About Our Secondary Education in Science Programs
Our Secondary Education in Science programs prepare highly qualified teachers who combine deep content knowledge with effective pedagogical skills. Students develop expertise in chemistry, physics, or both disciplines while mastering the art and science of teaching at the secondary level.
These programs provide comprehensive preparation in scientific content, laboratory techniques, and educational theory. Graduates are equipped to inspire the next generation of scientists while meeting the growing demand for qualified science teachers in secondary schools nationwide.
Scientific Expertise
Master fundamental principles and advanced concepts in chemistry, physics, and laboratory techniques essential for effective science teaching
Pedagogical Excellence
Learn evidence-based teaching methods, classroom management, and educational psychology specifically for science education
Laboratory Leadership
Gain extensive hands-on experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments that engage and educate students
Why Teach Science?
Science teachers are in high demand nationwide, with excellent job security and the opportunity to inspire future scientists, engineers, and informed citizens. Our programs prepare you to teach chemistry, physics, or both at the middle and high school levels.
Teaching Positions
- High School Chemistry Teacher
- High School Physics Teacher
- Middle School Science Teacher
- AP Chemistry/Physics Instructor
- IB Science Program Teacher
- Private School Science Faculty
Educational Leadership
- Science Department Chair
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Science Instructional Coach
- STEM Program Director
- Assistant Principal
- Principal
Extended Opportunities
- Educational Consultant
- Science Textbook Author
- Museum Science Educator
- Science Camp Director
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Science Competition Coach
Degree Programs
Our Secondary Education in Science programs combine rigorous scientific training with comprehensive educational preparation. Students complete extensive coursework in their chosen science discipline(s) plus professional education courses and student teaching.
All programs meet state certification requirements and prepare graduates to pass the Praxis II examinations required for teaching licensure. Students gain real classroom experience through field observations and a full semester of student teaching.
Secondary Education Chemistry, B.A.
This program combines strong chemistry content knowledge with pedagogical training to prepare highly qualified chemistry teachers for secondary schools.
Education Course Requirements (24 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with exceptionalities. Emphasis will be placed on the educational programs, problems and needs, laws, and the skills for assessment, observation, and recording the behavior of the special student. Practicum is required.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This seminar addresses issues and trends in behavior management. Includes a range of theoretical approaches and practical applications for diverse K–12 populations. Students will complete a behavior management project and practicum.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): EDE 101
Focuses on tests as instruments of cognitive and diagnostic measurement. Covers historical and modern educational research methods (quantitative and basic qualitative), including the use of technology in testing.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This 15-week practicum provides secondary field experience under supervision. Students must pass Praxis II: PLT and content exams before enrolling. Emphasis is on demonstrating mastery of INTASC competencies.
CREDIT: 15 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Area of Concentration
Introductory course in chemistry covering mole concept, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibria, kinetics, and redox reactions.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score 20 or CHE 104 with a grade of C
Corequisite(s): CHE 117, MAT 103 or MAT 104 or MAT 221
Continuation of CHE 115. Topics include thermodynamics, chemical bonding, equilibria, kinetics, and more. Offered with lab.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 115 with grade of C
Corequisite(s): MAT 104 or MAT 221 and CHE 118
Lab course reinforcing concepts from CHE 115. Includes one three-hour lab per week.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): CHE 115
Lab course reinforcing concepts from CHE 116. Includes one three-hour lab per week.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): CHE 116
Prepares students for physics with a focus on vectors, forces, energy, calculus concepts, and coordinate systems. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 103
Corequisite(s): MAT 104
Calculus-based physics covering Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gravitation. Includes lab. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 or PHY 111
Continuation of PHY 223 covering Oscillations, Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism. Includes lab. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 222 and PHY 223
Focuses on Thermodynamics, Optics, and Quantum Physics using algebra and calculus. Includes lab. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 224
Study of real numbers, functions, limits, continuity, and differentiation. Includes applications of derivatives and definite integrals. Offered every semester.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 104 or MAT 105 with a minimum grade of “C.”
Explores the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, volumes, arc lengths, transcendental functions, integration techniques, sequences, and series. Offered every semester.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 with minimum grade of “C.”
Secondary Education Physics, B.A.
This program combines comprehensive physics knowledge with educational expertise to prepare qualified physics teachers for secondary schools.
Education Course Requirements (24 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with exceptionalities. Emphasis will be placed on the educational programs, problems and needs, laws, and the skills for assessment, observation, and recording the behavior of the special student. Practicum is required.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This seminar addresses issues and trends in behavior management. Includes a range of theoretical approaches and practical applications for diverse K–12 populations. Students will complete a behavior management project and practicum.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): EDE 101
Focuses on tests as instruments of cognitive and diagnostic measurement. Covers historical and modern educational research methods (quantitative and basic qualitative), including the use of technology in testing.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This 15-week practicum provides secondary field experience under supervision. Students must pass Praxis II: PLT and content exams before enrolling. Emphasis is on demonstrating mastery of INTASC competencies.
CREDIT: 15 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Area of Concentration - Physics (29 Credit Hours)
Introductory course in chemistry covering mole concept, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibria, kinetics, and redox reactions.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score 20 or CHE 104 with a grade of C
Corequisite(s): CHE 117, MAT 103 or MAT 104 or MAT 221
Continuation of CHE 115. Topics include thermodynamics, chemical bonding, equilibria, kinetics, and more. Offered with lab.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 115 with grade of C
Corequisite(s): MAT 104 or MAT 221 and CHE 118
Lab course reinforcing concepts from CHE 115. Includes one three-hour lab per week.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): CHE 115
Lab course reinforcing concepts from CHE 116. Includes one three-hour lab per week.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): CHE 116
Prepares students for physics with a focus on vectors, forces, energy, calculus concepts, and coordinate systems. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 103
Corequisite(s): MAT 104
Calculus-based physics covering Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gravitation. Includes lab. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 or PHY 111
Continuation of PHY 223 covering Oscillations, Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism. Includes lab. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 222 and PHY 223
Focuses on Thermodynamics, Optics, and Quantum Physics using algebra and calculus. Includes lab. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 224
Study of real numbers, functions, limits, continuity, and differentiation. Includes applications of derivatives and definite integrals. Offered every semester.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 104 or MAT 105 with a minimum grade of “C.”
Explores the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, volumes, arc lengths, transcendental functions, integration techniques, sequences, and series. Offered every semester.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 with minimum grade of “C.”
Secondary Education in Physics & Chemistry
Students who want to receive a degree in Secondary Education in Physics & Chemistry are required to take additional courses beyond the standard Physics education program.
Additional Requirements for Dual Certification (4 Credit Hours)
In addition to completing the full Secondary Education Physics program (53 credit hours total), students pursuing dual certification must take:
These courses provide an introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. Organic structures and functional groups, stereochemistry and conformational analysis, kinetics, important organic reactions and their mechanisms and their use in organic synthesis are discussed. Offered each semester. Three hours of lecture per week.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 116 with C or better grade
This is an introductory laboratory course that includes techniques and methods used in synthesis, separation, and purification. IR spectroscopy, thin-layer and column and gas chromatography methods are studied. Offered each semester.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): CHE 225
Inspire the Next Generation of Scientists
Join a program that combines rigorous scientific training with proven teaching methods. Become the science teacher who sparks curiosity, fosters discovery, and prepares students for careers in STEM fields.