Oct 04, 2024  
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog

Chemistry/Physics — Secondary, BAE

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


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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
Gregory O’Neil
Chemistry Building 340
360-650-6283
oneilg@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 254F
360-650-6161
wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact

 Sample Careers

Secondary Education Teacher

 Major/Career Resources

careercenter.wwu.edu/connectmajorcareer

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.

Requirements


Additional Requirements


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