Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
General Science—Secondary Education, BAEd
What Is the Study of General Science—Secondary?
The Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program is a visionary and practical program designed to enrich the training and education of K-12 pre-service teachers and, through them, their students. From a collaboration of the disciplines of Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics and Engineering Technology, the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program (SMATE) offers an opportunity for teachers and future teachers to gain specific skills and broaden talents within their chosen discipline.
This program is designed to prepare future teachers at the middle school and secondary level with an emphasis in Science. This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
If you want a broad base of knowledge in the field of science to prepare you for teaching any science subject at the secondary level, this major will provide it. You will take a range of introductory courses from different areas of science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geology, along with an in-depth on a single subject such as Biology or Chemistry (see WWU bulletin).
How to Declare:
Consult with an advisor in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Department for direction on declaring a General Science major.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program:
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a
teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must
apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less than 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
Requirements
- MATH 240 - Introduction to Statistics
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- SCED 370 - Science and Society or equivalent
- SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
- SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
- Choose one of the following series:
- PHYS 114 - Principles of Physics I
- PHYS 115 - Principles of Physics II
- PHYS 116 - Principles of Physics III
- OR
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- One course from:
- ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy
- ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets
- Electives in a single scientific discipline, under advisement to meet state endorsement standards for that discipline: 22-32 additional credits from single science discipline.
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements
(68 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- IT 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary (24 credits)
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
QSR: MATH 240
LSCI: CHEM 121, 122, 123, 251; BIOL 204, 205, 206; GEOL 211, 212; PHYS 115, 116, 161,162, 163
SCI: PHYS 114; ASTR 103, 113
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher
Department
Contact
General Science Education Advisor:
Pinky Nelson
SL 250D
360-650-3637
George.Nelson@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Website:
http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Depts/SEC
Secondary Education Program Manager:
Janna Cecka
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Program Coordinator:
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327
Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu
Teacher Education Admissions
MH 150
360-650-3313
www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss