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 the their secondary or middle level teaching programs within two years upon transfer to CWU (for more information about our degree programs, click here).

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, Earth Science, or Physics.

For the General Science Teaching major, 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 to get advising.

Middle Level Math and Science Teaching Programs

If you are interested in teaching science and math at the middle levels (5th-9th grade) you will want to complete at least three science classes. Choose one introductory quarter-long course in three of the following fields: astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, or physics. Also, you will want to complete the equivalent of CWU's MATH 130 and MATH 164. Please see Program Information for a list of courses required for the Middle Level Math and Science Major. In any case, contact us as early as possible to get 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 (see Program Information), develop a multi-year course schedule, and fill out the major application form.