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Science Education Degree

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Create opportunities for middle and high school students to engage with science and expand their knowledge and critical reasoning skills.

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, you'll graduate ready to teach science to middle and secondary school students.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
130
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Why earn a science education degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The University of North Dakota offers the most comprehensive teacher education program in the state. Our program graduates teachers who enter classrooms in North Dakota, Minnesota and across the nation. By earning a bachelor’s degree in science education, you'll receive a broad preparation in biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. 

Prospective science teachers may choose between two paths.

  1. You 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.
  2. Alternatively, the B.S.Ed. with major in Science offers an even distribution of course work across the sciences, including 24 credits from your preferred science discipline.

The B.S.Ed. in composite science education program is ideal for students interested in serving in rural areas where they may be required to teach a variety of science content and courses.

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 also is approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Licensing Board.

Composite Science Education Degree

  • On graduation, you'll work with faculty to obtain the appropriate teaching license and/or endorsement.

  • The Teacher Education program connects you with local volunteer opportunities at area schools, adding to teaching experience, building your resume and creating professional networks.

  • Join the largest pre-professional association for students entering teaching. Student North Dakota United (SNDU) is affiliated with the National Education Association, the largest professional teacher organization in the U.S.

  • You'll be eligible for scholarships through the College of Education & Human Development. As a future science teacher you may also qualify for state and federal funding to help offset the cost of your degree.

  • Gain a global perspective on education by studying abroad. Students recently have completed student teaching in Australia and Ireland.

  • Specialize in biology, chemistry, physics or earth science.

What can you do with a science education degree?

41

U.S. states, including North Dakota, that reported science teacher shortages in public schools

U.S. Department of Education

61K

Median salary for high school teachers in the U.S., 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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 of the United States. 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, sorely need quality science teachers. You are likely to have many choices selecting an employer that fits your geographic preference.

Science Education Degree Courses

T&L 400. Methods and Materials. 3 Credits.

Various teaching methods and strategies and the materials used in teaching in a subject area. (Some Methods and Materials courses carry an academic department prefix and number. The number of methods courses required by a department may vary. Consult with an adviser.) Some offered F only; some F,S. See adviser. Prerequisites: T&L 250 and T&L 345, and admission to the Teacher Education program. Corequisites: T&L 486. Repeatable to 18.00 credits. F,S.

T&L 401. School Safety Science. 1 Credit.

Prepares students to plan for and communicate about a wide variety of classroom and laboratory safety issues. Health and safety issues are examined for the classroom teacher and the students in all science courses, including electrical safety, biological safety, chemical use, storage and disposal, legal issues, liability reduction and cost control are also addressed in detail. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program. Corequisite: T&L 400. F.

T&L 345. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 3 Credits.

A general curriculum development and instruction course designed for the undergraduate pre-service middle school and/or secondary teacher across all disciplines. It introduces and provides practice in planning, multiple instructional strategies, and methods of formal and informal assessment. It considers the impact of historical foundations, teaching philosophy, discipline standards, knowledge of diverse learners and special needs, and technology on curriculum development. Prerequisites: T&L 250. F,S.

T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.

T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.

This course takes an anthropological view of multicultural education. In this course, we will learn how to serve students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We will discuss how students' needs should be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity, language, and culture that students bring to class must be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. The activities and materials presented in this course will teach you how to be respectful of diversity (gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture). Through class activities, readings, discussions, guest speakers and reflection, you will better understand the needs and perspectives of culturally diverse classrooms and it prepares you to teach about cultural diversity. This class examines several cultures including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, as well as populations making up our New American community members who have arrived as refugees. It also explores diversity that exists aside from race and culture. This course will assist you in gaining deeper insight into your own backgrounds and belief systems and how it impacts your views and perspectives on working and interacting with individuals who come from a different cultural background. Note: This course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.

Leaders in Science Education

Through hands-on experience, the UND Science Education program prepares students to be teachers.

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