Chemistry/Physics — Secondary, BAE

Combined major offered by the Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics, College of Science and Engineering

94-114 credits

Introduction

The Chemistry major provides many benefits to students. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.

Physics is the fundamental science. It is the study of matter and energy and of the interaction between the two. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Engineering apply the principles of Physics to specific problems. Almost all areas of modern technology involve applications of Physics.

This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Why Consider a Chemistry/Physics-Secondary Major?

The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level.

The study of Physics provides an excellent liberal arts foundation and can open a variety of doors for jobs, including Secondary Education.

Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair James R. Vyvyan Chemistry Building 270A 360-650-2883 James.Vyvyan@wwu.edu	Chemistry Program Coordinator Stacey Maxwell Chemistry Building 270 360-650-3070 chemdept@chem.wwu.edu	Physics Education Advisor Andrew Boudreaux Communications Facility 369 360-650-7383 Andrew.Boudreaux@wwu.edu
Physics Department Communications Facility 385 360-650-3618	Secondary Education Professional Program Information Program Manager Janna Cecka Miller Hall 401C 360-650-3347 Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu	Secondary Education Program Coordinator Christina Carlson Miller Hall 401A 360-650-3327 Christina.Carlson@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Secondary Education Teacher

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Chemistry Department has a two-step process for admission into our degree programs. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in chemistry, and are in the process of completing the general chemistry (CHEM 121, 122, 123) series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must achieve an average grade of 2.5 or higher in their general chemistry series and organic chemistry I & II courses before they can advance to Phase II and begin taking upper-division coursework.

This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

As certification to teach high school now requires more than four years of study, advisement prior to or at the beginning of the third year is absolutely necessary to avoid lengthening the program.

Grade Requirements

A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50, plus a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better in the individual courses, must be maintained in the courses required by the major. Students must also earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program.