Science Education Degree

The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) with a major in Composite Science Education. This program is designed to create opportunities for middle and high school students to engage with science and expand their knowledge and critical reasoning skills.

Program Overview

High school and middle school students need science teachers who are passionate about science and enthusiastic about teaching. By earning a bachelor's degree in science education, graduates will be ready to teach science to middle and secondary school students.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 4 years
• Credit hours: 120

Why Earn a Science Education Degree?

The University of North Dakota offers the most comprehensive teacher education program in the state. Graduates of this program enter classrooms in North Dakota, Minnesota, and across the nation. By earning a bachelor's degree in science education, students will receive a broad preparation in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Program Paths

• Students may pursue a double major with a B.S. in a science such as biology or chemistry and a B.S.Ed. in secondary education.
• Alternatively, the B.S.Ed. with a major in Science offers an even distribution of coursework across the sciences, including 24 credits from the preferred science discipline.

Accredited Science Education Degree

Teacher Education programs at UND meet the rigorous expectations set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP). The B.S.Ed. in Composite Science Education is also approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Licensing Board.

Program Benefits

• On graduation, faculty will work with students to obtain the necessary materials to pursue a teaching license and/or endorsement.
• The Teacher Education program connects students with local volunteer opportunities at area schools, adding to teaching experience, building resumes, and creating professional networks.
• Students can join the largest pre-professional association for students entering teaching, Student North Dakota United (SNDU), affiliated with the National Education Association.
• Students may be eligible for scholarships through the College of Education & Human Development and state and federal funding to help offset the cost of their degree.
• Gain a global perspective on education by studying abroad, with recent student teaching opportunities in Australia and Ireland.
• Specialize in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science.

What Can You Do with a Science Education Degree?

Graduates of UND's science education program are in high demand due to an acute shortage of science teachers in grades 7-12. Job prospects look favorable for graduates who receive their teaching license for grades 5-12 in North Dakota. Career opportunities are abundant in the region and in most places in the United States.

Science Education Careers

• Since 2003, North Dakota has listed secondary science on the nationwide teacher shortage area list.
• Science was declared a critical shortage area by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Education Standards and Practices Board.
• Rural school districts, as well as large cities, need quality science teachers.

Science Education Degree Courses

Some of the courses included in the program are:

• Methods and Materials: Science T&L 400, which covers various teaching methods and strategies and the materials used in teaching in a subject area.
• School Safety Science T&L 401, which prepares students to plan for and communicate about a wide variety of classroom and laboratory safety issues.
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment T&L 345, a general curriculum development and instruction course designed for undergraduate pre-service middle school and/or secondary teachers.
• Development and Education of Adolescents T&L 350, a comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction.
• Multicultural Education T&L 433, designed to implement a multicultural approach to teaching and learning by examining how race, ethnicity, and culture influence students' experiences in schools.

Licensure Requirements

To be eligible for licensure to teach in North Dakota, students must:

1. Complete a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) with an overall grade point average of at least 2.75.
2. Pass state licensure exams.
3. Meet the state's legal requirements with a satisfactory background check. If seeking a license in North Dakota, students should apply to the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board prior to graduation. For licensure in other states, students should contact the Advising Office for the College of Education & Human Development to determine if this degree meets the criteria for licensure in their state.

University of North Dakota: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering over 225 accredited on-campus and online degrees. It is known for its commitment to student leadership and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

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Services Offered:

UND provides a range of support services for students, including:

Diversity and Inclusion:

UND values diverse perspectives and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all students.

TRIO Programs:

Support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to help them succeed at UND.

Pride Center:

Resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Disability Resources:

Equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all UND activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UND emphasizes student leadership and provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact. The campus offers a vibrant community with various student organizations and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UND offers a wide range of highly accredited programs, including specialized fields like Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Data Science, and Forensic Science.

Affordability:

UND consistently ranks among the best for educational quality and affordability.

Career Outcomes:

UND prepares students for successful careers with strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

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Academic Programs:

UND offers a diverse range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations:

A cutting-edge program in a rapidly growing industry.

Data Science:

A high-demand field with strong career prospects.

Economics:

A solid foundation for careers in law, business, and other fields.

Forensic Science:

Immersive program with hands-on experience in forensic labs.