Bachelor of Science in
Physical Science - Secondary Education

Spark Scientific Curiosity

The Physical Science – Secondary Education major at 51¸£ÀûÉç prepares you to teach physics, chemistry, and earth science at the middle and high school level.

You’ll build a strong foundation in the sciences—exploring chemistry, physics, geology, and astronomy—while learning how to turn complex concepts into lessons that spark curiosity and keep students engaged.

Through hands-on classroom experience and teaching methods aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), you’ll graduate ready to lead your own classroom. You’ll know how to create safe, inclusive lab environments, support diverse learners, and help students think like scientists.

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Why Study Chemistry & Biochemistry at 51¸£ÀûÉç?

Career Connections

Build your resume before you graduate through internships, research, and applied learning opportunities with local organizations.

Small Class Sizes

Get to know your professors, connect with your peers, ask questions, and receive personalized support in every class.

Mentorship & Support

You won’t figure it out alone—faculty and advisors are here to help you choose classes, research opportunities, and career paths.

Research Opportunities

Work alongside faculty on research projects that strengthen your skills and help you stand out to employers and grad schools.

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Resources for Student Success

Find community in student clubs and get academic support through one-on-one tutoring and study groups.

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Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition rates and financial aid options designed to help you graduate with little to no debt.

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About 51¸£ÀûÉç Chemistry

"The chemistry classes not only grew my knowledge and love for chemistry, but the hands-on experience and knowledge I acquired about the different instruments in the lab helped give me an edge over the competition when I applied to both internships and master's programs." — Aiden Anderson '26

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official , which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Physical Science - Secondary Education Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

51¸£ÀûÉç

Admission: This Program requires .  
Grade Requirements: A cumulative GPA ≥2.8 for all courses, ≥C+ in each required science course and required supporting course, ≥B- in each required education course. 

Required Science Courses

GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
5

GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
5

GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III
5
GENERAL PHYSICS I4
GENERAL PHYSICS II4
GENERAL PHYSICS III4
MECHANICS LABORATORY1
HEAT AND OPTICS LABORATORY1
ELECTRONICS LABORATORY I1
DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY5
or  MAKING SENSE OF THE COSMOS

DISCOVERING GEOLOGY
and DISCOVERING GEOLOGY LAB
5

THE EARTH'S CLIMATE AND WEATHER
and THE EARTH'S CLIMATE AND WEATHER LAB
5

THE EARTH THROUGH TIME
and THE EARTH THROUGH TIME LAB
5
INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY5
or  WEATHER FORECASTING
Required Supporting Courses
CALCULUS I5
CALCULUS II5
CALCULUS III5
Required Education Courses
SCIENCE TEACHING THROUGH INQUIRY2
FOUNDATIONS OF INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT3
FOUNDATIONS OF CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND CULTURE3
FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING, LEARNING, AND MOTIVATION IN SCHOOL CONTEXTS4
UNDERSTANDING EDUCATION IN THE US3
PEOPLES AND GOVERNANCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST5
SECONDARY APPLIED INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT4
PRACTICES OF CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND CULTURE IN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS4
SCIENCE TEACHING METHODS5
DESIGNING EQUITABLE LEARNING IN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS4
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS3
FIELD EXPERIENCE 12
FIELD EXPERIENCE 22
FIELD EXPERIENCE 35
SCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE SEMINAR3
SCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE FIELD APPLICATION2
FULL-TIME STUDENT TEACHING15
REFLECTIONS ON SCIENCE TEACHING1
Total Credits140

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Applied Laboratory Work: Build practical, career-ready skills by working in labs that mirror professional lab environments.
  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice real-world decision-making through simulations, case studies, and other hands-on activities in class.
  • Field Work: Take your learning outside the classroom to research sites.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at 51¸£ÀûÉç: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, or clubs.
Students work on a physics assignment