Chemistry, Teacher Licensure, B.S.

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Explore the Path to Chemistry Teaching Licensure.

Choose the Chemistry Teaching Licensure program at Westfield State University to start your journey towards becoming a chemistry teacher in Massachusetts. Our comprehensive curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the classroom. Upon graduation, you'll be fully prepared for recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Education for Initial Licensure in Chemistry, ensuring you're ready to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of learners.

Program Highlights

  • Teaching Methods course prepares you for practicum in schools
  • You will learn chemistry in a welcoming community
  • Everyone conducts their own research project supervised by faculty

Ready to inspire future scientists?

Discover the opportunities awaiting you in our Chemistry Teaching Licensure program.

Develop essential lab skills and chemical understanding for teaching.

  • A close-up shot of the campus globe, backlit by a cloudy, blue sky.

    Comprehensive preparation

    Our Chemistry Teaching Licensure program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a chemistry teacher in Massachusetts, ensuring you're fully prepared for Initial Licensure in Chemistry.

  • Chemistry student and professor in white lab coats working together in classroom.

    Experienced faculty

    Benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty who are dedicated to your success. Receive personalized support and mentorship as you navigate your journey towards becoming a licensed chemistry educator.

  • Student in chemistry class wearing a yellow lab apron and eye protection holding a sample.

    Hands-on learning

    Engage in hands-on learning experiences including labs and student teaching practicums. Gain practical experience and confidence in the classroom, setting you up for a successful teaching career.

     

Program Details

Learning Outcomes

Students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  • Recognize and apply the big ideas of chemistry (https://doi.org/10.1021/ed300049w) while learning about inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.
  • Plan, conduct, and document experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, in a safe and ethical manner using chemical methods and instruments.
  • Write reports and present the results of their own experiments and of published work to their peers and their instructors.
  • Evaluate and solve chemical problems using conceptual and quantitative approaches.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements for Chemistry or General Science Licensure

Students seeking Initial Licensure in Chemistry (8-12) or General Science (5-8) must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement:

  • Completion of all courses required for the Chemistry or General Science (middle school option) Majors with a minimum GPA of 2.50 and no grade lower than a C- in those major courses.
  • Completion of the appropriate professional sequence of education courses for the Middle and Secondary Specialist, including the appropriate academic methods course: either GNSC 0373 - Methods of Chemistry Education or GNSC 0371 - Methods of Science Education for the Middle School.
  • Achievement of a passing mark on both the Communications and Literacy and appropriate subject matter portions of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
  • Students generally should attempt the Communications and Literacy portion of the MTEL during their first year, and the subject matter portion of the MTEL during the fall of their junior year.

Students typically are accepted for Advanced Standing in the Education Department's licensure programs as juniors, after they have passed the Communications and Literacy portion of the MTEL and have met all other requirements. In addition to on-campus work, the professional sequence also includes an extensive student teaching practicum, which usually is completed in the spring semester of the senior year. Please refer to the Licensure for Teacher Education section of this Bulletin for specific requirements pertaining to (1) attaining Advanced Standing and (2) practicum placement.

Requirements for the Chemistry Major - 55 Credits

Required Foundation Courses - 25 Credits

Required Upper-Level Courses - 30 Credits

Note:

* A student who does not feel sufficiently prepared for calculus should take MATH 0104 - Pre-Calculus prior to enrolling in Calculus I.

Requirements for the General Science Major

OPTION I - Elementary Licensure (1-6) with General Science (1-6) - 40 Credits

Students choosing this option are expected to complete a second major in Elementary Education, and are encouraged to consider applying to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for General Science (1-6) licensure after they apply for Elementary (1-6) licensure.

Required Foundation Courses - 28 Credits

Required Upper-Level Courses - 9 Credits

Upper-Level Elective - 3 Credits

One of the following courses, which integrate the other disciplines within the major:

OPTION II - Middle School Licensure in General Science (5-8) - 52 Credits

Students planning to teach should also review the section on licensure requirements that follows the description of the General Science Minor.

Required Foundation Courses - 44 Credits

Required Upper-Level Courses - 14 Credits

Professional Sequence: Middle and Secondary (Grades 5-12)

The Professional Sequence for Middle and Secondary must be completed by students intending to teach an academic subject area in the Middle or Secondary School. Students must complete an academic major in the subject area in which the licensure is sought.

Professional Sequence Core:

Professional Sequence Courses Middle and Secondary:

Practicum

Appropriate academic Practicum, such as the following:

Pedagogical Coursework

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required in pedagogical coursework specific to your licensure program prior to practicum. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core.

Get a great education with 1:1 access to faculty.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have interactive classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support.

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and human interactions.

  • 100%

    OF FULL-TIME FACULTY HAVE A PHD

  • Massachusetts needs

    more licensed chemistry teachers

  • Westfield offers STEM-ACT

    stipends for year 3 and 4

Learn from those who love science, and love to teach.

Representing the disciplines of organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics—as well as chemistry education—our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and to the lab. Their focus is on helping you to achieve established learning outcomes as they support and guide you through our rigorous curriculum.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

What scholarships are available?

STEM-ACT is a program that provides scholarship support for Westfield State University STEM (Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Mathematics) secondary education students that are passionate about social justice and advancing STEM education. Students are encouraged to apply in their sophomore year to be admitted to the program for their junior and senior years. 

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