Science Teaching
The State of Minnesota grants science teacher licensure for grades 5-8 general science, 9-12 Chemistry, 9-12 Earth Science, 9-12 Life Science, and 9-12 Physics. Students earning a degree from Minnesota State Mankato will qualify for two licenses (1) 5-8 general science and (2) 9-12 specialty.
Each major requires the 31 credit general core and a science emphasis that ranges from 27-35 credits of science and science teaching methods courses. In addition, the student must complete a 30 credit professional education component and the 3 credit Drug Education course.
The University Science Teaching Program must meet specific competencies to meet professional accreditation and licensure requirements. To stay within the required degree limits of 120 credit hours, students are strongly advised to select courses within the 44 credit general education program that meet both teaching program and general education needs. It is important for the student to meet with their advisor to assist with program planning.
A minor is not required for any of the science teaching programs; however, to broaden one's teaching opportunities, double majors are encouraged. For further details, the student should check with one of the science teaching advisors for an overview of available opportunities.
GPA Policy. Students obtaining a degree in science teaching must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in the sciences. Students who are not science teaching majors should consult an advisor concerning possible additional course requirements.
P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a degree in science teaching may not be taken on a P/N basis except where P/N grading is mandatory.
For all Science Teaching Programs
Required General Education (3 credits):
- HLTH 310 Drug Education (3)
Required General Science Core (31 credits):
- AST 101 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
- BIOL 105 General Biology I (4)
- BIOL 106 General Biology II (4)
- CHEM 201 General Chemistry I (5)
- GEOL 121 Physical Geology (4)
- GEOL 310 Earth and Space Systems (3)
- PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I (4)*
- PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II (4)*
* PHYS 221, PHYS 222m PHYS 223, PHYS 232, and PHYS 233 may substitute. The additional credit hours will reduce the number of credits in the advanced physics courses.
Professional Education, 30 credits:
See the Secondary Education section for additional information about admissions to Professional Education and course requirements.
Required General Education
- AST 101 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
- BIOL 105 General Biology I (4)
- CHEM 201 General Chemistry I (5)
- GEOL 121 Physical Geology (4)
- HLTH 240 Drug Education (3)
- KSP 220W Human Relations in a Multicultural Society (3)
- PHYS 211 Principles of Physics (4)
Math Requirement (choose 3-4 credits)
- MATH 113 Trigonometry (3)
- MATH 115 Precalculus Mathematics (4)
Required for Life Science 5-12 Teaching Major (Core, 37 credits):
- BIOL 106 General Biology II (4)
- BIOL 211 Genetics (3)
- BIOL 215 General Ecology (4)
- BIOL 220 Human Anatomy (4)
- BIOL 270 Microbiology (4)
- BIOL 301 Evolution (2)
- BIOL 408 Vertebrate Ecology (4) OR BIOL 409 Advanced Field Ecology (4)
- BIOL 485 Biology Teaching Methods and Materials (4)
- GEOL 310 Earth and Space Systems (3)
- PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II (4)
- BIOL 499 Individual Study: Research Project (1)
Required for Major (Electives, 9 credits):
Choose a minimum of 9 credits from Biology courses from the 300-400 level
Required Minor: None.
