Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Chemistry Teaching] From Utah State University

Chemistry teachers educate students in middle school or high school levels on the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different types of elements are combined and how to properly write scientific equations.

The department has two options for students interested in careers as high school or middle school chemistry teachers. The chemistry teaching option is appropriate for students who wish to teach chemistry, but who do not seek the depth of study required for American Chemical Soceity certification. The chemical education emphasis within the chemistry major requires a few additional math, statistics, and chemistry courses, which allows students to become ACS certified.

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Students in the chemistry teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.