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.

  1. Complete the chemistry major (non-comprehensive) and the foundations of interdisciplinary science minor.
  2. Pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) exam.
    1. Chemistry Test Code: 076
  3. 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)

Bachelor of Science

Major requirements (60-71 hours)

  1. 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*,**.
  2. Chemistry electives from one of the following categories (8-9 hours):
    1. 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).
    2. For students with a strong interest in environmental chemistry: CHM 460(3), 461(3), 462(2).
    3. For students with a strong interest in biochemistry or health careers: CHM 554(3), 555(2), 556(3).
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
  3. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of CHM 398 and 498(2); and CHM 397 or 399 or 499(1).
  4. Related science and mathematics requirements (14-20 hours):
    1. MTH 261*** and 280(10) or MTH 261*** and 288(8) or MTH 287 and 288(6).
    2. PHY 123*** and 124(8) or PHY 203*** and 204(10).
  5. 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:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Required minor

Your advisor will help you meet all requirements for the minor.

Foundations of Interdisciplinary Science

Bachelor of Science

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.

  1. Foundational biology competencies: BIO 121(4)* and 122(4)
  2. Foundational chemistry competencies: CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), and 171(1)
  3. Foundational geography and geology competencies: GLG 110(4)* and GRY 135(4)*
  4. Foundational physics and astronomy competencies: PHY 123(4)* or 203(5)* and PHY 124(4) or 204(5). Those seeking earth science certification must additionally complete AST 115(4)
  5. Intellectual Foundations of Science and Technology: SCI 505(3)

*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.

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.