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Science Education - Composite Major

About the Program

Become equipped to meet the tremendous demand for high-quality science teachers throughout the region and across the country with a degree in Science Education from Black Hills State University. The U.S. Department of Education lists science teachers as one of the areas in which there is a shortage of qualified teachers. A high percentage of BHSU graduates in Science Education are hired immediately after graduation since they are well prepared to teach in one field greatly needed throughout the nation. They are also prepared to enter education, research, science-based companies, law, or graduate schools.

In this program, you will:

  • Explore interesting science content classes to reach mastery-level knowledge of specialized disciplines

  • Engage with science education best practices and methodology to prepare for working with students in grades 7 to 12

  • Gain hands-on experience when working in the field with expert teachers

  • Earn a composite major in science education, qualifying you to teach in two of the following content areas:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Earth Science
    • Physics

 

The faculty at BHSU will guide you in hands-on research and application methods in state-of-the-art laboratories. BHSU has world-class science faculty with experience in collaborative research studies that result in published works. Take advantage of the small class size and the one-on-one attention from dedicated professors.

 

Participate in clinical experiences that will prepare you for teaching assignments in multiple areas of science education. The demand is high for teachers to be certified in science. Why not get certified today? Let your love of reasoning, inquiry, and working with people propel you toward a degree in science education. We deliver on our promise to prepare caring, competent, and confident professionals.

 

SCIENCE EDUCATION MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Required Core

  • MATH 123 Calculus I

 

Take TWO Areas of science study from the following: 

Biology - 24 semester Hours

  • BIOL 151/L General Biology I & Lab

  • BIOL 153 General Biology II & Lab

  • BIOL 311/L Principles of Ecology & Lab

  • BIOL 325/L Physiology & Lab

  • BIOL 331/L Microbiology & Lab

  • BIOL 371 Genetics & Lab

 

Chemistry - 24 semester hours

  • CHEM 112/L General Chemistry I & Lab

  • CHEM 114/L General Chemistry II & Lab

  • CHEM 326/L Organic Chemistry I & Lab

  • CHEM 328/L Organic Chemistry II & Lab

  • CHEM 332/L Analytical Chemistry & Lab

  • CHEM 464/L Biochemistry & Lab

 

Earth Science - 23 semester hours

  • GEOL 201/L Physical Geology & Lab

  • GEOL 203 Historical Geology & Lab

  • GEOL 321 Conservation of Natural Resources

  • PHYS 185/L Solar System Astronomy I & Lab

Choose three courses from the following:

  • GEOL 310 Volcanology

  • GEOL 340 Mineralogy/Petrology

  • GEOL 350 Environmental Geology

  • GEOL 360 Environmental Geochemistry

  • GEOL 370 Hydrogeology

  • PHYS 211/L University Physics & Lab
  • SCI 388 Global Positioning & Geographic Information Systems

 

Physics - 24 semester hours

  • MATH 125 Calculus II

  • PHYS 185/L Solar System Astronomy I & Lab

  • PHYS 211/L University Physics I & Lab

  • PHYS 213/L University Physics II & Lab

  • PHYS 331 Introduction to Modern Physics

  • PHYS 451 Classical Mechanics

 

Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 15 semester hours

  • EDFN 295 - Practicum: Pre-Admission Teaching
  • EDFN 338 - Foundations of American Education
  • EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology
  • EPSY 428 - Child & Adolescent Development
  • PSYC 101 - General Psychology
  • SPED 100 - Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities

Professional Secondary Ed Teaching Core - 32 semester hours

  • EDFN 365 Computer-Based Technology & Learning
  • EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration
  • EDFN 475 Human Relations
  • INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
  • MLED 480 Middle Level Methods
  • SEED 408 Plan, Manage, and Assess the Diverse K-8 Classroom
  • SEED 413 7-12 Science Methods
  • SEED 440 Classroom Management
  • SEED 450 7-12 Reading and Content Literacy
  • SEED 495 Practicum: Pre-Student Teaching
  • SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching

Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours

  • ENGL 101
  • ENGL 201
  • CMST 101
  • MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics (1 class) - 3 semester hours
  • Gen Ed - Social Science (2 classes from different subjects) - 6 semester hours
  • Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities (2 classes from different subjects or a foreign language sequence) - 6 semester hours
  • Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab (2 classes - see major)

A minor is NOT required with this major, but electives are required to total 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.

**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**

Status Sheets 

 

 

 

 

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Develop valuable personal relationships in a small community with amazing faculty and staff while thriving in the outdoors of the Black Hills.

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