Certification Requirements
An innovative approach to teacher preparation
In this pathway, you’ll gain chemistry knowledge typical of working chemists. You’ll receive the proper training and certification to teach middle school and high school students.
Certification checklist
You can complete these requirements in only five years.
- Complete the chemistry major (non-comprehensive) and the foundations of interdisciplinary science minor.
- Pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) exam.
- Chemistry Test Code: 076
- Complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree or another teacher preparation program.
It’s critical that you work with our dedicated advisor to ensure you stay on track to reach your goals.
Want to teach dual credit, too?
In order to teach dual-credit science courses, which result in both high school and college credits for your students, you will need 18 graduate hours in a science discipline.
The graduate certificate in science content helps you meet this requirement.
It's available in an accelerated option, so you can add just a few more credit hours to your degree pathway to earn this certificate along with your BS and MAT degrees.
Required major
Chemistry (Non-Comprehensive)
Major requirements (60-71 hours)
- CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), 171(1), 302(5), 342(3), 343(3), 345(2), 375(3), 398(1)*, 445(2), 492(0), 498(1)*, 502(3), 503(1); CHM 504(3) and 505(1); or CHM 506(3) and 507(3) and 508(2); and one hour from CHM 397* or 399*,**.
- Chemistry electives from one of the following categories (8-9 hours):
- For a basic chemistry program without a specific area of emphasis, at least eight hours from CHM 352(3), 376(2), 399*,** or 499(1-3)*, 460(3) or 461(3), 509(2).
- For students with a strong interest in environmental chemistry: CHM 460(3), 461(3), 462(2).
- For students with a strong interest in biochemistry or health careers: CHM 554(3), 555(2), 556(3).
- For students with a strong interest in education: CHM 352(3), 435(1), 460(3), 462(2). Students interested in pursuing certification for high school science teaching should declare a Foundation of Interdisciplinary Science minor.
- For a specific area of interest not included in categories a, b, c, or d: at least nine hours of chemistry courses numbered greater than 300 selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and approved by the department head.
- Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of CHM 398 and 498(2); and CHM 397 or 399 or 499(1).
- Related science and mathematics requirements (14-20 hours):
- Minor required (or second major).
*Will also count toward the Public Affairs Capstone Experience requirement.
**If using CHM399 to fulfill B.1. and B.2.a.: Any hours of CHM399 used to fulfill B.2.a. are in addition to B.1.
***Will also count toward General Education requirements.
University level requirements:
Required minor
Your advisor will help you meet all requirements for the minor.
This minor is designed for students preparing to enter post-graduate studies to become
a high school science teacher. This minor does not include courses in teacher education
that are required by the state of Missouri for certification as a teacher. Certification
requirements can be met through postbaccalaureate programs or master's programs. *In the Natural World area of General Education, BIO 121 will satisfy Life Sciences
requirement while GLG 110, GRY 135, PHY 123, or PHY 203 will satisfy the Physical
Sciences requirement. Some additional courses on the list may already be part of major
degree requirements.Foundations of Interdisciplinary Science
Extra benefit
Compared to traditional teacher preparation programs, this pathway gives you more options for your career. If teaching doesn’t work out, you can still work as a professional chemist.