Middle School-Junior High School, BSE - General Science Concentration

What you will study

Your path to become a science teacher will begin on our Warrensburg campus before your learning moves into the field. UCM faculty, who have all worked in middle schools and junior high schools, will be with you every step of the way to provide guidance and feedback. Most importantly, through their curriculum and instruction, they’ll demonstrate strategies for how to be a competent and caring science teacher and create a positive classroom environment for your students.

The science of your Science Teacher degree

Plan to complete extensive credit hours in your General Science major, with some classes held in UCM’s well-equipped, modern labs for hands-on learning. In addition, you’ll take a science teaching methods course specifically designed for middle school science, which covers classroom and lab instruction techniques.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in science education

You’ll be supported every step of the way when you’re learning to be a science teacher at the University of Central Missouri, and you’ll gain real-world experience while you’re at it.

In your sophomore year, part of your learning will take place in the field, where you’ll observe a middle school or junior high school classroom. This will continue until your final semester, when you move on to student teaching. You’ll be able to confidently apply what you’ve learned in the field, as well as in collaboration with your faculty and peers, when you fulfill that last big step to start your career.

Network with other future science teachers

UCM students often remark on the close relationships they’ve made as part of their Middle School-Junior High School Science Teacher degree. Get to know other undergraduate students when you join one of the following student associations:

• Student Missouri State Teachers Association 
• Collegiate Middle Level Association
• Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for education
• Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society for education

 

What can you do with a Science Teacher degree from UCM?

There’s never been a better time to be a science teacher in the middle school or junior high setting. Teachers at this school level are in high demand. UCM maintains a 99% job placement rate for our graduates with a BSE in General Science for Middle and Junior High School. 

When you complete your Science Teacher degree at UCM, you’ll be certified to teach grades 5 through 9, making you eligible to teach high school freshmen as well. This gives you more flexibility as you seek job placement in school districts throughout Missouri. UCM faculty maintain close relationships with these districts and will help you get started with your teaching career.

Understand your opportunities as a science teacher 

To gain insight into what the job market offers graduates with a Science Teacher degree, we’ve provided the interactive tool below. Take a look to get an idea of what your future as a science teacher holds.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Science Teacher degree

An investment in your science teacher education is not only an investment in your future but also in the lives of countless children. To help you make your mark in the world, we offer resources to assist in funding your college education. These include details on grants, loans and work study.

You may also qualify for one or more memorial scholarships available for UCM Education majors in addition to the following program-specific scholarships:

• College of Education Scholarship Fund: Available to College of Education students based on criteria set by faculty
• Curriculum and Instruction Retired Faculty Outstanding Student Teacher Award: Available to student teachers who have been nominated by faculty 
• CenturyLink University of Central Missouri Scholarship: Available to Education majors, in addition to other majors

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.