Degree and Certification

This degree is a bachelor of science in education in middle school education with an emphasis in science.

Additionally, upon successfully completing the initial teacher-certification process, the state grants you certification in middle school science (grades 5 through 9).

Program of Study

This program encompasses three phases of study:

Phase I: Freshman – Sophomore Year

You are automatically accepted into Phase I with admittance to the University.

Course Work

The majority of your time in Phase I is spent completing your general-education requirements.

Course work through the College of Education focuses on facilitating learning at all levels of development. Consideration is given to the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools.

Field Experiences

Field experiences in Phase I include:

• Sixteen hours in a classroom environment tutoring and working with students in small groups under teacher supervision.
• Twenty hours in a service-learning environment serving in community organizations (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Granny’s House).

Phase II: Junior Year – First Semester Senior year

You must apply for admittance into Phase II in the spring of your sophomore year. For more information about the application process, please consult your adviser.

Course Work

In this phase, you consider different ways to teach science to middle school students. This includes understanding the nature of science, methods for teaching science, strategies for assessing science learning and pathways for developing into a professional science educator.

Field Experiences:

Spend approximately 24 hours per semester in classrooms working with science students and teachers. As you gain experience in schools and familiarity with local classrooms, you will work with individual students, small groups and eventually lead class instruction.

Phase III: Second Semester Senior Year

You are assigned to a middle school science classroom for a 16-week, full-time internship under the mentorship of an experienced middle school science teacher. During this internship, you will work with your mentor to plan, implement and assess instruction and management of middle school science classes.