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

94-115 credits

Why Consider a Chemistry/Physics-Secondary BAE Major?

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

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.

Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair P. Clint Spiegel Chemistry Building 270A 360-650-3137 spiegep@wwu.edu	Chemistry Program Coordinators Chemistry Building 270 360-650-3070 chemistry@wwu.edu	Physics Education Advisor Thanh Le Communications Facility 367 360-650-3840 Thanh.Le@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	Teacher Education Admission Miller Hall 150 360-650-4887 wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact

Sample Careers

Secondary Education Teacher

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Chemistry Department has a two-step process for admission to a BAE major. First, students should visit the department office and meet with the Departmental Advisor to complete the Official Declaration of Major form. This will initiate an evaluation of the student’s transcript to outline remaining coursework and assignment of a faculty advisor. Second, the student should contact their assigned advisor for a meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their assigned faculty advisor to develop a plan of study for the remainder of their time in the program. See the department’s website for more details.

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.