Teaching Endorsement
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in middle-level science (grades 4-9), qualifying students to teach science at the middle school or junior high levels. 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 teaching certification. In addition to completing graduation requirements, teacher certification candidates must meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the STEM education advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.
Admission Requirements
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.
Non-Certification Option
A student may complete the Science Middle Level Education BA without gaining entry to the Teacher Certification Program or completing the STEM Teaching Program, Professional Education Program, or Secondary Education major. Under such circumstances a teacher certification endorsement in middle-level science will not be granted. This option exists for those individuals who wish to work in informal STEM education settings, tutoring, or curriculum development that do not require certification.
Graduation Requirements
Plan GPA of at least 2.5 and no grade lower than C in any course applied to the major.
See Teacher Certification Program graduation requirements for students pursuing public school teacher certification.
Program Requirements
- Fingerprint Clearance - Candidates must have valid WSP and FBI fingerprint clearance 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.
- Liability Insurance to complete any course that requires the candidate to be working with P-12th grade children on or off campus
See Teacher Certification Program requirements for students pursuing public school 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.