COURSE CURRICULUM

Concentrations within the science education major allow students to specialize in a particular scientific field while also developing the teaching skills needed for secondary education. By choosing a concentration, students gain deeper subject knowledge, targeted training, and hands-on classroom experience that aligns with their career goals. This focused approach also helps students connect with mentors and practical opportunities before graduating, strengthening their readiness for teaching careers or further study.The Biology Education concentration provides a broad foundation in sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, followed by advanced coursework in biology and education. Students develop strong knowledge in life sciences and complete a semester of student teaching at the middle or high school level, preparing them to teach biology effectively.The Chemistry Education concentration follows a similar structure, beginning with foundational science courses and progressing to advanced chemistry and education classes. Students gain in-depth knowledge of chemical principles and teaching methods, culminating in a student teaching experience that prepares them for classroom instruction in chemistry.The Geology Education concentration focuses on earth sciences, combining general science coursework with upper-division geology and education classes. Students learn about earth systems, geology concepts, and teaching strategies, and complete a student teaching semester before graduation.The Physical Science concentration offers a broader approach, requiring coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and statistics, along with two minors chosen from related fields such as biochemistry, geology, mathematics, computer science, or physics. This pathway is often selected by students who are interested in graduate school or interdisciplinary science careers.The Physics Education concentration emphasizes physics alongside foundational science courses and education training. Students develop expertise in physics concepts and teaching practices, and complete a semester of student teaching to prepare for careers as physics educators at the secondary level.Overall, each concentration equips students with both strong subject knowledge and practical teaching experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to become effective and qualified science educators.