Program Overview

Introduction to the Chemistry/Mathematics — Secondary, BAE Program

The Chemistry/Mathematics — Secondary, BAE program at Western Washington University offers students a comprehensive education in both chemistry and mathematics, preparing them for a career in teaching at the secondary level. This program provides students with close student-faculty contact, relatively small classes, and access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Program Description

The program of study for the chemistry/mathematics majors provides many benefits to students, such as close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.

Teaching mathematics and chemistry is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach mathematics and chemistry occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of mathematics and chemistry, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical and science context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in mathematics and chemistry.

Student Resources

• Department website: Chemistry
• Department advising: Admitted and/or current students visit the Advising section of the Chemistry website.
• Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Admission and Declaration Process

The Chemistry Department has a two-step process for admission to a BAE major. First, students should visit the department office and meet with the Departmental Advisor to complete the Official Declaration of Major form. This will initiate an evaluation of the student’s transcript to outline remaining coursework and assignment of a faculty advisor. Second, the student should contact their assigned advisor for a meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their assigned faculty advisor to develop a plan of study for the remainder of their time in the program.

Grade Requirements

Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Program Requirements

The program requires 103-124 credits plus supporting courses in physics. The requirements include:

• CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry
• CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry
• Choose either:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  • or MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors and MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
  • or MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
• Choose either:
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra and MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • or MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I and MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
• MATH 309 - Introduction to Proof in Discrete Mathematics
• MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
• MATH 360 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
• MATH 419 - Historical Perspectives of Mathematics
• MATH 483 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics
• PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
• PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
• PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
• SCED 370 - STEM and Society
• SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
• SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
• Choose one of the following series:
  • CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I, CHEM 162 - General Chemistry II, CHEM 163 - General Chemistry III, CHEM 333 - Analytical Chemistry
  • or CHEM 175 - General Chemistry I, Honors, CHEM 176 - General Chemistry II, Honors, CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors
• Option A or B:
  • Option A: CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry, CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
  • Option B: CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry, CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry, CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry, CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, and either CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry or CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I, CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II, CHEM 473 - Molecular Biology
• At least two of the following:
  • MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
  • MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
  • MATH 410 - Mathematical Modeling

Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program

The Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program requires 59 credits and includes:

• SEC 303 - Teaching Adolescents: Development and Identity
• SEC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
• SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
• SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
• SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
• SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
• SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
• SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
• SEC 433 - Teaching and Learning Laboratory
• SEC 435 - Secondary Practicum I
• SEC 436 - Secondary Practicum II
• I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
• SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
• SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in chemistry and mathematics, preparing them for a career in teaching at the secondary level. The program includes a range of courses in chemistry, mathematics, and education, as well as opportunities for research and clinical experience. Students who complete this program will be well-prepared to teach chemistry and mathematics at the secondary level and will have a strong foundation in both subjects.