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

Middle School Science Teacher Degree

Science plays a vital role in a child’s education. When examining the world and everything in it, they ask questions, think deeply and attempt to solve problems — actions that will benefit them in all areas of life. Learn how to be the science teacher that middle school and junior high students need at the University of Central Missouri. 

When you complete your BSE in UCM’s Middle School Education program with a focus on science education, you’ll leave with a wealth of science knowledge and the skills necessary to engage and guide students.

The best education for a middle school science teacher

UCM’s program is Missouri’s largest stand-alone program specific to teaching this age range and has been recognized nationally by the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE). It has also held accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation longer than any other public university in the state. In addition, our Science Education programs are recognized by the National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA). 

You can be confident in your UCM education, as well as the education you will provide to your future students as a science teacher.

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99% job placement rate

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Accredited Science Teacher degree

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Real-world classroom experiences

A microscope

Hands-on work in modern labs

A teacher in front of a class

Small classes for easy access to faculty

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Networking events with student-teachers

 

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.

 

Excellence in Science Education

  • UCM's Science Teacher degree program ensures a top-notch science education specific to the middle school-junior high level, as demonstrated by Association of Middle Level Education and National Association of Science Teachers recognition.
  • A Best Value College for Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching (College Factual, 2022)
  • A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching (College Factual, 2022)
  • One of the Most Focused Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 5%: Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 4.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)

 

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.

 

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Take your degree further.

Enhance your teaching skills to make improvements in your classroom with a graduate degree from UCM:

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Make yourself more marketable.

Prepare yourself for teaching STEM courses by adding a math concentration:

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Explore programs related to science education.

If you’re interested in becoming a science teacher, you may also explore these UCM undergraduate degrees:

Student Learning Objectives

You will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the Middle School/Junior High School program to:

  • Apply knowledge when making curricular decisions, planning and implementing instruction, participating in middle level practices, and providing healthy and effective learning environments for all young adolescents.
  • Use knowledge and available resources to design, implement, and evaluate challenging, developmentally responsive curriculum that results in meaningful learning outcomes.
  • Define the developmentally responsive middle level programs and schools, and they work successfully within middle level organizational components.
  • Use and reflect on research related to data-informed instruction and assessment. Employ a variety of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, information literacy skills, and technologies to meet the learning needs of all young adolescents.
  • Engage in practices and behaviors that develop their competence as middle level professionals. Demonstrate positive dispositions and engage in ethical professional behaviors.

Student Involvement

You will have multiple opportunities to be involved both on and off campus:

  • Student Missouri State Teachers Association
  • Collegiate Middle Level Association
  • Kappa Delta Pi
  • Phi Kappa Phi

CAEP Logo

UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri

AMLE Logo

This program has been nationally recognized by the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE)

NSTA Logo

UCM’s Science Education programs are recognized by National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA)

 

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