Physical Science Composite Teaching (Chemistry) - BS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

College of Science

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

About This Degree

The physical science (composite teaching) major qualifies students to teach seventh and eighth grade integrated science and high school chemistry and physics. Because they are qualified to teach both subjects, graduates of this major will be more marketable and sought after for teaching positions.

As they train to become chemistry teachers, students learn how to teach the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different elements are combined, and how to properly write scientific equations.

Students also study physics and gain understanding of both the theory of physics and how to experiment using those theories as a guide. Physics teaching covers thermal physics, intermediate modern physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

For more information about Chemistry, see the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Admitted and current students must meet with the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry advisor.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
The highest math requirement for this degree is MATH 1220: Calculus II (QL) and STAT 3000: Statistics for Scientists (QI) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 3.0 GPA, ACT scores of 21 composite and 20 verbal/English and 19 mathematics/quantitative to be admitted to the major.
Admission to STEP with this major requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 in CHEM 1210 , CHEM 1215 , CHEM 1220 , CHEM 1225 , PHYS 2210 , PHYS 2215 , PHYS 2220 and PHYS 2225 .

Major Requirements

Requires a 3.00 GPA.
A grade of C or better is required in all Chemistry and Physics prefix courses.

Required Courses for the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)

To begin the admission process to the STEP program, students should see their Chemistry advisor at least two semesters before they begin Level I coursework and also meet with a Secondary Education (TEAL) advisor. STEP admission deadlines are March 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester. For more information about secondary education teaching requirements, go to http://teal.usu.edu/undergrad/sced/index-SCED.

STEP Requirements (38 credits)

ITLS 5500 - Integration and Innovation of Technology in Education 3 credit(s)
SCED 3210 - Educational and Multicultural Foundations (CI/DSS) 3 credit(s)
SCED 3300 - Clinical Experience I 1 credit(s)
SCED 3400 - Teaching Science I 3 credit(s)
SCED 4300 - Clinical Experience II 1 credit(s)
SCED 5100 - Motivation and Classroom Management 3 credit(s)
SCED 5200 - Language, Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (CI) 3 credit(s)
SCED 5210 - Learning Theory, Curriculum, and Assessment 3 credit(s)
SCED 5821 - Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge 3 credit(s)
SPED 4000 - Education of Students with Disabilities 3 credit(s)
SCED 5500 - Student Teaching Seminar 2 credit(s)
SCED 5630 - Student Teaching in Secondary Schools 10 credit(s)

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure and was designed to meet licensing qualifications in the state of Utah. If students wish to work in another state within the United States, they should review the qualifications for that state and the Education Licensure Compliance Table provided by School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

For more information, please contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at https://cehs.usu.edu/teal/

Additional Information

Students must complete the General Education Requirements and the University Studies Requirements .

Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above course in the Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) requirement.

Notes:

Students should consult with the Chemistry & Biochemistry department advisor to develop an individualized plan of study that is applicable to their interests and STEP program no later than their sophomore year.
- In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.
- Students must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Speech Communication Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
All candidates for graduation with a Physical Science Composite Teaching degree through the Chemistry & Biochemistry department must complete a department exit survey prior to approval of graduation application and completion of the program.
The suggested schedule assumes the student has passed MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) .

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

Suggested Degree Map - Physical Science Composite Teaching (Chemistry) BS

Physical Science Composite Teaching (Chemistry) BS - 4 Year Degree Map