How do I become a science teacher? : College of Science and Engineering Advising Center : Texas State University

Please explore this page to find information on types of science-related teaching degrees offered at Texas State, courses you will take, information on the field-based block and student teaching, and more. Also, see photos of Texas State students involved in science education.

View the College of Science & Engineering Teacher Preparation Checklist.

Teaching science can be a great place to start your career!

Make a difference in students' lives
Competitive starting salaries, including health benefits in many school districts
- Average starting salary is $42,247 in districts with more than 10,000 students
Currently a high demand for science teachers
Stable job with a steady income
Summertimes to explore your passions and hobbies, as well as develop your teaching

What types of science-related teaching degrees offered at Texas State?

Expand or Collapse all.

Click here for undergraduate programs
High school science certification - offered through the College of Science and Engineering:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Life Science Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Chemistry Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Physical Science Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science (Grades 7-12)
Elementary and middle school science certification - offered through the College of Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with 4-8 Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with 4-8 Science
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with 4-8 Math/Science Composite
Other high school certification degrees - offered through the College of Science and Engineering:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Art in Computer Science with Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Teacher Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Technology: Industrial Technology with Teacher Certification
Click here for graduate programs
Masters degrees for high school and middle school science teachers offered at Texas State:
- Master of Education in Biology (MEd)
- Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - General Elementary & Middle School Mathematics/Science/Technology (MSIS)
- Master of Education with major in middle school mathematics teaching
For more information, please see pages 10 and 11 of the Graduate College informational brochure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

What sort of teaching courses will I take?
1. CI 4332. Secondary Teaching: Curriculum and Technology.
  This course investigates secondary curriculum, its history, organization, development, and representation in instructional materials. Students learn how curriculum is decided, impacted, and assessed, and the role of technology in curriculum. Topics include local, state, and national standards, trends, and roles of culture and technology in teaching and learning.
  Prerequisite: 2.75 overall GPA. Junior classification required. Must be declared in a degree program that leads to teacher certification.
2. CI 3325. Adolescent Growth and Development.
  Study of biological, cognitive, and psychological theories and processes of adolescence. Prepares prospective teachers to understand abilities, behaviors, and needs of learners. Roles of family, peer groups, and culture examined with the aid of contemporary adolescent literature.
  Prerequisite: 2.75 overall GPA. Junior classification required. Must be declared in a degree program that leads to teacher certification.
3. Field-based block:
  - CI 4370. Classroom Management, Ethics, and Legal Issues in Secondary Teaching.
    This course focuses on the development of an appropriate classroom management system based on current theory and research, analysis of legal and ethical issues as they relate to classroom teachers and students, and field experiences in a variety of secondary classroom environments.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program; CI 3325 and CI 4332; 2.75 Overall GPA; Corequisites: CI 4343 and RDG 3323.
- CI 4343. Instructional Strategies for the Secondary Teacher.
  This course focuses on the study of models for instruction, with attention to assessment and classroom management. Students develop and practice strategies for building classroom communities, teaching all learners, and integrating technology into instruction. The focus is on meeting the needs of individual learners while maintaining academic rigor.
  Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program; CI 3325 andCI 4332; 2.75 Overall GPA; Corequisites: CI 4370 and RDG 3323.
- RDG 3323. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas.
  Provides information about reading in secondary content areas emphasizing selection and use of materials, including textbooks in print and electronic formats. Topics include instructional strategies, assessment of comprehension, and adapting instruction to meet student needs.
  Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program; CI 3325, CI 4332; Co-requisites: CI 4343, CI 4370; 2.75 Overall GPA.
4. Student Teaching
- EDST 4681. Student Teaching 8-12.
  Students will integrate and apply knowledge and skills learned from their program of study while student teaching with experienced 8-12 teachers in the public schools with university guidance and supervision. Students will demonstrate exit-level proficiency in state-adopted and Texas State proficiencies for teachers. One conference hour per week is required.
  Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program; All coursework completed; 2.75 overall GPA.
*** Courses will vary for 4-8 teacher certification
What is the field-based block?

Students in any undergraduate teacher certification program must participate in one or more field-block(s) of integrated courses taught two days per week at a public school in the Central Texas area. This pre-Student Teaching experience is a unique opportunity to learn in actual classrooms, in a partnership between Texas State and public school faculty.

The field-based block are a group of courses that must be taken together at a high school. These courses are available in the fall and spring only. The field-based block allows students to observe in the classroom.

During this time, you will also take the required practice TExES exams (Content Area and Pedagogy & Professional Responsibility) after attending the Student Teacher Round-Up.

*** Courses and location will vary for 4-8 teacher certification
How do I complete my student teaching?
All coursework for a student’s degree program should be completed prior to Student Teaching. Student Teaching should be done during a student’s final semester.

The requirements to be admitted to Student Teaching are as follows:
1. Attendance at a mandatory Student Teaching Round-Up meeting during the long semester prior to the Student Teaching semester (typically the third week of each semester).
2. Validation of required pre-Student Teaching field experiences.
3. An Overall GPA of at least 2.75.
4. A GPA of at least 2.50 in all assigned courses in the professional sequence and in the teaching field(s) or specialization(s), with no grade below a C in these courses.
5. Approval from the Office of Educator Preparation.
What's the ideal timeline I need to follow?
Freshman year:
1. Core and major courses
Sophomore year:
1. Core and major courses
Junior year:
1. Core and major courses
2. CI 4332 and CI 3325 (must be classified as a junior and meet all prerequisites)
3. Spring: Apply for field-based block online
Senior year:
1. Fall: Complete field-based block
2. Fall: Apply for student teaching (must meet all prerequisites)
3. Fall: Take required practice TExES exams
4. Fall: Complete "Round up," a mandatory student teaching module
5. Fall: Complete 1-2 remaining core or major courses
6. Spring: Clear "tentatives" - a list of requirements in the Student Teaching Tentative packet - with the Office of Educator Preparation
7. Spring: Student teach
8. Spring: Apply for graduation
9. Spring: Take required TExES exams
10. Spring: Apply for certification on-line
Do I need certain grades to graduate?
In addition to the other graduation requirements listed in this catalog, the following graduation requirements must be met by students seeking teacher certification:
1. An Overall GPA of at least 2.75.
2. Successful completion of student teaching.
3. A GPA of at least 2.50 in all assigned courses in the professional sequence and in the teaching field(s) or specialization(s) with no grade below a “C” in these courses.
4. Submission of online Graduation Application by the university’s deadline.
What about financial aid?
In order to receive financial aid through Texas State University, you must submit an application through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The application must be submitted 10 months prior to receiving any type of financial support.

Other programs that may assist in tuition support:
- For undergraduate and graduate tuition:
  - Teach for Texas Loan Forgiveness Program: Once employed as a science teacher you may receive loan repayment up to $20,000 from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
  - MST Teacher Preparation Academy: Provides qualified College of Science and College of Education students seeking teacher certification in math, science, and technology the following: paid tuition and fees for selected courses in your degree plan, stipends, books and materials, technology training, and partial scholarships to attend conferences.
  - Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Teaching fellowships:
    KSTF Science and Mathematics Teaching Fellows are chosen from among young men and women who have earned or are in the process of earning a degree in science, mathematics or engineering from a recognized institution of higher education.
- For graduate tuition and/or stipends:
  - Teaching Residency Program for Critical Shortage Areas (TRP-CSA): TRP-CSA is a competitive grant funded program that results in a Master of Education within a 14-month period and provides two years of induction support. Participants selected for the program are eligible for a $35,000 living stipend while enrolled in graduate coursework and tuition assistance (through the TEACH grant program), both of which are 100% forgivable for candidates who complete three years of employment in a high-need school
  - Teach Grant Program: Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to graduate students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. This new program was created to assist students that are seeking degrees in high-need fields and anticipate teaching in those fields at the secondary or elementary level.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Chemistry teacher certification (8-12):
- Dr. Wendi David
  chemadvising@txstate.edu
  512.245.2156
  CHEM 238
Computer Science (8-12):
- Becky Reichenau
  BECR@txstate.edu
  512.245.3600
  NUEC 260
Industrial Technology (8-12):
- Mr. Scott Rowe
  sr04@txstate.edu
  512.245.2137
  RFM 2240H
Life science teacher certification (8-12):
- Dr. Sandra West
  sw04@txstate.edu
  512.245.3360
  SUPP 220
- Dr. Julie Westerlund
  jw33@txstate.edu
  512.245.3361
Mathematics teacher certification (8-12):
- Dr. Sharon Gronberg
  sg08@txstate.edu
  512.245.8021
  MCS 566
College of Science Advising (8-12):
- General questions about life science, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and industrial technology teacher cerification
- Shane Cummings
  scienceadvising@txstate.edu
  512.245.1315
  CENT 202
College of Education Advising (4-8):
- Mr. Bary Polin
  512.245.3050
  ED 2143
Office of Educator Preparation:
- Questions regarding student teaching, TExES exams, and teacher certification requirements
  512.245.7880
  ED 2016