Integrated Science
The B.S. in Integrated Science is designed for students seeking to teach science in high schools.
The sixty credit hour degree meets the State of Michigan’s requirements for 12 credit hours each in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics. An additional 12 credit hours in any one of these areas provides a minor in the area as required by the State of Michigan. Students successful in completing this program and passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Integrated Science will meet the standards for the ‘highly qualified’ designation. This degree is only for those students who are also seeking a certificate in secondary education. It is also a degree intended for students who desire to teach in smaller school districts. Students seeking employment in large districts should consider majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics and minoring in another of these 4 areas.
Integrated Science Program Chair: Pat Hartshorn
Degree Requirements & Program Goals
Integrated Science is a degree designed to offer students seeking to teach science in high schools. The sixty credit hour degree meets the State of Michigan’s requirements for 12 credit hours each in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics. An additional 12 credit hours in any one of these areas provides a minor in the area. Students successful completing this program and passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Integrated Science will meet the standards for the ‘highly qualified’ designation. This degree is only for those students who are also seeking a certificate in secondary education. It is also a degree intended for students who desire to teach in smaller school districts. Students seeking employment in large districts should consider majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics and minoring in another of these 4 areas.
The degree requires that certain courses in each of the four areas be taken. The remaining hours will consist of electives from the list of courses below. Other courses may be possible. Students should consult with their advisor about course selection. In addition to regularly offered courses in Natural Sciences, students must also elect at least one of the NSCI 331, 332 or 333 courses. These latter courses will also count towards the 12 credits for the minor.
Students will need to consult with advisors in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services in order to meet the certification requirements for teaching in secondary schools.
1. Students will learn science content and scientific thinking in Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science and Physics that will enable them to teach secondary science students in grades 812. Mastery of science content will be measured by passage of the secondary Integrated Science Test of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). NSCI 331, 332, 333
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the various aspects of scientific thinking and practice such as: abstract reasoning, critical thinking, analyzing data, and the ability to draw evidence-based conclusions. NSCI 331,332, 333
3. Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to consider how their science content knowledge will be conveyed to future 812 students. This goal will be assessed by examining their reflective statements submitted as a required assignment in NSCI 331, 332 or 333. Integrated Science students are required to take one of these three courses. NSCI 331,332,333