Chemistry Teaching

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, and interactions with other matter and with energy. At USU, chemistry majors have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research from the beginning of their studies, first as laboratory assistants and eventually moving on to their own research projects.

Chemistry teachers educate students in middle school or high school levels on the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different types of elements are combined and how to properly write scientific equations.

The department has two options for students interested in careers as high school or middle school chemistry teachers. The chemistry teaching option is appropriate for students who wish to teach chemistry, but who do not seek the depth of study required for American Chemical Soceity certification. The chemical education emphasis within the chemistry major requires a few additional math, statistics, and chemistry courses, which allows students to become ACS certified.

Education Component:

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USUs School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses.  This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Students in the chemistry teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

Students who graduate in chemistry teaching are qualified to teach chemistry in middle schools or high schools.

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.