Secondary Education, B.S. (Behrend)

Program Code: SECBC_BS

Program Description

The following teaching options are available for majors in Secondary Education: Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, English, Environmental Education, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies/Citizenship Education.

The Secondary Education major helps prepare students for middle school and/or high school teaching positions and for other employment in fields related to their content specialties.

Biological Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Chemistry Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Earth and Space Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

English Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A comparable program is also open to student outside the College of Education who desire certification.

Environmental Education Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for a Pennsylvania teacher certification in Environmental Education when completed in conjunction with another secondary education teaching option (i.e., Biological Science Teaching option). The total number of credits required will depend primarily on that other option.

General Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching General Science at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary education option (e.g., Biology); the total number of credits required will depend primarily on that other option.

Mathematics Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: Erie, University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Physics Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Social Studies Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching social studies at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

What is Secondary Education?

The Secondary Education (SECED) major prepares graduates to teach at the middle school or high school level (grades 7-12) in English, Mathematics, Social Studies (which includes history, geography, government, and the social sciences), or a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, or Physics). The program combines on-campus course work with clinical experiences in schools; graduates are eligible to apply for teacher licensure through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are committed to public service and working with young people, and you appreciate that effective teaching demands both mastery of subject matter knowledge and understanding learners and communities.
  • In your subject-matter studies, you tend to find yourself asking: How do we know that? Is there a better way to describe it? What are we overlooking? How could I help others understand this too?

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SECONDARY EDUCATION

Entrance to Major

Baccalaureate degree candidates must meet the following requirements 1-3 by the end of their third semester:

  1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
  2. Documentation of at least 80 hours of volunteer or paid education work experience with learners of the age group the candidate plans to teach. Candidates for Secondary Education must document 40 of these hours with learners who come from backgrounds that are different from the candidate's.

Requirements 4-9 must be met by the end of the fourth semester when students typically participate in the Entrance-to-Major process.

  1. A grade of "C" or better in all specified courses.
  2. Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program.
  3. Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program.
  4. Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program.
  5. Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H, three credits of literature, and six credits of quantification
  6. Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program. 

Degree Requirements

For the B.S. degree in Secondary Education with an option in Biological Science Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Chemistry Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Earth and Space Science Teaching, a minimum of 123 credits is required; with an option in English Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Environmental Education Teaching and a cohort option, a minimum of 123 credits is required; with an option in General Science Teaching and a cohort option, a minimum of 121 credits is required; with an option in Mathematics Teaching, a minimum of 132 credits is required; with an option in Physics Teaching, a minimum of 121 credits is required; with an option in Social Studies Teaching, a minimum of 129-132 credits is required. (See also Teacher Education Programs):

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 0-20
Requirements for the Major 83-111

12-27 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Biological Science Teaching option, Chemistry Teaching option, Earth and Space Science Teaching option, Environmental Education Teaching option, General Science Teaching option, and Physics Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 9 credits of GN courses, 6 credits of GS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses. English Teaching option--0-6 credits of GA courses; 6 credits of GH courses; 6 credits of GS courses, 0-3 credits of GWS. Mathematics Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses. Social Studies Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 3 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GS courses. Six of these credits for any option may also satisfy the Integrative Studies requirement.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CI 280Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners Keystone/General Education Course3
CI 295Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation2
CI 495CClinical Application of Instruction -- Secondary Education3
CI 495EPracticum in Student Teaching--Secondary Education15
EDPSY 14Learning and Instruction Keystone/General Education Course3
PSYCH 100Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course3
SPLED 400Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management4
SPLED 403BEvidence-Based Methods for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
PSYCH 412Adolescence3
or HDFS 239 Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 3 credits of GH courses from Literature Selection3
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Education in American Society Keystone/General Education Course
Competing Rights: Issues in American Education Keystone/General Education Course
3 credits at the 400 level of any EDTHP course
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select an option38-66

Requirements for the Option

Biological Science Teaching Option (63-66 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
BIOL 240WBiology: Function and Development of Organisms4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BMB 251
BMB 252
Molecular and Cell Biology I
and Molecular and Cell Biology II
4-6
or BIOL 230W Biology: Molecules and Cells
MATH 141 or 4 credits of 200-level STAT GQ courses4
Select one of the following:3-4
Introductory Biological Anthropology Keystone/General Education Course
Human Genetics
Evolution
Geobiology
Paleontology and Fossils
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Elementary Biochemistry
Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory
General Biochemistry
General Biochemistry
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 8 credits of 300-level or 400-level BIOL or biological fields8

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Chemistry Teaching Option (55-60 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select one of the following:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 9 credits from 400 level CHEM or related field9
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 6-9 credits in CHEM or chemistry-related fields at the 200 level or higher (e.g., BMB 211 and BMB 212, BMB 251, BMB 252, MICRB 251, FDSC 400, ANSC 301, NUTR 251, CHEM, CHE)6-9

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Earth and Space Science Teaching Option (60-63 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
ASTRO 10Elementary Astronomy Keystone/General Education Course2
ASTRO 11Elementary Astronomy Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course1
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
EARTH 100Environment Earth Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
GEOSC 1Physical Geology3
or GEOSC 20 Planet Earth Keystone/General Education Course
GEOSC 21Earth and Life: Origin and Evolution3-4
or GEOSC 204 Geobiology
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Weather Revealed: Introductory Meteorology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Weather Analysis
Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Ecology of Lakes and Streams
Coastal Biology
The Sea Around Us Keystone/General Education Course
Marine Geology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 8 credits of 200-400 level from EARTH, GEOSC, METEO, ASTRO, other earth science field, or BIOL 4278

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

English Teaching Option (40-42 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Note: Must complete at least 3 credits of IL and 3 credits of US Cultures selections.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CI 492Identities, Power and Perceptual Pedagogies in Teaching and Learning3
LLED 411Teaching Language Arts In Secondary Schools I3
LLED 412WTeaching Language Arts in Secondary Schools II3
LLED 420Teaching Adolescent Literature and Literacy3
LLED 421Teaching Writing in Secondary Schools3
LLED 422Teaching the Young Adult Literature Workshop3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 1-3 credits of Grammar from the following:1-3
Discourse-Functional Grammar
Basic News Writing Skills
Select 3 credits of Speech and Oral Performance from the following:3
Effective Speech
Storytelling and Speaking
Fundamentals of Acting Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Shakespeare from the following:3
Shakespeare Keystone/General Education Course
Taking Shakespeare From Page to Stage
Studies in Shakespeare
Shakespeare
Select 6 credits of British and American Literature from the following:6
British Literature to 1798 Keystone/General Education Course
British Literature from 1798 Keystone/General Education Course
American Literature to 1865 Keystone/General Education Course
American Literature from 1865 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Multicultural Literature in English from the following:3
Latina/o Literature and Culture
Alternative Voices in American Literature Keystone/General Education Course
African American Literature Keystone/General Education Course
Women Writers Keystone/General Education Course
Asian American Literatures
Black American Writers
Reading Black, Reading Feminist
African American Novel I
African American Novel II
African American Poetry
Women Writers and Their Worlds
American Women Writers
Select 3 credits of Nonprint Literature from the following:3
From Folk Shouts and Songs to Hip Hop Poetry
World Graphic Novels Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Film History and Theory Keystone/General Education Course
Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
The Graphic Novel Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Writing from the following:3
Introduction to Creative Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Fiction Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Poetry Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to General Nonfiction Writing
Environmental Education Teaching Option (55-58 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
CHEM 101Introductory Chemistry Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
SCIED 4573
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select one of the following:4
Environmental Chemistry
and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
and Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3-4
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Ornithology
Mammalogy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select two courses (6-8 credits) in environmental law, economics, management and policy (e.g., ECON 428, ERM 411, ERM 412, ERM 413W, WFS 410, WFS 447W, WFS 463W)6-8
Select 4 credits of an environmentally related course in Science Technology and Society (e.g., STS 100, STS 460)4
Select at least 14 credits from the cohort Teaching option 114
1

This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary teaching option, such as the Biological Science Teaching option.

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

General Science Teaching Option (38 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 141 or 4 credits of 200-level STAT GQ courses4
Select one of the following:4
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course

Note 1: This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary teaching option, such as Biology.

Note 2: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 3: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Mathematics Teaching Option (57-59 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Erie, University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
MATH 310Elementary Combinatorics3
MATH 311WConcepts of Discrete Mathematics3-4
MATH 312Concepts of Real Analysis3
MATH 414Introduction to Probability Theory3
MATH 471Geometry for Teachers4
MTHED 411Teaching Secondary Mathematics I3
MTHED 412WTeaching Secondary Mathematics II3
MTHED 427Teaching Mathematics in Technology-Intensive Environments3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CMPSC 101Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course3
or CMPSC 121 Introduction to Programming Techniques
MATH 231
MATH 232
Calculus of Several Variables
and Integral Vector Calculus
4
or MATH 230 Calculus and Vector Analysis
MATH 435Basic Abstract Algebra3
or MATH 470 Algebra for Teachers
MATH 436Linear Algebra3
or MATH 441 Matrix Algebra
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Experimental Methods
3 credits of MTHED from program list
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from 400-level MATH or MTHED courses6
Physics Teaching Option (55-62 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 213General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 214General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 237Introduction to Modern Physics3
PHYS 400Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism3
PHYS 419Theoretical Mechanics3
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 230Calculus and Vector Analysis2-4
or MATH 231 Calculus of Several Variables
MATH 250Ordinary Differential Equations3-4
or MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Select one of the following:1-4
Electronics for Scientists
PHYS 457
Intermediate Optics

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Social Studies Teaching Option (57 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
ECON 104Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
GEOG 30NEnvironment and Society in a Changing World Keystone/General Education Course3
HIST 20American Civilization to 1877 Keystone/General Education Course3
HIST 21American Civilization Since 1877 Keystone/General Education Course3
PLSC 1American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers Keystone/General Education Course3
SSED 411Teaching Secondary Social Studies I3
SSED 412WTeaching Secondary Social Studies II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
HIST 1Western Civilization I Keystone/General Education Course3
or HIST 10 World History to 1500 Keystone/General Education Course
HIST 2Western Civilization II Keystone/General Education Course3
or HIST 11 World History since 1500 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits of the following:9
Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution Keystone/General Education Course
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Sociology Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 6 credits of 400-level History6
Select one concentration:15
Citizenship Education
Select 6 credits of History at the 100-level or above
Select 3 credits of the following:
Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Sociology Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution Keystone/General Education Course
Physical Geography: An Introduction
Human Geography: An Introduction
Civics and Government
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Contemporary Political Ideologies Keystone/General Education Course
Scientific Study of Politics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Political Theory Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of 400-level Political Science
Classics and Ancient Studies
Select 3 credits from the following:
Greek and Roman Literature Keystone/General Education Course
Jewish and Christian Foundations Keystone/General Education Course
Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of 100-level Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Select 3 credits of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Economics
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of 400-level Economics
Geography
Select 9 credits of Geography below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Geography
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
History of the Holocaust 1933-1945 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits from the following:
The Holocaust in Film and Literature Keystone/General Education Course
History of Fascism and Nazism Keystone/General Education Course
Genocide in Global perspectives: Twentieth Century and beyond Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits from the following:
Holocaust
Women and the Holocaust
Genocide and Tyranny
Hiroshima & the Holocaust in History and Memory
Ethics After the Holocaust
Social Sciences
Select 9 credits of Anthropology, Psychology, and/or Sociology below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Anthropology, Psychology, and/or Sociology

Note 1: Courses taken to meet Additional Courses and other Supporting Courses and Related Areas requirements cannot also be applied to the concentration. Different courses need to be selected for the concentration and Additional Courses and other Supporting Courses and Related Areas requirements.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Erie

Pat Kelly
Lecturer in Math Education
16 Prischak
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6308
pmk91@psu.edu

University Park

College of Education
Advising and Certification Center

228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ed@admissions.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Mathematics Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*#†4MATH 141*#†4
ENGL 15 or 30H*#3MATH 220*#2
CMPSC 121 or 101*#3General Education (GN)3
PSU 71General Education (GA)3
PSYCH 100*#†3General Education (GH) (See approved list below)*#†3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GHW)1.5
 17 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100, CAS 100A, or CAS 100B*3STAT 401*3
MATH 230*#4MATH 310 or 436*3
MATH 311W*4EDTHP 115A (Satisfies US Culture Requirement)*#†3
STAT 301 or STAT 318*3CI 295*#3
EDPSY 14*#3ENGL 202A or 202B*3
 CI 280*†3
 17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 312*3MTHED 411*3
MATH 435 or 427 and 4283-4MTHED 427*3
SPLED 400*4MATH 310 or 436*3
STAT 414 (or General Education Course (GA))*†3SPLED 403B*3
400-level MATH Selection*3PSYCH 412 or HDFS 239*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GN)3
 17.5-18.5 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MTHED 412W*3CI 495E*15
STAT 414 (or General Education Course (GA))*†3No additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching
400-level MATH Selection*3 
CI 495C3 
MATH 435 or 427 and 4283-4 
 15-16 15
Total Credits 134-136
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

1

 Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Math placement tests - i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 22; or CHEM 101 and MATH 22 or MATH 41

Program Notes

1.) There are additional entrance to major requirements of PRAXIS Core Exam, 40-hour Work Experience, 3.0 GPA.
2.) Additional requirements must be met to be certified - please meet with adviser regularly.

Academic Advising Notes

1.) Students interested in dual majoring in MTHBC B,S. alongside SECBC B,S. should carefully select their General Education (GN) courses to fulfill math major requirements. Please meet with adviser to schedule.
2.) Several courses above are taught every other year:
- the following are taught in fall of odd years: MATH 435, STAT 414, MATH 455, MATH 412
- the following are taught in fall of even years: MATH 427, MATH 428, MATH 465
, MATH 455
- the following is taught in spring of odd years: MATH 436, MATH 421, MATH 449
- the following is taught in spring of even years: MATH 310, MATH 456, MATH 429, MATH 482
3.) Must complete at least 3 credits of IL and 3 credit of US Cultures selections. EDTHP 115A satisfies US Cultures. Either the GA or Literature GH class can be chosen to satisfy the IL requirement.

Approved Literature (GH) Selection:
CMLIT 1, CMLIT 2, CMLIT 3, CMLIT 4, CMLIT 5, CMLIT 6, CMLIT 10, CMLIT 11, CMLIT 83S, CMLIT 100, CMLIT 101, CMLIT 105, CMLIT 106, CMLIT 107, CMLIT 108, CMLIT 110, CMLIT 111, CMLIT 120, CMLIT 141, CMLIT 153, ENGL 1, ENGL 2, ENGL 103, ENGL 104, ENGL 129, ENGL 132, ENGL 133, ENGL 134, ENGL 135, ENGL 139, ENGL 140, ENGL 145, ENGL 180, ENGL 182, ENGL 184, ENGL 185, ENGL 189, ENGL 191, ENGL 192, ENGL 194, ENGL 200, ENGL 201, ENGL 221, ENGL 222, ENGL 226, ENGL 231, ENGL 232, ENGL 233N, ENGL 240, ENGL 261, ENGL 262, ENGL 263, ENGL 265, ENGL 268, CAMS 1, CAMS 45

Chemistry Pre-Education Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 110*†3CHEM 112*†3
CHEM 111*†1CHEM 113*†1
MATH 140*†4MATH 141*†4
ENGL 15 or 30H3PHYS 211*†4
PSU 71General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course3 
 16.5 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 210*3CHEM 212*3
CHEM 227*4CHEM 213*2
PHYS 212*†4ENGL 202C3
MATH 230*4MATH 250 or STAT 401*3
 PSYCH 100*†3
 General Education Course3
 15 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 450*3CHEM 452*3
CHEM 457*1CHEM 457*1
CHEM 400*1CHEM 440*3
CHEM 472*3CHEM 441*1
CHEM 316*1CHEM 494 or 496*1
CAS 100A3EDPSY 143
PSYCH 212 or HDFS 1293CI 2951
 Supporting Courses and Related Areas3
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 413*4CHEM 431W*4
CHEM 443*1CHEM 494 or 496*1
CHEM 494 or 496*1CHEM 3951-2
EDTHP 1153CHEM 400-Level Course*3
CI 2951General Education Course3
CHEM 400-Level Selection*3Supporting Courses and Related Areas3
 13 15-16
Total Credits 121-122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester: Some major requirement will be offered only once a year or every other year depending on demand:
Fall only courses include: CHEM 210, CHEM 227, CHEM 316, CHEM 400, CHEM 413, CHEM 450, CHEM 472
Spring only courses include: CHEM 212, CHEM 213, ;CHEM 431W, CHEM 440, CHEM 452

3.) All first-year baccalaureate degree candidates are required to complete, during the first academic year, a seminar course.
4.) 18 credits of supporting courses are required for the general option. There are a variety of courses you may choose from. The list given below is not completely inclusive. If there is a new course or a technical course you feel you would like to include under this selection, please speak with your Academic Adviser or the Academic Coordinator.

Supporting Courses List
EDSGN 100S
BIOL 110 or higher
CHNS 1, CHNS 2, CHNS 3
CMPSC any course
CMPEN any course
FR 1, FR 2, FR 3
GER 1, GER 2, GER 3
MATH 200-level or higher
MICRB 201 or MICRB 202
PHYS 213, PHYS 214, PHYS 237, or any 400-level course
PLET 206W or higher
SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3
STAT 250 or higher
The following select courses can also be used as a supporting course under the designated CHMBC option.

Pre-Education Supporting Course List
PSYCH 301W
PSYCH 253
PSYCH 256
PSYCH 445
PSYCH 412
PSYCH 416
PHIL 10

5.) Non-approved courses - Some courses are not appropriate for a chemistry major and will not count toward degree requirements. These courses include, but are not limited to, those listed below:

Non-approved Courses List
BISC 1, BISC 2, BISC 3
BMB 1
CAS 126
CHEM 1, CHEM 3, CHEM 20, CHEM 21, CHEM 101, CHEM 202, CHEM 203
CMPSC 100
ENGL 4, ENGL 5
MATH 1, MATH 2, MATH 4, MATH 37, MATH 38
PHYS 1, PHYS 150, PHYS 151, PHYS 250, PHYS 251
STAT 100

General Science Pre-Certification Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 110*#†3CHEM 112*#†3
CHEM 111#†1CHEM 113*†1
MATH 140*#†4MATH 141*†4
ENGL 15 or 30H3BIOL 110S*#†4
PSU 71General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 1003GEOSC 23
BIOL 220W or 230W (or BIOL 240W)4CMPSC 121*3
PHYS 250 or 211*4ASTRO 102
GEOSC 203ASTRO 111
General Education Course (GHW)1.5PHYS 251 or 212*4
 General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 213 or PHYS 214 or Elective (if following PHYS 250/251 track)2-3World Language Level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
ENGL 202A or 202B (or ENGL 202C or ENGL 202D)‡†3GEOSC 403
ASTRO 291 or GEOG 103ASTRO 2923
World Language Level 14GEOSC 103
 400-Level Course Science Supporting List*3
 15-16 17.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 250 or 200 (or MATH 230 or CMPSC 122)3-4400-Level Course Program List*3
400-Level Course Program List*3400-Level Course Program List*3
METEO 33GEOSC Course*3
400-Level Course Science Supporting List*3General Education Course3
General Education Course3GEOG, GEOSC, MATSC, MATSE Course (any level)3
 15-16 15
Total Credits 124-126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester - some major requirements will be offered only once every every other year.
- Fall only courses include: CMPSC 455, MATH 455, PHYS 402 ,PHYS 414
- Spring only courses include:CMPSC 456, ME 428, MATH 456, PHYS 410 ,PHYS 420, PHYS 421W, PHYS 458
3.) All first-year baccalaureate degree candidates are required to complete, during the first academic year, a seminar course
4.) Students must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level prescribed, additional, and supporting course.
5.) For Science Supporting Courses, students must select 18 credits, with at least 9 credits at the 400-level, in one of the areas: computer sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, or physical sciences.
6.) Students must select 18-22 credits, with at least 6 credits at the 400-level, from the program list.
7.) Students must complete at least 3 credits of a writing across the curriculum credits. Note that only one credit of each of the BIOL 220W, BIOL 230W, and BIOL 240W courses can be used to meet this requirement.

Advising Notes

Program List Courses
Students may select courses from nearly the entire range of the University's course offerings, excluding the following:
BIOL 11, BIOL 12
BISC 1, BISC 2, BISC 3, BISC 4
BMB 1
CAS 126
CHEM 1, CHEM 3, CHEM 101, CHEM 108
CMPSC 1,CMPSC 100, CMPSC 110
ENGL 4 ,ENGL 5, ESL 4
LLED 5, LLED 10
MATH 1, MATH 2, MATH 3, MATH 4, MATH 21, MATH 26, MATH 30, MATH 35, MATH 36, MATH 37, MATH 38, MATH 40, MATH 81, MATH 82, MATH 83, MATH 110, MATH 111, MATH 200
MICRB 106, MICRB 107, MICRB 120, MICRB 121A, MICRB 121B, MICRB 150, and MICRB 151x
PHYS 1, PHYS 150, PHYS 151, PHYS 126
STAT 100

Science Supporting Courses List
Computer Science include CENBD and CMPSC courses
Geosciences include GEOG, GEOSC, MATSC, and MATSE courses
Life Sciences include BIOL, BMB, and MICRB courses
Mathematical Sciences include MATH and STAT courses
Physical Sciences include ASTRO, CHEM, and PHYS courses

Earth and Space Pre-Certification Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 110*#†3CHEM 112*#†3
CHEM 111#†1CHEM 113*†1
MATH 140*#†4MATH 141*†4
ENGL 15 or 30H3BIOL 110S*#†4
PSU 71General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 1003GEOSC 23
BIOL 220W or 230W (or BIOL 240W)4CMPSC 121*3
PHYS 250 or 211*4ASTRO 102
GEOSC 203ASTRO 111
General Education Course (GHW)1.5PHYS 251 or 212*4
 General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 213 or PHYS 214 or Elective (if following PHYS 250/251 track)2-3World Language Level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
ENGL 202A or 202B (or ENGL 202C or ENGL 202D)‡†3GEOSC 403
ASTRO 291 or GEOG 103ASTRO 2923
World Language Level 14GEOSC 103
 400-Level Course Science Supporting List*3
 15-16 17.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 250 or 200 (or MATH 230 or CMPSC 122)3-4400-Level Course Program List*3
400-Level Course Program List*3400-Level Course Program List*3
METEO 33GEOSC Course*3
400-Level Course Science Supporting List*3General Education Course3
General Education Course3GEOG, GEOSC, MATSC, MATSE Course (any level)3
 15-16 15
Total Credits 124-126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes

1.) Students who have not met the admission requirement of two units of a high school world language must complete a college level-one world language within their first 60 credits.
2.) Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester - some major requirements will be offered only once every every other year.
- Fall only courses include: CMPSC 455, MATH 455, PHYS 402, PHYS 414
- Spring only courses include:CMPSC 456, ME 428, MATH 456, PHYS 410, PHYS 420, PHYS 421W, PHYS 458
3.) All first-year baccalaureate degree candidates are required to complete, during the first academic year, a seminar course
4.) Students must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level prescribed, additional, and supporting course.
5.) For Science Supporting Courses, students must select 18 credits, with at least 9 credits at the 400-level, in one of the areas: computer sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, or physical sciences.
6.) Students must select 18-22 credits, with at least 6 credits at the 400-level, from the program list.
7.) Students must complete at least 3 credits of a writing across the curriculum credits. Note that only one credit of each of the BIOL 220W, BIOL 230W, and BIOL 240Wcourses can be used to meet this requirement.

Advising Notes

Program List Courses
Students may select courses from nearly the entire range of the University's course offerings, excluding the following:
BIOL 11, BIOL 12
BISC 1, BISC 2, BISC 3, BISC 4
BMB 1
CAS 126
CHEM 1, CHEM 3, CHEM 101, CHEM 108
CMPSC 1,CMPSC 100, CMPSC 110
ENGL 4, ENGL 5, ESL 4
LLED 5, LLED 10
MATH 1, MATH 2, MATH 3, MATH 4, MATH 21, MATH 26, MATH 30, MATH 35, MATH 36, MATH 37, MATH 38, MATH 40, MATH 81, MATH 82, MATH 83, MATH 110, MATH 111, MATH 200
MICRB 106, MICRB 107, MICRB 120, MICRB 121A, MICRB 121B, MICRB 150, and MICRB 151x
PHYS 1, PHYS 150, PHYS 151, PHYS 126
STAT 100

Science Supporting Courses List
Computer Science include CENBD and CMPSC courses
Geosciences include GEOG, GEOSC, MATSC, and MATSE courses
Life Sciences include BIOL, BMB, and MICRB courses
Mathematical Sciences include MATH and STAT courses
Physical Sciences include ASTRO, CHEM, and PHYS courses

Career Paths

Our graduates teach in public and private schools in Pennsylvania, elsewhere in the U.S., and around the world. Education is a profession, and all teachers are expected to continue studying and developing new skills throughout their careers. In most U.S. states, teacher certification is a multi-stage process, with graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree expected early in a teacher’s career. Graduates of this program who work in public schools usually go on to earn a master’s degree. Alumni who wish to continue educational studies at the graduate level through Penn State can do so at University Park and through the University’s World Campus.

Careers

In addition to resources like the College’s Advising and Certification Center and Penn State Career Services, the University hosts large education career fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, which bring recruiters to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

The College of Education educator preparation programs are fully accredited at the Initial and Advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next CAEP program review will be Fall 2026. CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION OF THE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

Erie

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
1 Prischak
4205 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6105
behrend-science@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
141 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1500
rmz101@psu.edu

https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction