**Certification ONLY students - go directly to the certification office in Black Hall for a credit evaluation

What courses do you need when transferring to science education at CWU?

The CWU science education department can work with students having all levels of preparation.  With appropriate preparation, students can complete their secondary or middle-level teaching programs within two years upon transfer to CWU.

**In all cases, it is best to contact an advisor even before transferring to CWU to make sure you have the classes you need to minimize time to graduation.

By the time you arrive at CWU, what courses should you have completed?

Secondary Science Teaching Programs

For most secondary science teaching programs you should have completed at least one year (three quarters or two semesters) of the introductory science course for majors in your field. The math requirements depend on the major.

For specific transfer information and recommendations see the science department for your field: Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Earth Science, or Physics and contact the appropriate advisor as soon as possible.

Science: Middle Level Education

For the Science Middle Level Education, you should have completed at least one year (three quarters or two semesters) of the introductory science course for majors in one of the four science areas (biology, chemistry, physics or chemistry). You should also be able to demonstrate mathematical competency equivalent to CWU's MATH 153 either by taking the equivalent course or by testing into CWU's MATH 154.

Students entering with the above courses can typically graduate within three years.  If additional courses are completed, it is possible to complete the degree within two years. The specific courses which will shorten time to degree depend on the teaching program you are interested in but the more year-long sequences you complete, the better. Some science teaching programs (Chemistry and Physics) require significant math. For those programs, completing a year-long sequence in calculus will be beneficial. In any case, contact us as early as possible for advising.

Not certain how your classes will transfer? Click here.

Thinking about transferring to CWU? Click here to get started.

To sign up for a secondary science education major, you will meet with an advisor for the program you are interested in, develop a multi-year course schedule, and fill out the major application form.

What major should I pursue?

• Students seeking teaching certification and endorsement through the STEM teaching Program must complete an approved science, mathematics or computer science degree and the STEM Teaching Program major. 

Who do I talk to for more information? 

• Ellensburg Campus - Advisor Rachel George
  • Stop by Discovery Hall Room 301C
  • Email Rachel.George@cwu.edu
  • Call (509)963-2024
  • Make an appointment with Rachel
• Des Moines Center- Advisor/Mentor Teacher Darin Knapp
  • Stop by Building 29 Highline College
  • Email Darin.Knapp@cwu.edu

What is the schedule and modality? 

• Ellensburg - (Non Covid years) Most courses are in-person at the Ellensburg, WA campus. Field placements are within an hours drive of Ellensburg, WA.
• Des Moines - (Non Covid years) Most courses are hybrid and meet no more than three days per week, during the day (9am-5pm) at the CWU-Des Moines campus co-located at Highline College. Field placements are arranged with each student independently. 

How much does it cost? 

• Ellensburg - Click this link for CWU Ellensburg Campus costs.
• Des Mones - Click this program information and costs link.

What jobs/careers are available with this degree?

• The STEM Teaching Program is designed for students who want to become middle school, junior high, or high school mathematics, science, or computer science teachers. Graduates have also gone on to graduate school in education or STEM fields, educational careers that do not require teacher certification (e.g., tutoring, curriculum development, STEM education nonprofits, etc.). See the education page of the Career Services site for other career ideas in education. 
  • CWU Career Services education page link