Majors  >  Natural Science  >  Teacher Certification in Natural Science

The USAO Science Teacher Certification Program is offered through the Division of Science and Physical Education and combines liberal arts learning with teacher preparation. Its goal is to prepare individuals to become effective science teachers and obtain an Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in science. This program is a standards-based program, based upon the standards and guidelines put forth by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the State Competencies, and the findings from "Effective Teacher" research. Collectively, these standards and research findings provide the knowledge base for what science teachers are to know and to do.

Individuals successfully completing this program are qualified to obtain an Oklahoma teaching certificate to teach biology, physics, chemistry, and/or general science in grades 6-12. Since USAO teacher certification programs are nationally certified by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) certification in other states is simplified. It is recommended that certification be initially obtained in Oklahoma prior to seeking certification from another state.

A program checklist for a degree in natural science with teacher certification is provided below. Students wishing to pursue a teaching certificate in science should consult Dr. Peter Thomas, the science education advisor.

Program Requirements

  • Admission to the Teacher Education Program
  • Satisfy the Foreign Language Competency Requirement
  • Satisfy the Professional Portfolio Requirement
  • Admission to the Professional Trimester
  • Overall Grade Point Average 2.5
  • 2.75 Grade Point Average in Certification Area
  • Successful Completion of Certification Exams
  • Completion of courses listed to the right

Required Science Courses

Area I: Biology

Area II: Chemistry

Area III: Physics

Area IV: Earth Science

Required Lab Assistant for 1 trimester

Required Supporting Courses:

Note: Items on this page and page links are intended for informational purposes only. Please consult the current USAO catalog for actual class requirements for this or any other major field of study. Current USAO students should consult their advisor.