Chemistry Teaching Major
Get your degree from a university that’s recognized for teacher preparation
The demand for qualified chemistry teachers is high, and continues to rise. Here at UNI, we have a strong commitment to teacher training, and a top-notch program for science education.
Students majoring in chemistry teaching will not only take an array of science courses, but they’ll also learn best teaching practices, and how to be a leader in the classroom. With innovative programs offering hands-on training through field experiences and undergraduate research, the chemistry teaching major provides strong foundations and real world skills to its graduates.
A degree in chemistry teaching will prepare you for success by giving you the confidence, skills, experience and certification necessary to teach at the high school level.
Top Ranked
UNI is home to a top ranked teacher preparation program, known around the Midwest for excellence.
Excellent Teacher Preparation
You’ll take courses through our award-winning College of Education, and will complete 750 hours of classroom teaching experience.
Endorsements
Convenient for students to complete endorsements in other science disciplines to be more marketable to school districts.
Find out More about Chemistry Teaching
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Northern Iowa
1227 West 27th Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0423
Phone: 319-273-2437
Email: chemistry@uni.edu
Email: biochemistry@uni.edu
Our alumni are making a difference
Jennifer Stimpson (‘96, MA), U.S. Department of Energy Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow
Our alumni are making a difference
Patrick Fier (‘09), process chemist for Merck Pharmaceutical Company
Our alumni are making a difference
Warren Rouse (‘19), National Institute of Health Fellow
Becoming a Teacher
What’s the process?
Begin major content: Start building your foundation in your chosen area of teaching.
- First field experience: Spend 30 hours working with PK-12 students to get a closer look at teaching as a career.
- Get admitted to teacher education: Apply to the UNI Teacher Education Program after declaring your major, completing initial course credit – then celebrate at the induction ceremony!
- More courses and more field experience: Gain knowledge, responsibility and experience as you teach your first lessons during 25 hours of Level 2 field experiences in local schools, followed by up to a full week immersion in Level 3.
- Student teach: It all comes together in your final semester of 16 weeks of student teaching in Iowa, nationally, even internationally.
- Graduate, and get your license to teach: Get your diploma, and we’ll assist you through the licensure process with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
Teach Iowa Scholar Program
Chemistry teachers are in high demand! Because of this, chemistry teachers may qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.
This grant provides grants of up to $4,000 per year and up to $20,000 over a five year period for those teaching in a high-demand field. Experienced financial aid officers assist students with applying for the grant.
Hands-on Learning
Our style of learning is anything but textbook. All of our majors have the opportunity to get involved in research with our faculty. Many of our students are co-authors on published papers and several are co-inventors in patent applications. Research is conducted during the academic year and also in summer, with summer research students being paid a stipend. In addition, our department sends 10-15 students to the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society to present their research results each year.