Fuel Your Mind for Science and Teach
Do you think all kids should have experiences in science that engage their curiosity? Their sense of wonder? Do you think that science literacy is a social justice issue and a core element of democracy? Have you had science teachers or experiences that made a big impact on you? Would you enjoy the challenge of shaping the future? If so, teaching science is for you!
Great science teachers are often naturally curious individuals passionate about how the world works. They are also people who want to help others. Teaching science matters! Good science teaching can literally change the trajectory of a kid’s life. The most powerful middle and high school science teachers connect with students in exciting and inspiring ways.
The secondary education program in science will give you the knowledge and skills you’ll need to become a science teacher who makes a difference. The science teacher program will also help you develop effective strategies for connecting with students in ways to use science to better appreciate the world and to open up new opportunities for their futures. You will also learn that science teachers are always learning too. Join us to see how teaching science can blend your own interests in science with an intellectually stimulating career trajectory; and the opportunity to do work that matters.
Science Program Prerequisites
Candidates for the science program must demonstrate specific criteria to be accepted, such as a relevant undergraduate degree, certain coursework or experience, and GPA requirements.
Non-US Graduates: Review the graduate school’s application requirements for specific information about comparable degrees in your country and which academic documents are required.
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Earn a Relevant Undergraduate Degree
Applicants need to have (or have completed by June of the year they enter the program) a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution with a major or a minor in one or more of an area associated with the certification area.
These include:
- Biology or other life science-related major
- Environmental science
- Geology or another geoscience
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Or some other natural science or science-related degree
If you do not have one of these degrees and believe you have a special case for consideration, including significant professional experience, or comparable university courses, you may email Mark Olson explaining your situation.
Demonstrate Competency in Relevant Content Domains
Prior to admission, applicants must demonstrate competency within certain areas of their chosen subject. This may be demonstrated through coursework or significant life experiences.
All science applicants must demonstrate competency in the following general areas:
- Structure and properties of matter
- Chemical reactions
- Forces and interactions
- Energy
- Waves and electromagnetic radiation
English Proficiency
All international degree-seeking applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. For more information on this requirement, check the English proficiency section on the Requirements for Admission page.
Non-native English speakers must also show adequate instructional verbal skills, by passing a verbal interview with the Secondary Education ESL team.
Get the Added Value of a Dual Certification/ESL Certification
Our program is infused with a philosophy that teachers must be able to engage and value all students in the classroom. Our approach allows you to work with a wide range of students that engage in US public schools. For the secondary content areas, this also includes skills and techniques to work with students learning English, including the opportunity to earn a dual English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification along with your content. This certification increases your potential impact as a teacher and gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.