Bachelor of Science in
Chemistry - Secondary Education

Influence the Next Generation

The Chemistry – Secondary Education major at EWU prepares you to become a certified chemistry teacher for grades 5–12 in Washington State.

You’ll build a strong foundation in chemistry while learning how to bring science to life in the classroom. Through a combination of lab-based coursework and hands-on teaching experience, you’ll gain the skills to explain complex concepts, design engaging lessons, and create a safe, inclusive learning environment.

This program aligns with Washington State teaching requirements and prepares you for certification, so you can graduate ready to step into your own classroom with confidence.

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Why Study Chemistry & Biochemistry at EWU?

Career Connections

Build your resume before you graduate through internships, research, and applied learning opportunities with local organizations.

Small Class Sizes

Get to know your professors, connect with your peers, ask questions, and receive personalized support in every class.

Mentorship & Support

You won’t figure it out alone—faculty and advisors are here to help you choose classes, research opportunities, and career paths.

Research Opportunities

Work alongside faculty on research projects that strengthen your skills and help you stand out to employers and grad schools.

Browse Research Projects

Resources for Student Success

Find community in student clubs and get academic support through one-on-one tutoring and study groups.

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Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition rates and financial aid options designed to help you graduate with little to no debt.

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About EWU Chemistry

"The chemistry classes not only grew my knowledge and love for chemistry, but the hands-on experience and knowledge I acquired about the different instruments in the lab helped give me an edge over the competition when I applied to both internships and master's programs." — Aiden Anderson '26

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Chemistry - Secondary Education Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

This major satisfies the endorsement for grades 5–12.
Review School of Education for additional requirements.

Admission: This Program requires admission into the School of Education.  
Grade Requirements: A cumulative GPA ≥2.8 for all courses, ≥C in each required chemistry course and required supporting course, ≥B- in each required education course. Education Grade Requirements

Required Chemistry Courses
CHEM 171
171L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
5
CHEM 172
172L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
5
CHEM 173
173L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III
5
CHEM 304
304L
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
and QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS LAB
6
CHEM 351ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 352ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 372ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I3
CHEM 421PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I4
Electives: choose 300- or 400-level Chemistry courses9
Required Supporting Courses
MATH/HONS 161CALCULUS I5
MATH 162CALCULUS II5
MATH 163CALCULUS III5
PHYS 151GENERAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 152GENERAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 153GENERAL PHYSICS III4
PHYS 161MECHANICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 162HEAT AND OPTICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 163ELECTRONICS LABORATORY I1
Required Education Courses
SCED 186SCIENCE TEACHING THROUGH INQUIRY2
EDUC 231FOUNDATIONS OF INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT3
EDUC 232FOUNDATIONS OF CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND CULTURE3
EDUC 233FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING, LEARNING, AND MOTIVATION IN SCHOOL CONTEXTS4
EDUC 234UNDERSTANDING EDUCATION IN THE US3
SOST 300PEOPLES AND GOVERNANCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST5
EDUC 331SECONDARY APPLIED INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT4
EDUC 332PRACTICES OF CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND CULTURE IN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS4
SCED 390SCIENCE TEACHING METHODS5
EDUC 431DESIGNING EQUITABLE LEARNING IN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS4
EDUC 434PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS3
EDUC 386AFIELD EXPERIENCE 12
EDUC 386BFIELD EXPERIENCE 22
EDUC 386CFIELD EXPERIENCE 35
SCED 490ASCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE SEMINAR3
SCED 490BSCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE FIELD APPLICATION2
EDUC 423FULL-TIME STUDENT TEACHING15
SCED 423REFLECTIONS ON SCIENCE TEACHING1
Total Credits145

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current. Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 171
171L (Natural Science BACR 1)
5CHEM 172
172L (Natural Science BACR 2)
5CHEM 173
173L
5
ENGL 1015ENGL 2015EDUC 233 (Social Science BACR 2)4
Social Science BACR 115MATH 1425SCED 1862
  Global Studies - graduation requirement15
 15 15 16
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 304
304L
6EDUC 2323EDUC 2343
EDUC 2313MATH 1625MATH 1635
MATH 1615SOST 300 (Diversity - graduation requirement)5Humanities & Arts BACR 115
  Humanities & Arts BACR 215
 14 13 18
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 3514CHEM 3524EDUC 3314
PHYS 151
PHYS 161
5CHEM 3723EDUC 3324
SCED 3905PHYS 152
PHYS 162
5EDUC 386A2
 Chemistry Elective25PHYS 153
PHYS 163
5
 14 17 15
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 4214EDUC 386C5EDUC 42315
EDUC 386B2EDUC 4343SCED 4231
EDUC 4314SCED 490A
SCED 490B (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)
5 
Chemistry Elective24  
 14 13 16
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.  Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

2

Chemistry Electives - choose nine credits in 300- or 400-level Chemistry courses.

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Applied Laboratory Work: Build practical, career-ready skills by working in labs that mirror professional lab environments.
  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice real-world decision-making through simulations, case studies, and other hands-on activities in class.
  • Field Work: Take your learning outside the classroom to research sites.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at EWU: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, or clubs.
A student writes a chemistry equation on a white board

Get in Touch

Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!

Bo Idsardi, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology Education
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107 Cheney Hall

Nicholas Burgis, PhD

Professor and Department Chair
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Pronouns: he/him/his