Secondary Education General Science
Explore science as a student and as an educator.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education (7-12) General Science degree program empowers you to guide and inspire middle- and high-school students in the realm of scientific discovery. In this program, you select a specialization in either biology or chemistry as a focal point of your studies.
Beyond the specialization, our curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring a well-rounded science education. Receive extensive training in classroom leadership, including instructional techniques, assessment methods, and the use of technology in education.
This degree program prepares you for professional teacher certification for grades 7-12 and creating an engaging and informative science learning environment, from lab days to in-depth lectures.
About the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education General Science
Secondary Education General Science Major Requirements
Led by expert faculty, York College's B.S. in Secondary Education General Science degree program immerses students in a rich educational experience — a chosen specialization in biology or chemistry is complemented by a broad foundation in other scientific areas.
Requirements for the 121-credit program include courses such as:
- EDU 251: Advanced Science Concepts for Educators
- SE 354: Middle and Secondary Science Pedagogies
- SE 356: Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
- SE 495: Student Teaching
Combining general education and extensive practical field experiences, the curriculum equips students to confidently manage science classrooms at either the middle- or high-school level.
Program Admissions
To pursue the Secondary Education General Science major at York College of Pennsylvania, prospective students must first apply and be accepted to the College. Once enrolled, students take fundamental education courses to continue on to the major's advanced studies and participate in student-teaching opportunities.
Explore York College undergraduate admissions for more information.
Earn a B.S. in Secondary Education General Science at York College of Pennsylvania
Take the first step in shaping young scientific minds by joining the Secondary Education General Science major at York College.
To begin this exciting educational adventure, submit your application today. Curious about the program? Visit us or request more information to see how York College can be part of your future.
Become a Science Teacher in Middle- and High-School Settings
Upon completing the B.S. in Secondary Education General Science degree program, graduates can seek teacher certification via the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and enter job placements locally or around the state. Alums have found success teaching and working for educational and training institutions such as Baltimore County Public Schools, CVS Pharmacy, and the U.S. Air Force.
With a solid foundation in diverse scientific disciplines and sustainability and hands-on student teaching experience, our students are aptly prepared to teach various subjects, from basic science to more specialized science topics like earth science, chemistry, and environmental science.
The Career Development Center offers extensive support to Secondary Education General Science majors, from help writing résumés to assistance throughout the teacher certification transition.
Middle- and High-School Science Teacher Salary and Career Outlook
Graduates from York College's Secondary Education General Science program succeed in careers in both public and private schools and pursue specialized areas and graduate study. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2022, the average annual salary for secondary education teachers was about $62,360.
Salaries for middle- and high-school science teachers depend on several factors. These include the location, type of school, educational and certification levels, and work experience. Career growth, like gaining more experience, earning additional certifications or degrees, or moving into school or district administration or curriculum development, can lead to higher pay in science education.
Field Experience and Student Teaching
The Secondary Education General Science program blends hands-on teaching experiences with field opportunities to prepare students for successful careers and fulfill PDE professional teaching certification requirements.
Students in Secondary Education General Science gradually participate in both classroom and field-based teaching activities, building up to their final student teaching semester:
- Early field experience
- Advanced field experience
- Professional semester (seminar and classroom teaching)
These practical teaching experiences are essential for meeting Pennsylvania teacher certification requirements—a necessary credential for teaching in the state's public school system.
Learn more about the student teaching and field experience opportunities.
Learn From Experts in Education
The B.S. in Secondary Education General Science degree program at York College relies on the expertise of its dedicated faculty and seasoned clinical supervisors to guide your development as an educator. From the start of your academic journey to the student-teaching phase, you benefit from their knowledge and mentorship, equipping you for a successful career in science education.
Connect With Local Schools and Organizations
York College of Pennsylvania's extensive network in the educational sector, covering diverse public and charter schools and organizations geared toward community engagement and science education, is a key asset for our science education major program.
For instance, a student in our program might find themselves teaching a hands-on chemistry experiment guided by experienced educators at a local high school. Such opportunities, facilitated by York College’s partnerships, are foundational for student teaching roles and future career opportunities, helping students like ours transition smoothly from academic theory to classroom careers.
Clubs and Professional Organizations
At York College, Secondary Education General Science majors can access a wide variety of student clubs and professional organizations. These platforms offer valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded peers on campus and to engage with the broader scientific community. Participation in these groups, attending educational conferences, and exploring scientific journals play a crucial role in enriching their academic journey and expanding their professional networks.
Skills for Careers in Secondary Education General Science
Develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and effective teaching methods through the B.S. in Secondary Education General Science program. Graduates emerge well-equipped with specialized knowledge in areas such as biology or chemistry, all focused on teaching at the secondary level. Graduates:
- Develop a thorough understanding of scientific disciplines tailored for secondary education, including biology and chemistry
- Master effective teaching strategies to communicate complex scientific ideas to students effectively
- Learn to navigate and lead diverse classroom environments and foster an inclusive and dynamic educational experience
- Hone skills in integrating cutting-edge technology and digital tools into science education
- Employ various assessment techniques to monitor and enhance student understanding and academic performance
- Craft and execute a well-rounded general science curriculum encompassing hands-on experiments, analytical discussions, and applied learning projects
Other York College Education Certification Programs
The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at York College offers a variety of undergraduate majors, all tailored to meet the certification needs for teaching at different levels and subjects. In addition to Secondary Education General Science, you may be interested in our biology education degree program or another we offer:
- Secondary Education (7-12) in Biology
- Secondary Education (7-12) in Mathematics
- Secondary Education (7-12) in English
- Middle Level Education
Beyond these undergraduate options, York College also has a range of certificate programs alongside master’s and doctoral degrees in education, catering to those seeking advanced or specialized educational training.
Secondary Education General Science Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity | BIO 152 | 4 Credits |
| General Chemistry I | CHM 134 | 4 Credits |
| Educational Technology for Middle and Secondary Education | SE 210 | 3 Credits |
| Student Teaching | SE 495 | 10 Credits |
Careers in Secondary Education General Science
A bachelor's degree in Secondary Education General Science opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Biology Teacher
Chemistry Teacher
Physics Teacher
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
A Secondary Education General Science major is a specialized program designed to prepare students for a career in teaching science at the middle- or high-school level. This major combines coursework in various scientific disciplines like biology and chemistry with education theory and practical teaching methods. It focuses on equipping future educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach and inspire the next generation of scientists and scientifically literate individuals.
With a Secondary Education General Science degree, becoming a middle- or high-school science teacher is the most direct career path. However, this degree also opens doors to various other opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles in educational policy development, curriculum design, educational consulting, and educational technology development. Additionally, with further education, opportunities in school administration and academic research also become accessible.
To become a Secondary Education General Science teacher, students may major in different areas paired with an approved teacher certification preparation program. The Secondary Education General Science major offers broad training across various scientific disciplines. Alternatively, programs similar to the Secondary Education Biology major focus specifically on biological sciences, ideal for those passionate about teaching biology in-depth. Both paths include essential pedagogical training and student teaching experiences, aligning with certification requirements for secondary school teaching.
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Secondary Education General Science in Action
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