Program Overview

Chemistry Teaching - BS

The Chemistry Teaching program at Utah State University is designed for students who wish to teach chemistry at the middle school or high school level. The program is offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry providing the subject content.

About This Degree

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, and interactions with other matter and with energy. At USU, chemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research from the beginning of their studies, first as laboratory assistants and eventually moving on to their own research projects. Chemistry teachers educate students in middle school or high school levels on the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different types of elements are combined and how to properly write scientific equations.

What You Will Learn

The department has two options for students interested in careers as high school or middle school chemistry teachers. The chemistry teaching option is appropriate for students who wish to teach chemistry, but who do not seek the depth of study required for American Chemical Society certification. The chemical education emphasis within the chemistry major requires a few additional math, statistics, and chemistry courses, which allows students to become ACS certified.

Education Component

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU's School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Students must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses, usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Program Requirements

• Chemistry Teaching - BS
• Students in the chemistry teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate in chemistry teaching are qualified to teach chemistry in middle schools or high schools.

Job Outlook

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University's admissions requirements, the chemistry teaching program has additional requirements:

• First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
• Transfer students: Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.5 total GPA for admission to this major. Students transferring from other USU majors need a total GPA of 2.5 for admission to this major.
• STEP Requirements: In order to be accepted into STEP, students must go through an application process, which includes:
  • Complete 60 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Complete certain core courses (see department for more information)
  • Complete a speech and hearing test
  • Pass the Teacher Education Writing Exam
  • Provide an unofficial copy of your transcript
  • Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before submitting the application)
• International students have additional admissions requirements.

At a Glance

• College: College of Arts & Sciences
• Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
• USU Locations: Logan campus