Education, BS: Science Education
The Science Education program is available for students who plan to teach in grades 4-12 middle/high school. Science Education students gain real world experience in the classroom through student teaching or on-the-job experiences at area schools. Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements also meet the Wisconsin teacher certification requirements for teaching science subject areas in those grades. Students at this level of certification may add the following licenses while pursuing or after obtaining their Science licensure as their initial certification:
- Bilingual
- English as a Second Language
- World Languages
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 30 | |
| Program Requirements * | 96 | |
| Total Credits | 126 | |
- *
Some program-required courses are approved as GER
Preparatory Coursework
Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program.
General Education Requirements (GER)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.
Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Categories and Credits | ||
| Civics and Perspectives (CP) | 6 | |
| Communication and Literacy (CL) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Arts (HA) | 6 | |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) | 3 | |
| Natural Science and Wellness (NSW/NSWL) | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science (SBS) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Advance to Professional Sequence
Students must meet certain criteria and apply to their specific licensure program in addition to admission to UWM. Please see information about minimum credits, GPA, and other requirements at Advance to Professional Sequence.
Program Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMMUN 103 | Public Speaking (GER-CL, fulfilled prior to program admission) | 3 |
| CURRINS 300 | Introduction to Teaching: Colloquium and Fieldwork SR-8 | 3 |
| or CURRINS 328 | Introduction to Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle and High School | |
| Conservation of Natural Resources | ||
| Requirement met in CURRINS 428 and CURRINS 519 SR-2 | ||
| History and Philosophy of Science | ||
| CURRINS 499 | Independent Reading: (Post-baccalaureate students may be required to take CURRINS 799) | 2 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
- SR-8
Statutory Requirements-Professional Responsibilities
- SR-2
Statutory Requirements-Environment (CURRINS 428 and CURRINS 519 both required)
Content Area
Students complete the core science coursework and then select two specializations (if undergraduate) or one specialization (if post-baccalaureate). The selections are made in consultation with a faculty advisor prior to advancement to professional sequence. Contact your faculty advisor for the "MACSTEP Program Packet," which includes course lists and specific details regarding the core science content and the specializations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATM SCI 100 | Survey of Meteorology (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| BIO SCI 150 | Foundations of Biological Sciences I (GER-NSW+) | 4 |
| BIO SCI 152 | Foundations of Biological Sciences II | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry (GER-NSW+) | 5 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis (GER-NSW+) | 5 |
| GEO SCI 100 | Introduction to the Earth (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| PHYSICS 120 | General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) (GER-NSW) | 4 |
| PHYSICS 122 | General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Specializations
Specializations are in either Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science, or Physics. Each specialization is at least 10 additional credits in that area (not including the Core Content Courses in that discipline). Courses are selected with consultation with a faculty advisor.
Undergraduate students take 2 specializations (minimum 20 credits). Post-baccalaureate students take 1 specialization (minimum 10 credits).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Specialization-Suggested Coursework | ||
| BIO SCI 310 | General Ecology | 4 |
| BIO SCI 325 | Genetics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Specialization-Suggested Coursework | ||
| CHEM 221 | Elementary Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 281 | Dead Men Do Tell Tales: An Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| CHEM 341 | Introductory Survey of Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Earth and Space Science Specialization-Suggested Coursework | ||
| ASTRON 103 | Survey of Astronomy (GER-NSW) | 3 |
| GEO SCI 102 | Evolution of the Earth (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| GEO SCI 150 | Introduction to Ocean Sciences (GER-NSW) | 3 |
| Choose one: | 1 | |
| Astronomy Laboratory (GER-NSW+) | ||
| Ocean Sciences Laboratory | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science Specialization-Suggested Coursework | ||
| BIO SCI 310 | General Ecology | 4 |
| CES 210 | Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science (GER-NSW) | 3 |
| or GEOG 350 | Conservation of Natural Resources | |
| Select classes from Biology, Conservation and Environmental Science, and/or Freshwater Sciences in consultation with your faculty advisor. | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Specialization | ||
| PHYSICS 309 | Physics III: Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 411 | Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 420 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
Professional Sequence
MACSTEP Sequence - Milwaukee Area Collaborative Secondary Science (and Math) Teacher Education Program. Advancement to the professional sequence required. A grade of C or better must be earned in all professional sequence coursework, including student teaching.
Students must earn a minimum 2.75 GPA in all professional education courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||
| CURRINS 518 | Science Methods I: Middle/Secondary Methods and Fieldwork | 3 |
| EXCEDUC 531 | Inclusion for Secondary Educators: Humanities, the Arts, Foreign Language SR-7 | 3 |
| Fall | ||
| CURRINS 516 | Field Work in Middle School SR-8 | 3 |
| CURRINS 519 | Science Methods II: Middle/Secondary Methods and Fieldwork SR-2 | 6 |
| CURRINS 541 | Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL SR-3(b-f) | 3 |
| EXCEDUC 601 | Behavioral Supports SR-4 | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| CURRINS 428 | Student Teaching Science Seminar SR-2 | 3 |
| Student Teaching (Spring) ‡ | ||
| Take 12 credits: | 12 | |
| Student Teaching in Science SR-5, SR-8 | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- ‡
Students must complete an application in order to be assigned a student teaching placement. To be approved for placement, additional criteria must be met. See Benchmarks for details.
- SR-7
Statutory Requirements-Children with Disabilities
- SR-8
Statutory Requirements-Professional Responsibilities
- SR-2
Statutory Requirements-Environment
- SR-3(b-f)
Statutory Requirements-Equity (b-f)
- SR-4
Statutory Requirements-Conflict Resolution
- SR-5
Statutory Requirements-Teacher Responsibilities
Requirements for Graduation
For information on credit, GPA, and other requirements for graduation, see UWM Degree Requirements.
Post Baccalaureate Pathway
Students follow the same pathway as first-degree students. Post-baccalaureate students are only required to complete one specialization.
Additional Requirements for Certification
- Successfully complete the content knowledge requirement for your program through one of the following:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in content coursework.
- Passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment Exam: General Science.
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Demonstrate successful completion of the Pedagogical Knowledge Assessment (PKA).
- Meet all applicable Wisconsin statutory and testing requirements.
- Complete approved coursework in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin, met through one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 276 | Introduction to American Indian Literature: (topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ANTHRO 213 | American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ENGLISH 276 | Introduction to American Indian Literature: (topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| HIST 263 | North American Indian History Since 1887 (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ACT 31: History, Culture and Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians Workshop SR-3(a) | ||
| Or an approved equivalent | ||
- SR-3(a)
Statutory Requirements-Equity (a)
Advance to Major
Advance to Professional Sequence
Application to the Science Education program requires satisfactory completion of the requirements listed below. For more information about the application process, visit our website.
- Completion of Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
-
Completion of Communication and Literacy requirement.
- Completion of COMMUN 103 , with a grade of C or better. Note: Completion of this course also fulfills part of the Communication and Literacy GER requirement.
- A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA in all UWM and transfer courses at the time of admission application.
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Science content courses.
- A minimum of 58 credits (UWM and transfer credits) at the time of admission application. It is not required to have all the Core Curriculum courses completed at the time of application.
- Meeting with advisor to begin program.
- For post-baccalaureate candidates, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal Background Check (CBC). For all students, a background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission (advance to professional sequence) into the educator preparation program. The background check shall include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.
Benchmarks
Student Teaching
Students must complete an application to request/be assigned a student teaching placement. Deadlines for submission are posted by the Office of Clinical Experiences.
To be approved for placement, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be advanced to the professional sequence.
- Completion of all required coursework.
- Cumulative GPA of a minimum 2.75.
- A minimum of 2.75 in all professional sequence courses.
- Content Knowledge Requirement: A minimum of 3.0 in all your science content used for certification or passing score on the Praxis II General Science Content Test.
- C or better in all science content being used for certification.
- C or better in all professional sequence courses.
-
TB test results submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences.
-
Passing Criminal Background Check submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Student Advising and Support Services
At the College of Community Engagement and Professions (CCEP), your success is our priority. Our dedicated student advising and support services team is here to help you navigate your academic journey, from your first semester through graduation.
Whether you’re exploring majors, planning your course schedule, or preparing for your career, our advisors offer personalized guidance tailored to your goals. You’ll also find a range of support services designed to help you thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We’re committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
For more information, visit the CCEP Student Advising & Support Services website.
Email: ccep-advising@uwm.edu | Phone: 414-229-4707
Graduate Advising
If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account.
Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning
Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.
College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.