two students studying in class

Love science?

Share that love as a science teacher! Wichita State offers degrees in both middle level (5 - 8 grade) and secondary (6 - 12) science education: 

  • Biology (6 - 12 grade)
  • Chemistry (6 - 12 grade)
  • Earth & Space Science (6 - 12 grade)
  • Physics (6 - 12 grade)
  • Science (5 - 8 grade)

If you already have a bachelor's degree in a science and are interested in teaching science at the secondary level (6 - 12 grade), you may qualify for the Transition to Teaching Program.

 

 


Middle Level and Secondary Science Education Program

Why study Science Education at Wichita State?

  • Preparation to be a caring, competent, collaborative, and reflective professional.
  • Develop teacher candidates into leaders of learning and teaching in local, state, and international communities.
  • Become an authority in the content area and instruction.

Upon completion of all courses and program assessments, graduates will be eligible to apply for an initial teaching license after they successfully complete the Kansas teacher licensure exams required by the State of Kansas for application for a teacher license or endorsement. 


About the Program

Program Description

Preparation of the candidates is rounded out with strong emphasis on literacy, diversity, ethics, and pedagogical content knowledge. They apply their skills and knowledge in field experiences and practica throughout the program.

Admission Requirements

Prospective WSU students:

  1. Please click here to complete the online admission application. 
  2. Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.

Current WSU students: 

  1. WSU students with a 2.50 GPA can change their major to one of the Science education programs through the myWSU portal (Home tab > Student Tools > Change My Major /Minor).
  2. Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2. 
Licensure 

Students completing a middle level or secondary science education degree program will be eligible to apply for an initial teacher licensure.

Degree Plans

Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like to talk to an academic advisor, please call the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2. 

Middle Level Science Education (5 - 8 grade):

Secondary Science Education (6 - 12 grade) :

Cost

Tuition and Fees
Learn more about tuition and fees at Wichita State. 

Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition. Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU. 

WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU. 

College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current exercise science majors are eligible for scholarships through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application.

 

Teacher Education Admission Requirements

All items must be completed prior to starting the Teacher Education Program. If you have questions or need assistance contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2. 

General Education Courses
 Thirty-Five (35) Hours of General Education:
  •  Basic skills courses (English Comp 1, English Comp 2, Public Speaking and College Algebra) with grades that meet Wichita State University policy. Elementary, Early Childhood Unified, and Middle Level Math majors are required to have a 2.0 or better in College Algebra in order to take Math 501. A grade of C- is not accepted.
  • General Psychology
  • Elementary Statistics
Intro to Teaching Course
Prospective candidates must complete an introductory to the teaching profession course (e.g., CI 270) with an earned grade of B- or better in the course and a “satisfactory” grade in the corresponding field experience component.
Standardized Test Requirement
A prospective teacher education candidate must meet only one of the following four standardized test requirements. The basic skills test used to fulfill his or her admission requirements must have been taken within ten (10) years from the date of the prospective candidate's application to the teacher education program.
 
  1. ACT composite score 21 or above
  2. Praxis test: reading 152 or above, writing 162 or above and math 142 or above
  3. SAT combined score 980 or above
  4. CAAP: reading 56 or above, writing 55 or above and math 53 or above. This exam was discontinued in December 2017. Scores completed prior to this date will be accepted for the next 10 years. 
Grade Point Average
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:
  • Overall GPA: 2.5
  • GPA in 35 hours of general education coursework: 2.75
  • WSU GPA: 2.5 (if applicable)

If you do not meet this requirement, your academic advisor can assist you. Contact (316) 978-3300, option 2 for more information.

Application

Complete the Teacher Education Application Packet which includes:

  1. Application
  2. Signed Attestation of Eligibility
  3. Signed Grounds for Dismissal Regulations
  4. Certification of Health for School Personnel: Provide proof of a completed Certification of Health for School Personnel or TB test (K.S.A. 72-5213) or verification that this has been completed per your employer.
  5. Background CheckProvide verification of a completed Criminal Background Check.
    •  Option #1: Provide a copy of current Substitute License.
    • Option #2: Provide a copy of recent background clearance with Validity, NATSB, or district requirement.
    •  Option #3: Validity Screening Solutions - Submit the Validity Online Background Request Form with payment within 10 business days from the date of the Teacher Ed. Application.

Helpful Links

School of Education

Hubbard Hall, Room 112
Wichita, Kansas 67260

becomingteachers@wichita.edu