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Explore the teaching - science, chemistry emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Instill a love for STEM and inspire future scientists with a bachelor's degree in teaching - science, chemistry emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Rooted in research, exploration and discovery, our program includes opportunities to use state-of-the-art instrumentation, present research at national conferences and learn from experts in the field — all while learning how to best teach science and chemistry to grades 4-12. 

Through projects, labs and fieldwork, you'll gain the tools and skills needed to develop successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.

With one of the most highly regarded education programs in the region, UW-Eau Claire produces new teachers that school districts actively seek. Our teaching - science, chemistry emphasis grads go on to inspire the STEM leaders of tomorrow all around the Midwest.

Why teaching - science, chemistry emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Experiential and high-impact learning. UW-Eau Claire offers an award-winning education program that gives students the best possible combination of sound and up-to-date methodologies, research and data-driven best practices. Students gain hundreds of hours of practical experience in area classrooms as both observers and pre-service teachers, preparing them well for careers in teaching. 

Research opportunities. With collaborative student-faculty research at its core, the chemistry department at UW-Eau Claire offers countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Alongside faculty and industry experts, you'll make groundbreaking discoveries and meaningful contributions to the world of research. Ongoing projects include topics like organic synthesis, medical chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, fluorescent compounds and atmospheric particulate matter.

Cultural immersion and service-learning opportunities. Many education majors choose to enhance their education by engaging in cultural immersions. You may student teach in Kenai, Alaska or participate in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. These experiences often lead to new ways of thinking and a better understanding of the students in your future classrooms.

Award-winning, dedicated faculty. While at UW-Eau Claire, you'll learn from expert faculty who have a wealth of knowledge in — and passion for — chemistry and education. Our chemistry professors have received national recognition for supporting and mentoring students, currently hold 16 patents and work tirelessly to create high-impact learning opportunities for students. In fact, over the last six years, chemistry faculty have brought in over two million dollars in external grant funds, directly benefiting UWEC chemistry majors.

Innovative instruments and facilities. The chemistry department at UW-Eau Claire is home to a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation for chemical analysis — and you'll have direct access to it. Here you can master a number of specialized research instruments, including an X-ray diffractometer, optical cryostat, a jet-cooled expansion system and a supercomputing cluster (BGSC) — a high-performance computing system that provides resources that are on par with (or above) what is available at most major research institutions. You'll also be able to use specialized laboratories, including a laser spectroscopy lab, a low-temperature spectroscopy lab, a computational lab and a thermal analysis lab.

Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

Quick facts

Teaching - science, chemistry emphasis program details:
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. 
Student organizations
  • American Chemical Society-Student Affiliate (ACS-SA)
  • Materials Research Society
  • Women & Gender Minorities in STEM
  • Aspiring Educators

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with a teaching - science, chemistry emphasis degree from UWEC?

Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any science course in grades 4-12 in a regular education setting, including physics, biology, earth/space science and general science — with special expertise and in-depth knowledge of chemistry specifically.

When you combine chemistry research, laboratory experiments and a UW-Eau Claire teaching certification, you graduate with a promising future. And our alumni are helping future generations do the same. 

Where are teaching - science, chemistry emphasis alumni now?

Teaching - science, chemistry emphasis careers

Teaching - science, chemistry emphasis bachelor's degree program curriculum

With a teaching - science, chemistry emphasis bachelor's degree, you will not only gain knowledge in the fundamentals of chemistry but you will also become a confident instructor with the tools to teach science and chemistry to a variety of ages. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, a semester of student teaching provides real-world learning and opportunities to make valuable professional connections. 

What classes do teaching - science, chemistry emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the teaching-science, chemistry emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in chemistry education? Here are a few other programs you might be interested in exploring.

Department information

Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Students work in a lab

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Phillips Science Hall 430
101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Chemistry and Biochemistry department website
Photo of students walking in front of Centennial Hall

Education for Equity and Justice

Centennial Hall 3215
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Education for Equity and Justice department website