Science Education

UNC Pembroke's Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  Each undergraduate and graduate teacher education program area offered by UNC Pembroke (UNCP) is approved by the NC State Board of Education.

At UNCP, the School of Education administers the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Some TEP program areas (majors) are housed in the School of Education, while some programs are housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Biology (College of Arts and Sciences) houses the Science Education Programs. In cooperation with the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Geology and Geography, the Department of Biology offers 5 programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Science Education.

Degrees available include a B. S. in Science Education (grades 6-9 concentration) (middle grades) and a B. S. in Science Education (grades 9-12, with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics) (high school). Upon successful completion of the program of study in Science Education and related requirements, graduates are eligible for a Standard Professional I license to teach in the state of North Carolina.

Students who desire teacher licensure in Science Education should declare their major as soon as possible in their college career. The Science Education faculty strongly recommends that students consult with the Coordinator of Undergraduate Science Education prior to registering for General Education courses. In addition, any UNC Pembroke student seeking teacher licensure should be aware of all the policies and procedures as outlined in the Teacher Education Program section of the current UNC Pembroke Academic Catalog and the current UNCP Teacher Candidate Handbook.

Students seeking a B.S. degree in Science Education (grades 6-9) must complete an academic or professional concentration as part of their degree requirements. Students may choose from the following academic or professional concentrations:  American Indian Studies, Art, Biology, English, Exercise and Sport Science, Geography, Geology, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Psychology, Reading, Sociology, Spanish, or Special Education.

The Science Education faculty strongly recommends that B. S. in Science Education (grades 6-9) majors select their academic or professional concentrations as soon as possible in consultation with the appropriate departmental chair and the Coordinator of Undergraduate Science Education. The number of hours required in an academic or professional concentration may vary depending upon a student’s choice of concentration and how hours may overlap with some General Education or major courses.

Degree Checklists

A generic checklist for the B.S. in Science Education (grades 6-9 concentration) is found below. (Checklists specific to each academic or professional concentration are available from the Coordinator of Undergraduate Science Education.)  Checklists for a B. S. in Science Education (grades 9-12) (high school), with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics are found below: