This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in Middle-Level Science (4-9), qualifying students to teach science at the middle school or junior high levels. It may also be appropriate for students preparing to teach in informal science education settings, such as museums. Students who successfully complete the Science: Middle-Level Education, BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the middle-level science education advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.
Admission Requirements
Mathematics competency equivalent to MATH 153
Note: Admission to the Teacher Certification Program is a separate process from admission to the major and is required for those pursuing public school teacher certification.
Graduation Requirements
Note: See Teacher Certification Program graduation requirements for students pursuing public school teacher certification.
Program Requirements
Candidates must have valid WSP and FBI fingerprint clearance and liability in order to complete any course that requires the candidate to be working with P-12th grade children on or off campus. The fingerprint clearance must be valid through the duration of the course. Fingerprint clearance must appear in the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Fingerprinting Database to be accepted.
For students pursuing public school teacher certification:
Successful completion of program portfolio required before student teaching.
Successful completion of the NES exam in middle grades general science and the edTPA required for teacher certification.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to individually and collaboratively engage in inquiry using science and engineering practices.
- Use disciplinary core ideas and cross-cutting concepts to provide evidence-based explanations of the natural world.
- Effectively communicate science to an audience of children, peers, experts, or the public.