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What career possibilities are there in science education?

Teachers qualified to teach math and science are always in demand and often command excellent salaries. Middle schools and high schools hire teachers with specialties in the sciences, and larger high schools often need teachers with specific areas of expertise such as biology, chemistry or physics.

At the elementary level, most schools don't have specialized science teachers, but teachers with concentrations or minors in math/science areas are still particularly valued.

How do I prepare for a career in science education?

To teach science at the secondary level (grades 6-12), you will need to complete a BA degree in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. You will minor in secondary education, including courses in psychology and education, practical experience and student teaching. You can apply to enter the secondary education program once you have completed some basic courses and passed a state-mandated Illinois Test of Basic Skills. After graduation, you must pass an additional state exam in order to become certified to teach in Illinois. To teach at the elementary level (K-6), you would major in elementary education. However, you can "concentrate" in a science area by completing a minor in biology, chemistry or physics.

What courses should I take?

For secondary education, the courses below will meet both the science degree requirements and the secondary education minor requirements. Be aware that the requirements can change; the current Education Student Handbook is your best source for up-to-date information as well as detailed help in planning your program.

Education requirements
PSY 100 - Intro. Psychology
PSY 205 - Educational Psychology
PSY 220 - Adolescent Psychology
EDN 100 - Intro. to Education
EDN 242 - Classroom Management
EDN 300 - Middle/High School Methods
EDN 302 - Practicum
EDN 330 - Teaching the Exceptional Child
EDN 346 - Science Education Techniques
EDN 371 - Practicum
EDN 475 - History and Philosopy of Education (LEV ACR)
EDN 485 - Student teaching
General science requirements
BIO 101 & 102 - Intro. Biology
CHM 141 & 142 - Intro. Chemistry
SCI 121 - Astronomy (or pass exam)
SCI 141 - Geology (or pass exam)
BIO 147 - Anatomy & Physiology (or pass exam)
Biology DesignationChemistry DesignationPhysics Designation
PHY 111 & 112
BIO 200 - Cell Bio.
BIO 201 - Botany
BIO 202 - Zoology
BIO 216 - Ecology
BIO 260 - Genetics
BIO 302 - Physiology
BIO 340 - Microbiology
BIO 475 - Seminar
MTH 140 or 151
6 hours of foreign language 		PHY 131 & 132
CHM 205 - Inorganic
CHM 210 - Analytical
CHM 220, 221 & 222 - Organic
CHM 340 - Thermodynamics
CHM 341 - Kinetics
CHM 405, 410, 420, 430 or 465
CHM 475 - Seminar
MTH 152 - Calculus
9 hours of foreign language 		PHY 131 & 132
PHY 210 - Electronics
PHY 233 - Physics III
PHY 315 - Statics
PHY 335 & 336 - Modern Physics
PHY 340 - Thermodynamics
PHY 420 - Electricity & Magnetism
MTH 152, 153 and 254 - Calculus
MTH 255 - Differential Equations

 

Courses required for an elementary education degree can be found in the Education Student Handbook.

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What resources does North Central have to help me?

A look at the table above should make it clear that a science education degree is very demanding and leaves room for few electives! You should let your academic advisor know as soon as possible that you are planning an education career so that you can work in both education and major courses, select the most appropriate general education options and leave room for methods courses and student teaching.

In addition to an academic advisor in your major area, you would be wise to make a connection with one or more faculty members in the Education Department who can give you additional advice on both academic planning and career options. The Education Department also offers a number of helpful electronic resources, listed below.

Where can I get more information?

Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor as you plan your teaching career!