Science teacher education
Bluffton offers programs leading to a teaching license in the following science areas:
- Life sciences (biology for grades 7-12)
- Physical sciences (chemistry/physics for grades 7-12)
- Middle childhood science (any science grades 4-9)
Life science license
The life science license enables one to teach biology in grades 7-12. To obtain this license the student completes:
- a major in biology
- additional coursework in earth/space science
- teacher-education coursework
- field experience including student teaching
It is difficult to complete these requirements in four academic years. Most students complete course work in four years plus student teaching in an extra semester.
For more information: visit the education department or browse the course descriptions.
Four year plans provide guidelines for earning a life science licensure beginning your studies in
an odd year or even year.
Declare a life science licensure
Physical science license
The life science license enables one to teach chemistry or physics in grades 7-12. To obtain this license the student completes:
- a major in chemistry or physics
- teacher-education coursework
- field experience including student teaching
It is difficult to complete these requirements in four academic years. Most students complete course work in four years plus student teaching in an extra semester.
For more information: visit the education department.
Four year plans provide guidelines for earning a physical science licensure beginning your studies
in an odd year or even year.
Declare a physical science licensure
Middle childhood education license
The middle childhood license: science concentration is for teaching any science subject in grades 4-9.
The middle childhood license requires concentration in two areas. Many students choose a science and math combination because there is some overlap in requirements, but science can also be combined with language arts or social studies. Middle childhood teachers are not required to complete a science major; rather, they complete a middle childhood education degree from the education department.
To obtain this license the student completes:
- a major in middle childhood education
- specific cousework for a concentration in science
- specific coursework for a concentration in another area
- field experience including student teaching
If the student chooses this major early and follows the recommended program, this license (including student teaching) can be completed in four academic years.
For more information: visit the education department or browse the course descriptions.
A Four year plan provides guidelines for earning middle childhood licensure .
Declare a middle childhood education major.