Chemistry/Biology — Secondary, BAE

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

110-115 credits

Why Consider a Chemistry/Biology-Secondary BAE Major?

This major is recommended for students interested in becoming secondary school science teachers and 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.

Biology is the study of living organisms. As scientists, biologists have three prime motivations: (1) intellectual curiosity about biological systems, (2) the philosophy that creating and disseminating reliable knowledge has intrinsic worth and (3) the confidence that research into the history of life on earth and how biological systems work can be used to solve problems faced by our society today. Thus, we intend for our intensive academic program to stimulate our students’ curiosity and appetite for life-long learning about biology. 

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.

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

Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.