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 and Mathematics 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.

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, completing the degree within two years is possible. The specific courses which will shorten time to a 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 advice.

For more information on transferring to CWU, visit the CWU Office of the Registrar.

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 and Des Moines Campuses - Advisor Rachel George
  • Stop by Discovery Hall Room 301C
  • Email Rachel.George@cwu.edu
  • Call (509)963-2024

What is the schedule and modality? 

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

How much does it cost? 

• Visti the registrar website for information regarding cost. 

What jobs/careers are available with this 

• 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.).