Program Overview

Program Overview

The Secondary Education: General Science (Certification) program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach general science in secondary education settings. This program requires students to demonstrate competency in various areas of science, including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and life science.

Program Requirements

• The general science certification program requires students to take an array of courses in the field of education.
• General science content competency must be demonstrated by taking and passing the PDE-required Praxis certification exam.
• Depending on degree held and background, additional science-related courses may also be required.
• A minimum grade of C is required in all courses for certification; however, a 3.0 grade-point average is required to be eligible for student teaching and certification.
• An applicant must present a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credits (approximately).
• A bachelor’s degree in a mathematics-related field is encouraged but not required.

Master's Degree Track

All post-baccalaureate candidates have the option of earning a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Curriculum while concurrently working toward Pennsylvania certification. Certification-required coursework is prioritized ahead of required M.Ed. program courses. EDUC 820 satisfies both programs’ requirements. Four certification-required courses (12 credits) satisfy the M.Ed. degree elective requirements.

Additional Programs

• Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)
• English (B.Hum.)
• Mathematical Sciences (B.S.)
• Secondary Education Social Studies (B.Sosc.)
• Teaching and Curriculum (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Coach (Endorsement)
• Mathematics Coach (Endorsement)
• Reading Specialist (Certification)
• Secondary Education: English (Certification)
• Secondary Education: Mathematics (Certification)
• Secondary Education: Social Studies (Certification)
• PK-12 Special Education (Certification)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist (Certification)
• Literacy Leadership (Certificate)
• Elementary Education (PK-4) (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): English (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): Mathematics (Certification)
• Elementary Education (4-8): Social Studies (Certification)