COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAED) in Chemistry (Secondary Education) requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and prepares students to become licensed chemistry and science teachers for grades 6–12. Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and a 2.50 GPA in major content courses while fulfilling the requirements of the WSU General Education Program and the College of Education. The chemistry curriculum provides extensive scientific training through courses such as General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, Principles of Biochemistry, General College Physics I, Energy, Resources and Environment, and General Biology I. These courses develop a strong foundation in chemical theory, laboratory techniques, scientific investigation, and interdisciplinary science concepts. In addition to science coursework, students complete professional teacher education courses designed to prepare them for effective classroom instruction. These include studies in human growth and development, diversity, exceptionalities, cultural issues, educational assessment, literacy strategies, educational philosophy, ethics, technology integration, and science teaching methods. The teacher preparation sequence is structured through four progressive stages known as Core I, Core II, Core III, and Core IV, each combining coursework with practical classroom experiences and supervised teaching opportunities. Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in all teacher education courses. Extensive field experiences culminate in Teaching Internship I and Teaching Internship II, where candidates gain hands-on experience teaching science in secondary school classrooms under professional supervision. To qualify for teacher licensure, students must successfully complete the Praxis II Science Content Knowledge Test and the Teacher Licensure Capstone course. The program combines rigorous chemistry education with comprehensive teacher training, enabling graduates to develop strong scientific knowledge, instructional expertise, classroom management skills, and professional competencies. Graduates are well prepared for careers as middle and high school chemistry teachers, science educators, curriculum specialists, and educational leaders. Through the support of the College of Education and Wichita State University, students gain the academic preparation and practical teaching experience necessary for successful careers in science education.