Science education MEd and teaching license
Science teachers are in high demand, and this program will prepare you to step into your classroom with confidence and solid classroom experience through our unique co-teaching practicum model. Our license is highly transferable to other states and our candidates are highly sought-after by local school districts.
After successfully completing licensure requirements, students are recommended for state teaching licensure in one or more of the following licensure specialty areas:
- Chemistry (grades 9-12)
- Earth and space science (grades 9-12)
- Life science (grades 9-12)
- Physics (grades 9-12)
In addition to completing requirements for at least one of the four licensure specialty areas listed above, students can also choose to complete requirements for general science (grades 5-8). While general science licensure is optional, it is highly recommended by the college.
If you already have a teaching license and want to earn an additional teaching license in a science area, contact Gillian Roehrig
Quote from Brenna Peterson
Something that drove me to enroll in this specific program is that it allows you to get a Tier 3 MN teaching license in just one year and then you can work as a licensed teacher while you finish the MEd degree. You also get into a classroom right away, and you get to be in a classroom for a significant portion of the program (all but the first summer of orientation).
About the program
Program coursework
The coursework will integrate technical knowledge that makes science teaching more effective for all learners. Ultimately these courses are designed to help you learn how to use various instructional techniques and methods, and to reflect upon your teaching as you begin your career as a science teacher.
View the curriculum in the course catalog under Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements > Science.
Timeline
In this accelerated program, you will complete all your required licensure coursework and student-teaching hours in just 12 months. Courses start in the summer and finish the following summer. After successfully completing the licensure exams, you will be ready to start in your own classroom in the Fall.
Students earning their MEd along with an initial teaching license will complete three graduate courses after completing the licensure part of the program while already working in your own classroom. You can complete your MEd within one year of earning your licensure, or you can take up to two years to complete your degree, all while already working as a licensed science teacher.
Student experience
Our unique co-teaching program and cohort experience will help you gain the confidence you need to start in your own classroom with plenty of support. You will teach at both a middle school and high school as part of your student teaching practicum. Learn more about the student teaching experience.
Related programs for undergraduates
DirecTrack to Teaching is an exploratory education program that lets you experience schools and school culture in a K-12 education setting.
The Racial Justice in Urban Schooling minor lets you explore school systems and offer support to advance educational equity.
Teach English as a Second Language (TESL) minor gives you teaching experience at community sites and lets you explore a teaching career abroad.
Teacher scholars of color program
Do you identify, or are you identified, as a non-majority racial group? Consider participating in the Teacher Scholars of Color program. Students admitted to the MEd and initial teaching license programs have the opportunity to join a community of prospective teachers of color and get paired with a faculty mentor. International students are also welcome to this program. Find out more about the TSoC program.
How to apply
Application deadline and instructions
- October 1: MEd/ILP application opens
- October 4: Scholarship application opens
- November 30: Priority deadline for a transcript review/prerequisite evaluation
- December 15: Priority application and scholarship application deadline, elementary education program accepting applications through January 15
- January 15:
- Deadline for Arts in Education and Elementary education program
- Final scholarship application deadline
- March 15 - April 30: Admissions notifications will be sent on a rolling basis between March 15 and April 30. Students waitlisted may receive a notification after April 30.
Request information
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