Science Teacher Licensure

Science Teacher Licensure

Students who are interested in a major to be a licensed science teacher in grades 4-12 have the following major program options:

  • Biology Major (Life Science and General Science Education)
  • Chemistry Major (Chemistry and General Science Education)
  • Geology Major (earth and Space Science and General Science Education)
  • Physics Major (physics and General Science Education)

Each program encompasses a science core of classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. In addition, each program also includes a rigorous study of a specific science discipline, between 33-36 credits and professional education courses. All four major options lead to a teacher license in general science, grades 4-12.

Biology Major

Biology Major (Life Science and General Science Education)
Teacher License: General Science, Grades 4-12

General Science Education Core

  • BIOL 160 General Biology Freshman Research Focus (4)

Select one biology core course from the following:

  • BIOL 240 Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
    OR
  • BIOL 103 Biological Evolution (3 cr)
     
  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry 1 (4)
  • CHEM 116 General Chemistry Lab 1 (1)
  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry 2 (4)
  • CHEM 117 General Chemistry Lab 2 (1)
  • ESM 302 Environmental Education Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 102 Introductory Geology Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 150 Geological Perspectives of Global Change (3 cr)
  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
  • PHYS 117 Astronomy (3 cr)

Select one of the following Physics sequences:

  • PHYS 131 Calculus-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 132 Calculus-based Physics II (5 cr)
    OR
  • PHYS 121 Algebra-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 122 Algebra-based Physics II (5 cr)

Biology Core

  • BIOL 103 Biological Evolution (3)
  • BIOL 210 General Botany (3 cr)
  • BIOL 230 General Zoology (3 cr)
  • BIOL 350 Genetics (3 cr)
  • BIOL 360 Ecology (3 cr)

Advanced Biology Electives (Choose 14 credits from the following:)

  • BIOL 195 Freshman Research Experiences (3) 
  • BIOL 243 Introduction to Biol. Greek-Latin (2) 
  • BIOL 295 Lab Research Experience (2) 
  • BIOL 296 Field Research Experience (2) 
  • BIOL 305 App. in Molecular Biology (3) 
  • BIOL 307 Human Heredity (2) 
  • BIOL 310 Identification of Plants (3) 
  • BIOL 314 Plant Pathology (3) 
  • BIOL 324 Microbiology (4) 
  • BIOL 333 Entomology (3) 
  • BIOL 341 Anatomy & Physiology I (4) 
  • BIOL 342 Anatomy & Physiology II (4) 
  • BIOL 344 Wildlife Biology (4) 
  • BIOL 345 Immunology (3) 
  • BIOL 351 Epigenetics (3) 
  • BIOL 353 Histology (4) 
  • BIOL 354 Freshwater Biology () 
  • BIOL 364 Developmental Biology (3) 
  • BIOL 365 Cancer Biology (3) 
  • BIOL 434 Ichthyology (3) 
  • BIOL 444 Ornithology (3) 
  • BIOL 451 Molecular Biology (4) 
  • BIOL 453 Virology (3) 
  • BIOL 471 Laboratory Experiences (1) 
  • BIOL 499 Independent Study (1-3)

Required Supporting Coursework

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3)
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)
  • MATH 166 Calculus for Science and Math (4)

Professional Education Required Courses

Education Foundations 

  • TED 100 - Introduction to Teaching (3 cr)
  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)
  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • SPED 330 - Introduction to Special Education (3 cr)

High School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester

  • TED 434 Methods for Teaching High School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 462 Content Area Literacy in Middle and Secondary School Science Education (3 cr)

Middle School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester. 

  • TED 439 Methods for Teaching Middle School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 459 Applied Supports for Diverse Learners in Science (3 cr)

Student Teaching

  • TED 421 - Student Teaching Seminar (2 cr)
  • TED 472 - Student Teaching - Initial (10 cr)

Suggested course options for general education/university requirements program which apply to the major:

American Diversity

  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)

Global Perspective 

  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 2 Social and Behavioral Science

  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 3 Mathematics (select one of the following)

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3) OR
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)

Goal 5 Ethical Citizenship

  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
Chemistry Major

Chemistry Major (Chemistry and General Science Education)
Teacher License: General Science, Grades 4-12

Science Education Core

  • BIOL 160 General Biology Freshman Research Focus (4)
  • Select one of the following biology courses:
    • BIOL 240 Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
      OR
    • BIOL 103 Biological Evolution (3)
  • ESM 302 Environmental Education Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 102 Introductory Geology Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 150 Geological Perspectives of Global Change (3 cr)
  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
  • PHYS 117 Astronomy (3 cr)
  • Select one of the following physics sequences:
    • PHYS 131 Calculus-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 132 Calculus-based Physics II (5 cr)
      OR
    • PHYS 121 Algebra-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 122 Algebra-based Physics II (5 cr)

Chemistry Core

  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry 1 (4 cr)
  • CHEM 116 General Chemistry Lab 1 (1 cr)
  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry 2 (4 cr)
  • CHEM 117 General Chemistry Lab 2 (1 cr)
  • CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
  • CHEM 236 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1 cr)
  • CHEM 232 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry Lab II (1 cr)
  • CHEM 250 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (4 cr)
  • Select one of the following courses:
    • CHEM 361 Biochemistry I (3)
      OR
    • CHEM 360 Foundations of Biochemistry (4 cr)
  • Select one of the following courses:
    • CHEM 340 Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems (3)
      OR
    • CHEM 341Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 342 Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy (3 cr)
  • CHEM 322 Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHEM 261 Laboratory Safety (2 cr)
  • Select one of the following laboratory chemistry courses
    • CHEM 325 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 345 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 355 Separation Science Laboratory (1 cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 356 Chemical Instrumentation Lab (1 cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 366 Biochemistry Laboratory (1 cr)
      OR
    • CHEM 495 Undergraduate Research (1 cr)

Required Supporting Coursework

  • MATH 166 Calculus I (4)

Professional Education Required Courses

Education Foundations 

  • TED 100 - Introduction to Teaching (3 cr)
  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)
  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • SPED 330 - Introduction to Special Education (3 cr)

High School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester

  • TED 434 Methods for Teaching High School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 462 Content Area Literacy in Middle and Secondary School Science Education (3 cr)

Middle School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester. 

  • TED 439 Methods for Teaching Middle School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 459 Applied Supports for Diverse Learners in Science (3 cr)

Student Teaching

  • TED 421 - Student Teaching Seminar (2 cr)
  • TED 472 - Student Teaching - Initial (10 cr)

Suggested course options for general education/university requirements program which apply to the major:

American Diversity

  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)

Global Perspective 

  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 2 Social and Behavioral Science

  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 3 Mathematics (select one of the following)

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3)
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)
  • MATH 166 Calculus I (4)

Goal 5 Ethical Citizenship

  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
Physics Major

Physics Major (Physics and General Science Education) Teacher License: General Science, Grades 4-12

General Science Education Core

  • BIOL 160 General Biology Freshman Research Focus (4)
  • Select one of the following biology courses:
    • BIOL 240 Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
      OR
    • BIOL 103 Biological Evolution (3)
  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry 1 (4)
  • CHEM 116 General Chemistry Lab 1 (1)
  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry 2 (4)
  • CHEM 117 General Chemistry Lab 2 (1)
  • ESM 302 Environmental Education Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 102 Introductory Geology Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 150 Geological Perspectives of Global Change (3 cr)
  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
  • PHYS 117 Astronomy (3 cr)

Physics Core

  • Note: PHYS 204 should be taken concurrently with PHYS 362. 
  • PHYS 211 or CSIS 162 is recommended for PHYS 362 but not required.
  • PHYS 131 (5 cr) Calculus Based Physics I
  • PHYS 132 (5 cr) Calculus Based Physics II
  • PHYS 204 (1 cr) Intermediate Physics Laboratory
  • PHYS 264 (4 cr) Modern Physics
  • PHYS 311 (4 cr) Electronics: Circuits and Devices
  • PHYS 301 (3 cr) Advanced Physics Laboratory (I)
  • PHYS 362 (3 cr) Mathematics of Physics and Engineering

Choose one course from the following:

  • PHYS 250 Statics (3 cr)
  • PHYS 312 Linear Integrated Circuits (4 cr) or PHYS 313 Digital Electronics (4 cr)
  • PHYS 318 Astrophysic (3 cr)
  • PHYS 324 Acoustics (3 cr)
  • PHYS 331 Curriculum Physics (3 cr)
  • PHYS 415 Thermodynamics (3 cr)
  • PHYS 420 Optics (4 cr)
  • PHYS 441 Classical Mechanics (4 cr)
  • PHYS 442 Electricity & Magnetism (4 cr)
  • PHYS 465 Quantum Mechanics (4 cr)

Required Supporting Coursework

  • MATH 166 Calculus I (4 cr)
  • MATH 167 Calculus II (4 cr)
  • PHYS 361 (3 cr) or MATH 268 (4 cr)
  • MATH 331 Differential Equations (3 cr)

Professional Education Required Courses
Education Foundations 

  • TED 100 - Introduction to Teaching (3 cr)
  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)
  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • SPED 330 - Introduction to Special Education (3 cr)

High School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester

  • TED 434 Methods for Teaching High School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 462 Content Area Literacy in Middle and Secondary School Science Education (3 cr)

    Middle School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester. 
  • TED 439 Methods for Teaching Middle School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 459 Applied Supports for Diverse Learners in Science (3 cr)

Student Teaching

  • TED 421 - Student Teaching Seminar (2 cr)
  • TED 472 - Student Teaching - Initial (10 cr)

Suggested course options for general education/university requirements program which apply to the major:
American Diversity

  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)

Global Perspective 

  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 2 Social and Behavioral Science

  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 3 Mathematics (select one of the following)

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3)
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)
  • MATH 166 Calculus for Science and Math (4)

Goal 5 Ethical Citizenship

  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)
Geology Major

Geology Major (Earth and Space Science and General Science Education)
Teacher License: General Science, Grades 4-12

General Science Education Core

  • BIOL 160 General Biology Freshman Research Focus (4)
  • Select one of the following biology courses:
    • BIOL 240 Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
      OR
    • BIOL 103 Biological Evolution (3)
  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry 1 (4 cr)
  • CHEM 116 General Chemistry Lab 1 (1 cr)
  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry 2 (4 cr)
  • CHEM 117 General Chemistry Lab 2 (1 cr)
  • Select one of the following physics sequences:
    • PHYS 131 Calculus-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 132 Calculus-based Physics II (5 cr)
      OR
    • PHYS 121 Algebra-based Physics I (5 cr) AND PHYS 122 Algebra-based Physics II (5 cr)

Earth and Space Core

  • PHYS 117 Astronomy (3 cr)
  • ESM 302 Environmental Education Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 101 Introduction to Geology (3 cr)
  • GEOL 102 Introductory Geology Lab (1 cr)
  • GEOL 150 Global Change (3 cr)
  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3 cr)
  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3 cr)
  • Select one of the following:
    • GEOL 305 Geology of the Planets (3 cr)
      OR
    • PHYS 318 Astrophysics (3 cr)
  • GEOL 327 Geomorphology (4 cr)
  • GEOL 330 Meteorology (3 cr) OR
  • GEOG 212 Weather and Climate (3 cr)
  • ESM 360 Hydrology and Water Quality (4 cr)

Required Regional Trip

Choose one of the following:

  • GEOL 371 Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 372 Southwest Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 373 Northwest Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 374 Lake Superior Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 375 AP Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 376 Southeast Regional Field Trip
  • GEOL 377 Northeastern Regional Geology Field Trip

Advanced Earth and Space Electives

Select three courses from the following

  • GEOL 115 Oceanography (3 cr)
  • GEOL 230 Mineralogy (4 cr)
  • GEOL 231 Petrology (4 cr)
  • GEOL 328 Geochemistry (3 cr)
  • GEOL 326 Structural Geology (4 cr)
  • GEOL 362 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4 cr)
  • GEOL 441 Geophysics (4 cr)
  • GEOL 445 Hydrogeology (3 cr)
  • GEOL 450 Paleontology (4 cr)
  • GEOL 270 Internship I (4 cr)
  • GEOL 378 Semester Abroad (6 cr)
  • GEOL 490 Independent Study (3 cr)
  • SOIL 120 Introduction to Soil Science (3 cr)
  • SOIL 250 Profile Descriptions (2 cr)
  • SOIL 350 Soil Development (2 cr)

Required Supporting Coursework

Select one of the following:

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3)
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)
  • MATH 166 Calculus for Science and Math (4)

Professional Education Required Courses

Education Foundations 

  • TED 100 - Introduction to Teaching (3 cr)
  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)
  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • SPED 330 - Introduction to Special Education (3 cr)

High School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester

  • TED 434 Methods for Teaching High School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 462 Content Area Literacy in Middle and Secondary School Science Education (3 cr)

Middle School Methods Block, all block courses must be competed in the same semester. 

  • TED 439 Methods for Teaching Middle School Science (4 cr)
  • TED 459 Applied Supports for Diverse Learners in Science (3 cr)

Student Teaching

  • TED 421 - Student Teaching Seminar (2 cr)
  • TED 472 - Student Teaching - Initial (10 cr)

Suggested course options for general education/university requirements program which apply to the major:

American Diversity

  • TED 252 - Foundations of Equity and Diversity in Education (3 cr)

Global Perspective 

  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 2 Social and Behavioral Science

  • TED 250 - Educational Psychology for Teachers (3 cr)
  • GEOL 250 Geological Destinies of Nations (3)

Goal 3 Mathematics (select one of the following)

  • MATH 147 Algebra and Trigonometry (3)
  • MATH 149 Pre-Calculus (4)
  • MATH 166 Calculus for Science and Math (4)

Goal 5 Ethical Citizenship

  • GEOL 269 Environmental Geology (3)


Related Links: