Chemistry Teaching - BS
Download as PDF
About this Degree
Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, and interactions with other matter and with energy. At USU, chemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research from the beginning of their studies, first as laboratory assistants and eventually moving on to their own research projects.
Chemistry teachers educate students in middle school or high school levels on the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different types of elements are combined and how to properly write scientific equations.
The department has two options for students interested in careers as high school or middle school chemistry teachers. The chemistry teaching option is appropriate for students who wish to teach chemistry, but who do not seek the depth of study required for American Chemical Society certification. The chemical education emphasis within the chemistry major requires a few additional math, statistics, and chemistry courses, which allows students to become ACS certified.
Education Component
In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 38-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. Student 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 Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the chemistry teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.
For more information about Chemistry and Biochemistry, 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 course.
Admission Requirements for this Program
New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major. A 3.0 GPA and 60 credits of coursework are required for admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Transfer students from other institutions or other USU majors need a 3.0 GPA, ACT scores of 21 composite and 20 verbal/English and 19 mathematics/quantitative to be admitted to the major. They also need 60 credits of coursework to be admitted to the STEP.
Students should contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) for information on additional admission criteria. For application requirements visit teal.usu.edu.
