Science Education, BS

Note: This program is not accepting new students. Please contact the program coordinator to discuss a fall 2026 alternative option for students whose career goals are teaching science in secondary schools.

Program Coordinator: Bonnie Glass (352-D Flanagan Building; 252-328-9368; glassb@ecu.edu)

The Science Education, BS prepares and develops professionals in science education by offering classroom instruction and research opportunities in programs for students whose career goals are teaching science in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and in higher education. Undergraduate areas of preparation include the methods and processes of teaching the biological, physical, and earth sciences.

The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:

1. General education and special requirements for certification including those listed below - 40 s.h.

(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)

BIOL 1100 - Principles of Biology I
CHEM 1150 - General Chemistry I
GEOL 1500 - Dynamic Earth
GEOL 1501 - Dynamic Earth Laboratory
MATH 1065 - College Algebra
PSYC 1000 - Introductory Psychology
Note: BIOL 1100; GEOL 1500, GEOL 1501 count toward the 7 s.h. general education natural sciences requirement. CHEM 1150 counts toward the 3 s.h. general education elective requirement.

2. Teaching area concentration - 49-53 s.h.

(Choose one.)

a. Biology (52-53 s.h.)

b. Chemistry (49 s.h.)

c. Earth science (51 s.h.)

d. Physics (52 s.h.)

3. Specialty area - 6 s.h.

4. Professional studies - 22-23 s.h.

5. Electives to complete requirements for graduation.

Licensure/Certification Requirements in North Carolina

The curriculum for all ECU Certificates, Degrees, and Minors have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for licensure/certification exams in North Carolina. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Other states have their own requirements, and you’ll want to make sure your program meets criteria in your home state (or state where you intend to work) before you apply.