Integrated Science Major (B.S.Ed.)
Program Overview
The Integrated Science Major prepares students to become secondary (grades 7-12) science teachers with licensure in the state of Ohio. To receive a teaching license students must complete the following program and earn passing scores on the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams and a Teacher Performance Assessment. The program is aligned with national standards and prepares future teachers who help adolescents and young adults develop conceptual understanding and fluency in science as well as the skills and competencies necessary for active and informed citizenship.
Admissions Information
Students enrolled in teacher education programs (known as teacher candidates) must meet additional requirements to continue in the program (see below for additional details):
- Admission to Teacher Candidacy (typically at the end of the first year)
- Admission to Advanced Standing (typically at the end of the second year)
- Admission to the Professional Internship (typically at the end of the third year)
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond university admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
Current Ohio University students who would like to declare a teacher education program must have a 3.0 Ohio University GPA before changing majors.
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond university admission requirements.
Admission to Teacher Candidacy
Candidates must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy before taking any education courses numbered 2000 and above. (Exception EDCT 2030).
Generally, candidates apply for admission to Teacher Candidacy during the second semester of the first year.
Requirements:
- Completion of 30 credit hours with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Completion of the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course:
a. Fulfillment of the Foundations: Quantitative Reasoning general education
requirement with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
b. Completion of the Pre-Teacher Candidacy coursework listed below. - Submission of test scores on one of the following assessments. Students only need to take and submit scores for one of the following tests, not all three.
a. PRAXIS CORE (Academic Skills for Educators) Test
b. ACT
c. SAT - Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.
- New Transfer Students: Transfer CUM GPA may be considered towards Teacher Candidacy.
Admission to Advanced Standing
Candidates must be admitted to Advanced Standing before taking any education courses numbered 3000 or above. Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, as well as a 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is sought to continue to take education courses numbered 3000 or above. Methods courses can be taken no more than twice. Failure to obtain a satisfactory grade can result in dismissal from the program.
Generally, candidates apply for Advanced Standing in Teacher Candidacy at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year.
Requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester hours of credit with an overall GPA of 2.75.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 in each teaching field for which a licensure is sought.
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each:
a. EDTE 2000 - Learning and Human Development
b. EDTE 2010 - Characteristics of Learners Receiving Services and Supports under IDEA
c. EDTE 2020 - Field Experience in Education
d. EDTE 2300 - Education and Cultural Diversity - Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.
Admission to Professional Internship
During candidates' final year in the program, they will complete a Professional Internship of intensive field experiences in a grades 7-12 classroom. The following requirements must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Internship.
- Complete the Professional Internship Application. Candidates must have a current BCI & FBI Background check and been recommended for the internship by a representative appointed by faculty.
- Earn at least 90 hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Earn at least 2 semesters (30 hours) of residence at OU.
- Complete all Educational Core coursework (exception: Science Methods Courses) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a C (2.0) or higher in each course.
- Have completed at least 75% of the Science Coursework with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Graduates are eligible to apply for teacher licensure in the state of Ohio and will have the skills needed for employment in public, private, charter and magnet schools. Graduates may also go on to work in educational consulting, the community and social services fields, business development or higher education. With additional education graduates may be eligible for educational leadership positions.