The Teaching Major in Science, with concentrations in Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Life Science, Physics, and Middle School Science, helps students to develop into teaching professionals with the agility to navigate content and novel classroom situations. Students in this degree program receive a strong foundation in science content knowledge and science education pedagogy as well as general education courses (e.g., educational foundations, educational psychology, multicultural education, adolescence development). Importantly, this program includes significant practical experience in the classroom and satisfies state licensure requirements to teach in the respective secondary science area or in middle school science.
Program Benefits
You’ll learn from well-educated, noted scholars in our field.
They have experience in all areas of the U.S., with detailed knowledge in Indiana and the Midwest, the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and California, as well as international experience in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Peru, Brazil, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan, and Antarctica.
They have experience in the major subfields of geology including:
- minerals
- igneous and metamorphic rocks
- sedimentary rocks
- fossils
- petroleum geology
- environmental geology
- earthquakes and volcanoes
- landform geomorphology
- river processes
- groundwater hydrology
- environmental site assessment
- geophysics
- geochemistry
- water quality
- earth/space science teaching
In partnership with our Teachers College, we will prepare you for a successful career as a licensed educator.
You will complete your content courses through our department, giving you the expertise to excel in the field of geology. Your Teachers College courses, meanwhile, will provide you with the theory and training you'll need for classroom instruction.
Almost all geology courses (except for the introductory course) average only about 15 students.
This means you will get to work directly with and learn from our highly regarded faculty.
Our facilities provide an excellent learning environment:
- spacious work areas
- faculty and student research laboratories
- up-to-date equipment
- dedicated computer lab
- exhibit areas
- full electronic classroom facilities
Major Requirements
Your course of study will include 39 credits in educational methods plus 51 credits in teaching-specific coursework.
Total Credits
90
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- Environmental Geology and Geochemistry Cycles
- Elementary Meteorology
- The Sun and Stars
- Intro to the Teaching of Science
- Educational Psychology
For a complete list of all the classes you will take and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
Concentrations
Build a strong foundation in chemistry through coursework in general, organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry. Prepare to bring scientific concepts and hands-on learning into the secondary classroom.
Explore astronomy, geology, meteorology, hydrology, and other Earth sciences while preparing to teach these subjects at the secondary level. Develop a broad understanding of Earth and space systems and the processes that shape our planet.
Study biology from cells and genetics to ecology, evolution, and physiology. Build the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to teach life sciences in secondary schools
Prepare to teach science across disciplines to students in grades 5–9. You'll build a broad foundation in biology, chemistry, Earth science, astronomy, meteorology, and physics.
Develop an in-depth understanding of physics along with supporting knowledge in mathematics and chemistry. Prepare to teach topics such as mechanics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics at the secondary level.
Paying for Your Education
On top of the dozens of scholarships the university offers its students, our department gives awards every year to its own students to recognize them for their achievements. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in this major? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. Begin the journey today.
Questions?
One of the best ways to understand why Ball State stands out is to come see it for yourself. You can schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Make sure to tell them you’re interested in our program. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.