Teach Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, or Physics
If you’re interested in teaching middle- or high-school biology, chemistry, earth and space science, or physics, the Secondary Science Education Certificate is for you. Completing certificate requirements as part of your BS program prepares you to get certified to teach at the middle- and high school levels in Pennsylvania and other states.
Science teachers in grades 7 to 12 require a broad and solid foundation in their chosen discipline and other sciences and mathematics. Courses in the foundations of education and in pedagogy (the art and science of teaching) will complement your subject-matter studies.
As a student on this path, you will create and present lessons, first in your courses and then in school classrooms, culminating in the student-teaching experience in your final semester.
Imagine Your Future
This certificate program is a good match if you want to be an educator in a formal classroom or in another setting, such as a nature center or park. Opportunities will depend on your BS program and chosen discipline.
Classes and Requirements
This program is unique in that your major will be in your content department rather than in the College of Education and Communications. Your department can give you better preparation in science, which will better prepare you for teaching. It will also give you the skills you need to take advantage of job opportunities outside of a formal education setting.
Science is consistently listed among the top fields that have a shortage of teachers in Pennsylvania and nationally. But, awareness is growing that the state and nation need teachers and that conditions must change to attract them. IUP is ready to meet the need for well-trained teachers who succeed in the classroom, as they have for many years.
Teacher Certification Requirements
All students seeking teacher certification must meet the requirements of the Three-Step Process for Teacher Education.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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All Secondary Science Education Programs
Graduates of all Secondary Science Education Certificate programs continue to be in strong demand nationally. Each program combines a BS in a science field with the Secondary Science Education Certificate and leads to grade 7–12 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. That certification is generally transferable to other states. Because teachers work during the school year, this gives you the flexibility at other times to pursue additional study or other interests.
The Secondary Science Education Certificate follows IUP’s Three-Step Process for all students pursuing teaching degrees.
Biology Education
Be a leader and introduce future generations to the wonders of biology—a field with high demand and a major impact on the next generation. Studying biology education involves earning a certificate in conjunction with the bachelor of science in biology degree. Compared with the traditional BS in Biology program, Biology Education integrates education courses into the controlled elective and Liberal Studies categories. If you complete all the requirements, you’ll graduate with a BS in biology and be certified to teach grades 7–12 in Pennsylvania. Learn about IUP’s Three-Step Process for all students pursuing teaching degrees.
Your BS in biology will also qualify you to work for a broad range of employers in various industries and organizations, including health, environmental, and consulting fields. Or, you can pursue graduate studies in a related field.
For more information, contact Holly Travis, program coordinator, at h.j.travis@iup.edu, Weyandt Hall, Room 20, 975 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15705.
Chemistry Education
Enjoy a rewarding career inspiring the next generation of students with chemistry. Teachers in this subject are in high demand. They also earn competitive salaries, get lots of time off, and receive good benefits.
Chemistry Education is a concentration within the BS in Chemistry program. Compared with the traditional concentration, Chemistry Education replaces advanced math and chemistry classes with education courses. If you complete all the requirements, you’ll graduate with a BS in chemistry and be certified to teach grades 7–12 in Pennsylvania. Learn about IUP’s Three-Step Process for all students pursuing teaching degrees.
Your BS in chemistry will also qualify you to work for a broad range of employers in various industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental areas. Or, you can pursue graduate studies in a related field.
For more information, contact Colin Ashe, program coordinator, at cashe@iup.edu, Weyandt Hall, Room 231, 975 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15705.
Earth and Space Science Education
Earth and space science teachers share the excitement of natural phenomena and outstanding questions in geology, meteorology, oceanography, planetary science, and deep space astronomy. To teach in this field, you should pursue a geology major with the addition of a secondary science education certificate.
Compared with the traditional geology major, preparation to teach the subject requires work across a broader selection of courses in oceanography, meteorology and climate, and astronomy. Demand for earth and space science teachers is high across Pennsylvania and in many other states. These teachers earn competitive salaries, get lots of time off, receive good benefits, and often work outdoors. In addition, they often have flexibility between teaching, professional work as a geologist, and graduate school.
For more information, contact Kenneth Coles, program coordinator, at kcoles@iup.edu, Weyandt Hall, Room 134, 975 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15705.
Physics Education
Physics can be an exciting subject. Discussions about amusement park rides, collisions, and electric circuits can interest your students. Many of our physics education students land positions even before they graduate.
Studying physics education involves earning a certificate in conjunction with the bachelor of science in physics degree. Compared with the traditional concentration, the Physics Education program replaces advanced math and physics classes with education courses. If you complete all the requirements, you’ll graduate with a BS in physics and be certified to teach grades 7–12 in Pennsylvania. Learn about IUP’s Three-Step Process for all students pursuing teaching degrees.
Your BS in physics will also qualify you to work for a broad range of employers in various industries, including material science, engineering-related fields, and environmental areas. Or, you could pursue graduate studies in a related field.
For more information, contact Stan Sobolewski, program coordinator, at sobolews@iup.edu, Weyandt Hall, Room 345, 975 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15705.