Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration


Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


Degree seeking candidates who wish to obtain Colorado licensure for Secondary Science Education with a major in Chemistry must earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Included in the requirements for the Chemistry major with a concentration in Secondary Science teaching is a core curriculum designed to ensure that the Chemistry education program meets the Colorado Science Licensure Standards and addresses the objectives of the General Science content area examination. The core curriculum adds a firm foundation in Biology, Physics, Earth and Space Science, and Mathematics. The Colorado Academic Standards in Science are strongly emphasized within the curriculum. Science Licensure candidates must declare their major with the appropriate concentration in Secondary Science Licensure.

Student Outcomes


Secondary Education

  • Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure programs will demonstrate awareness of multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
  • Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure program will gain readiness and eligibility for student teaching.
  • Teacher candidates will successfully complete student teaching.

Chemistry Major, B.A.

  • Apply the fundamental principles of chemistry and/or biochemistry, showing core competency in chemistry areas (general, analytical, organic, biochemistry and physical chemistry).
  • Design and conduct experiments using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • Conduct scientific inquiry in an ethical manner.
  • Handle chemicals and chemical waste safely.
  • Search, critically evaluate, and properly cite scientific literature.
  • Use effective oral and written communication skills.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 123 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
  • This program is defined as an extended major .

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
    • Recommended: Students may fulfill this General Studies requirement with MTH 1410 - Calculus I  or its prerequisites.
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
    • Recommended: Students may fulfill this General Studies requirement with Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure Concentration.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**) 

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Students can consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.

Additional Content Courses Required for Secondary Science Licensure: 29 credits


Six or more credits in this category can also satisfy General Studies requirements for Natural and Physical Sciences. 

Secondary Education Foundation and Methods Courses: 28 credits


All the courses in this area are required for Secondary Science Licensure. Some course pairs must be taken together; please see an advisor in the School of Education for more detail on recommended sequence. You should complete your General Studies and at least half of your major and additional content area courses before beginning Teacher Education courses.

Senior Experience: 12 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirement 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Chemistry Major Courses 36 credits
Additional Content Courses Required for Secondary Science Licensure 29 credits
Foundation and Methods Courses 28 credits
Senior Experience 12 credits
Total for the Chemistry Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration Minimum 123 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

Up to 15 of the 33 General Studies credits in this program may be fulfilled through requirements for the degree.