The Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences meets the needs of two audiences:
- Students who wish to become high school or junior high/middle school science teachers.
- Students who seek a broad exposure to mathematics and the physical sciences, rather than specialization in one discipline.
Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
- Skills to critically interpret scientific data.
- Logical and critical thinking.
- The ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Potential Occupations
Graduates with licensure in secondary science education will find a strong demand for high school and junior high/middle school teachers in Colorado and elsewhere in the nation. In addition, these graduates will also have the background required for graduate science education programs.
With proper planning, physical science graduates can meet requirements for professional schools (e.g., medicine or law) or graduate programs in the basic or applied sciences. Internships and volunteer activities can provide practical training and experience.
Secondary Education
The Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences provides the scientific subject matter, education classes, and the classroom experience required for secondary science education licensure in Colorado.
Concentrations in the Natural Sciences major include: Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Geology Education, and Physics Education.
The program includes science courses in a concentration such as Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry; the All-University Core Curriculum and professional classes in the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP) program in the School of Education. In addition, the CEP program helps schedule classroom visits and practica. The experience culminates in a semester of student teaching under the supervision of a master teacher.