

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Human anatomy and physiology lab.

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Pottery studio in the Corn Center for the Visual Arts.

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STEAM in the Arts, Entertainment & Tourism: The arts are vital to the economic development and cultural identity of Columbus and surrounding region. From musical performances that personify the beauty of sound to visual arts and theatre productions that inspire the imagination, the arts play a prominent role throughout the region annually. Significant investments in the arts, including world-renowned performance venues and state-of-the-art production centers, have transformed downtown Columbus during the past decade. As part of this transformation, existing businesses have been strengthened and new businesses have been recruited.

Through investments in the arts, new entertainment and tourism opportunities have developed, and the quality of life in Columbus and beyond has experienced significant improvements. Therefore, CSU has positioned itself better to attract the best and brightest young minds from across the globe.

These young minds arrive at CSU immersed in the technology of the 21st century and the dynamic, mobile culture we live in.

As they pursue degrees in business, communication, research sciences, health sciences and more, they are preparing to lead the next great phase of progress for the region, state and beyond.

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Artistic expression happening at CSU’s cultural site, Pasaquan.

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Learn more about STEAM developments and investment opportunities by contacting CSU’s Office of Development.

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