Science Teaching (K-12)

Policies

The Earth Science Teaching, Life Science Teaching, and Physics Teaching majors require the 31 credit general core. All science teaching majors require a science emphasis that ranges from 27-35 credits of science and science teaching methods courses. In addition, the student must complete a 30-credit professional education component and the 3-credit Drug Education course. 

The University Science Teaching Program must meet specific competencies to meet professional accreditation and licensure requirements. To stay within the required degree limits of 120-credit hours, students are strongly advised to select courses within the 44-credit general education program that meet both teaching program and general education needs. It is important for the student to meet with his or her advisor to assist with program planning.

A minor is not required for any of the science teaching programs; however, to broaden one’s teaching opportunities, double majors are encouraged. For further details, the student should check with one of the science teaching advisors for an overview of available opportunities.

GPA Policy. Students obtaining a degree in science teaching must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in the sciences. Students who are not science teaching majors should consult an advisor concerning possible additional course requirements.

P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a degree in science teaching may not be taken on a P/N basis except where P/N grading is mandatory.

Chemistry 9-12 BS Teaching Policies

Program policies for the Chemistry 9-12 teaching majors are detailed in the policies and information section of the Chemistry programs.  Chemistry 9-12 majors are encouraged to meet with their Chemistry advisor to set up their plan of study early. 

Life Science Teaching Policies

Admission to Major is granted by the department.

Admission requirements are:

1. 32 earned semester hours including BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211, and CHEM 201 with a grade of “C” or better. 
2. For Life Science Teaching majors, the combined GPA for BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211, and CHEM 201 must be 2.4 or better.
3. Completed General Education Goal Area 4 (Mathematics)
4. Completed General Education Goal Area 1, Part A (English Composition)
5. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2, with a cumulative GPA in Biology courses of 2.0.

Degree Completion: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the sciences and a “C” or better in all science courses is required for graduation with a BS Life Science Teaching degree. 

SCIENCE TEACHING PROGRAMS

Required for all Science Teaching Programs unless otherwise noted.

Required General Education

• HLTH 240 Drug Education (3)

Required General Science Core (31 credits)

• AST 101 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
• BIOL 105 General Biology I (4)
• BIOL 106 General Biology II (4)
• CHEM 201 General Chemistry I (5)
• GEOL 121 Physical Geology (4)
• GEOL 310 Earth and Space Systems (3)
• PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I (4) *

* PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II (4) (PHYS 221, PHYS 222, PHYS 223, PHYS 232 and PHYS 233 may substitute. The additional credit hours will reduce the number of credits in the advanced physics courses.)

Secondary Education Course Requirements

See the Secondary 5-12 & K-12 Professional Education section of the undergraduate catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.