Program Overview

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Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, at the University of Cincinnati, prepares graduates to become licensed and highly qualified teachers for learners at the junior and senior high school levels, grades 7-12. Students in our program gain experience teaching in urban and diverse school settings and using research-based teaching practices to meet the needs of all learners in their classes. At the secondary level, graduates specialize in one core disciplinary subject: Integrated English/Language Arts, Integrated Mathematics, Integrated Social Studies, Integrated Science, or Physics.

An Integrated science license prepares students to teach all science subject areas in grades 7 -12 in Ohio schools. Students select one science disciplinary as their primary teaching area:

• Chemistry
• Earth and Space Science
• Life Science/ Biology

An integrated science license with an emphasis in Chemistry prepares students to teach all science subject areas in grades 7 -12 in Ohio schools. Students who select a chemistry emphasis will take courses in general and organic chemistry and select either a semester of physical or biochemical chemistry to develop expertise in teaching modern concepts of chemistry and laboratory work as well as address contemporary issues in science such as climate change and ocean acidification. Chemistry emphasis students are prepared to plan and lead instruction that builds learners’ understanding of foundational science concepts, engages learners in problem-solving and laboratory experiences, and develops collaborative teamwork to solve engineering and design projects.

Program Details

Duration and Credits

• Duration: 4 Years
• Total Credits: 120
• Award: BSED

Success

Candidates who succeed as teachers of adolescents and young adults:

• know how individuals learn and develop
• can articulate the central concepts, tools of inquiry and the structures of their discipline
• effectively collaborate with others
• demonstrate leadership
• address issues of diversity with equity
• use technology to support their practice
• use assessment to inform their efforts
• demonstrate pedagogical knowledge
• are responsible, caring, and fair

Career

Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in teaching, with opportunities not limited to Ohio but across the nation.

Curriculum

Major Map Versions:

• Secondary Education: Integrated Science Chemistry (effective Fall 2026)
• Secondary Education: Integrated Science Chemistry - Fall 2025

Advising

The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services offers advising services.

UC Advantages And Special Opportunities

The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services continually merits local, state and national recognition, including:

• accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• a 65th ranking in U.S. News & World Report
• the Best Practice Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• consistently high scores by candidates on state mandated licensure exams

Special Programs

• Future Educators of America (FEA): dedicated to fostering the love of teaching, examining the reality of teaching and promoting the rewards of teaching.
• Kappa Delta Pi (KDP): a prestigious international honor society that recognizes scholarship and excellence in the field of education.
• Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC): dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities.
• CECH Tribunal: ensures that the interests of the students of the college are voiced and provides student representation.
• CECH Student Ambassadors: represents CECH at the University of Cincinnati by assisting with the recruitment and retention of students.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants must meet the admission requirements. Transfer students must have a 2.8 cumulative GPA and 24 semester hours earned.

Transferring To UC

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Changing Majors Within UC

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.8 cumulative GPA.

International Student Requirements

International students should contact the University of Cincinnati's Office of Admission for details.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Obtain at least a 2.8 university grade point average and a 2.8 GPA in content area.
• Be in good academic standing.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

• Early Action Deadline: November 1
• Rolling Deadline: March 1
• Confirmation Deadline: May 1

Spring Semester

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Confirmation Deadline: December 1

Summer Semester

• Application Deadline: March 1
• Confirmation Deadline: April 1

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The educator preparation programs at the University of Cincinnati are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The secondary education program is also accredited by the National Council for Teachers of English, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the National Science Teachers Association. This program has been determined to meet the Ohio reading mandate and is aligned with the Ohio content area standards.