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	Science Teacher Certification Program Curriculum HOME > Academics > Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry > Curriculum > Science Teacher Certification Program

Science Teaching Certification Program

There is a great need for qualified science teachers, and, given our excellent reputation in the sciences, USP is uniquely qualified to educate science teachers. An innovative curriculum leading to the BS degree in Biology or Chemistry provides the opportunity to obtain Pennsylvania certification in up to four areas of science teaching. The Science Teaching Certification Program is accredited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Teacher Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification. Pennsylvania currently has interstate certification agreements with 36 other states. The address and phone number of the Department of Education are 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17126-0333, (800) 822-4069.

Certification Areas

Biology
Chemistry
General Science
Environmental Education Grades: K through 12

In completing the Biology Teaching Certification Program, students will be certified to teach Biology, Chemistry and General Science. Students completing the Chemistry Teaching Certification Program will be certified to teach Chemistry and General Science. Teaching Certification in Mathematics and Physics may be obtained by extending their program in order to complete additional needed courses in math or physics.

Teaching Certification Program

The USP program provides early field experiences in science education. During the sophomore year, students participate in a full-semester Science Education Field Laboratory, while during the senior year, students complete 12 weeks of full-time student teaching in varied science classroom settings under the supervision of an experienced teacher and a University faculty member. Opportunities also exist to work as a teaching assistant in the introductory biology courses and chemistry laboratories at USP.

To be admitted to the program, students must complete the Science Education Field Laboratory and be recommended by a cooperated teacher, have a 2.0 overall grade point average, and be approved by the Science Education Committee.

Teaching Certification Curriculum

NOTE: Students that entered earlier in a previous academic year should consult with their advisor or the Chairperson of the Department for the curriculum that applies. Courses listed below in "bold" are offered by DCB. The total credits required for graduation is 142/143.

First Year
Orientation for the Chemical Sciences Principles of Chemistry I/II Principles of Chemistry Lab I/II Introductory Biology I/II Mathematical Analysis I/II Introduction to Psychology College Composition Introduction to Literature Physical Education	1 credit (Fall) 6 credits (Fall/Spring) 2 credits (Fall/Spring) 8 credits (Fall/Spring) 6 credits (Fall/Spring) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Spring) 1 credit (Fall/Spring)
Total First Year credits:	33

Second Year
Principles of Organic Chemistry I/II Principles of Organic Chemistry Lab I/II Physics I/II Intellectual Heritage Mathematical Analysis III Science Education Field Lab Basic Inorganic Chemistry Mathematical Analysis IV or Introduction to Biostatistics	6 credits (Fall/Spring) 2 credits (Fall/Spring) 8 credits (Fall/Spring) 6 credits (Fall/Spring) 4 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Spring) 4 credits (Spring) 3 credits (Spring)
Total Second Year credits:	35/36

Third Year
Physical Chemistry I/II Analytical Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Lab Literature of Chemistry Molecular Structure in Biochemistry Adolescent Psychology Instrumental Analysis Discussions in Chemistry Public Speaking Philosophy and History of Education Intelligence, Creativity, & Problem Solving	8 credits (Fall/Spring) 3 credits (Fall) 1 credit (Fall) 1 credit (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 4 credits (Spring) 1 credit (Spring) 3 credits (Spring) 3 credits (Spring) 3 credits (Spring)
Total Third Year credits:	38

Fourth Year
Seminar in Chemistry I/II Physical Chemistry Lab I Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry Program Electives Core Elective World Culture Principles and Practices Teaching Physical Chemistry Lab II Instructional Communication Methods in Science Teaching	2 credits (Fall/Spring) 2 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 6 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 3 credits (Fall) 2 credits (Spring) 3 credits (Spring) 3 credits (Spring)
Total Fourth Year credits:	30

Fifth Year
Supervised Teaching Internship	10 credits
Total Fifth Year credits:	10



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