Advice and Information
Elementary Education
Students may major in
earth science (geology)
or in
general science.
Of 22 options open to elementary education students, these set the
graduates apart in their schools among the very few who can claim some expertise in
science. They commonly become consultants to their peers.
Secondary Education
Students may earn endorsements to teach biology, chemistry,
earth science, or physics, and "science." To do this there are several possible majors,
all of which have in common a minimum of 45 quarter credit hours in one or more of the
specific endorsable disciplines. Each must also satisfy the topic distribution and
minimum credits required for endorsement by the
Washington State Board of Education.
In some instances, WWU requirements exceed the minimum. We do not apologize
for this, feeling greater concern for the subject matter competence of our graduates than
for competition with less demanding programs. When in doubt, consult an advisor!
Certified teachers may complete a masters degree.
M.Ed. –Natural Science/Science Education.
The degree is designed to prepare teachers to be leaders in their
institutions in the teaching of science and/or to enhance the competence of the individual
teacher. The hallmark of the program is its flexibility—teachers begin where they are in
science and develop from there. Much of the program is effectively tutorial in character
in consequence though core courses for the masters in education programs are
included, including two core courses in science education.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
at WWU which are designed explicitly to provide
strong preparation for the teaching of science and meet certification and endorsement
requirements are:
BA in Education, General Science--Elementary
BA in Education, Biology/General Science Combined
BA in Education, Chemistry/General Science Combined
BA in Education, Biology/Chemistry combined major
BA in Education, Chemistry/Mathematics combined major
BA in Education, Chemistry/Physics combined major
BA in Education, Earth Science—Secondary
BA in Education, Earth Science/General Science combined major
BA in Education, Earth Science/Mathematics combined major
BA in Education, General Science--Secondary
Each meets endorsement requirements in the named disciplines. The General
Science—Secondary major earns endorsement in one of the four disciplines plus general science.
Many natural science majors may meet endorsement requirements. In particular, the
following majors at WWU qualify for endorsement in the
discipline(s) indicated with one caveat. That is "Science and Society
(Sci Ed370) or an equivalent course of study must be completed to meet endorsement
requirements in natural science. Certification requirements must be met independently,
however. These may be met as a part of the undergraduate work, as a
post-baccalaureate student,
or in a
masters program.
Biology BS in Biology, secondary teaching emphasis (also earns endorsement in science), BA in Biology, general biology
Chemistry BA in Chemistry, BS in Chemistry, BS in Biochemistry
Earth Science BS in Geology
Physics BS in Physics, BA in Physics
Majors from other universities which are the essential equivalent of these degrees will
qualify for the same endorsements. The most common deficiencies observed are in
degree programs that are very narrowly focused, e.g. zoology rather than biology, and
the absence of systematic study relating science to contemporary and historical social
questions. Please consult the appropriate
science education advisor
to determine whether your degree program will qualify and to establish appropriate remedies.
Degree Programs: See the relevant academic department's advising page for majors
other than BA in Education majors:
Biology,
Chemistry,
Earth Science,
Physics.
BA
in Education, General Science—Elementary (51 credits)
Required courses:
Physics 101 or 104
Astronomy 103
Chemistry 121
Geology 211a and 212
Biology 204
Math 114
Science Ed. 201, 202, 203, 294, and 370
Electives, under advisement.
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation
program in elementary education. It does not result in a science
endorsement.
BA in Education, General Science—Secondary (90-101 credits)
Required courses:
Physics—15 credits, 114, 115 and 116 or 121, 122, 123 and 131, 132, and 133 series with laboratory*
Chemistry—15 credits, 121, 122, 251**
Biology—15 credits, 204, 205 and 206
Earth Science— 13 credits Geol 211, 212 and Astr 103 or Geol 252 or Egeo 331
or Geol 340
Sci Ed 370 or equivalent course
Sci Ed 481,491
Electives in a single scientific discipline, under advisement, to meet the state endorsement standards for that discipline***
*. Students choosing physics for their emphasis must complete the 121-123
with laboratory option in order to qualify for advanced physics courses.
**. Students choosing chemistry for their emphasis must complete the 121-123
sequence in order to qualify for advanced chemistry courses.
***. The pattern of electives chosen must satisfy state endorsement requirements
in that discipline (see adviser).
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education
(62-65 credits additional.)
Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students
Certified teachers and others seeking a M. Ed. in
Natural Science/Science Education (P-12 Teachers)
should see
Prospective Students.
Students with bachelors degrees (at least) seeking to prepare to teach science may
reach their goal either by completing an initial certification program only or by completing
a masters degree (M. Ed.) with certification. In general, all students planning to teach
science in Washington’s public schools must complete a certification program
and qualify for endorsement to teach one or more specific subject(s).
It is generally advisable to be endorsed in more than one area in
order to improve your employability.
For detailed and current information on admission to and requirements of the
certification programs, please see the appropriate listings of the
Woodring College of Education.
To be assured that you will qualify for endorsement in your desired discipline,
Please see endorsement assessment (below).
Endorsement Assessment
Endorsement to teach science may be granted in biology, chemistry, earth science,
physics or science. WWU degree programs designed to earn these endorsements are
described under
"Plans of Study".
Majors from other universities which are the essential equivalent of these degrees will
qualify for the same endorsements. The most common deficiencies observed are in
degree programs that are very narrowly focused, e.g. zoology rather than biology, and
the absence of systematic study relating science to contemporary and historical social
questions.
Advisors
Those with other degrees, from WWU or other colleges or universities, are strongly
advised to consult with the Director of the Science, Mathematics
and Technology Education Program,
Professor George Nelson
or the appropriate science education advisor
(below) to determine whether your degree program will qualify and to establish
appropriate remedies.
It is strongly recommended that this be done prior to or immediately after enrollment to
avoid surprises.
You are encouraged to send a copy of your academic transcripts
(this need not be official for preliminary assessment) to Dr. Nelson if you are not
resident at Western. He will either assess it himself or refer it to a discipline specialist, depending on the nature of the inquiry. Please tell us what
endorsement(s) you want or believe you may qualify for and translate the name of
any course which is to be considered but whose title is not obviously relevant.
Biology:
Chemistry:
Earth Science:
Physics:
Graduate Advisor:
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