Science education MEd and teaching license
Science teachers are in high demand, and this program will prepare you to step into your classroom with confidence and solid classroom experience through our unique co-teaching practicum model. Our license is highly transferable to other states and our candidates are highly sought-after by local school districts.
After successfully completing licensure requirements, students are recommended for state teaching licensure in one or more of the following licensure specialty areas:
- Chemistry (grades 9-12)
- Earth and space science (grades 9-12)
- Life science (grades 9-12)
- Physics (grades 9-12)
In addition to completing requirements for at least one of the four licensure specialty areas listed above, students can also choose to complete requirements for general science (grades 5-8). While general science licensure is optional, it is highly recommended by the college.
If you already have a teaching license and want to earn an additional teaching license in a science area, contact Gillian Roehrig
Quote from Brenna Peterson
Something that drove me to enroll in this specific program is that it allows you to get a Tier 3 MN teaching license in just one year and then you can work as a licensed teacher while you finish the MEd degree. You also get into a classroom right away, and you get to be in a classroom for a significant portion of the program (all but the first summer of orientation).
About the program
Program coursework
The coursework will integrate technical knowledge that makes science teaching more effective for all learners. Ultimately these courses are designed to help you learn how to use various instructional techniques and methods, and to reflect upon your teaching as you begin your career as a science teacher.
View the curriculum in the course catalog under Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements > Science.
Timeline
In this accelerated program, you will complete all your required licensure coursework and student-teaching hours in just 12 months. Courses start in the summer and finish the following summer. After successfully completing the licensure exams, you will be ready to start in your own classroom in the Fall.
Students earning their MEd along with an initial teaching license will complete three graduate courses after completing the licensure part of the program while already working in your own classroom. You can complete your MEd within one year of earning your licensure, or you can take up to two years to complete your degree, all while already working as a licensed science teacher.
Curriculum
In order to be recommended for your Minnesota 5-8 and/or 9-12 Science License(s), you must successfully complete the licensure requirements mandated by the state of Minnesota.
This material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Office of Teacher Education at ote@umn.edu, 612-625-5060
Student experience
Our unique co-teaching program and cohort experience will help you gain the confidence you need to start in your own classroom with plenty of support. You will teach at both a middle school and high school as part of your student teaching practicum. Learn more about the student teaching experience.
Related programs for undergraduates
DirecTrack to Teaching is an exploratory education program that lets you experience schools and school culture in a K-12 education setting.
The Racial Justice in Urban Schooling minor lets you explore school systems and offer support to advance educational equity.
Teach English as a Second Language (TESL) minor gives you teaching experience at community sites and lets you explore a teaching career abroad.
Teacher scholars of color program
Do you identify, or are you identified, as a non-majority racial group? Consider participating in the Teacher Scholars of Color program. Students admitted to the MEd and initial teaching license programs have the opportunity to join a community of prospective teachers of color and get paired with a faculty mentor. International students are also welcome to this program. Find out more about the TSoC program.
How to apply
Application deadline and instructions
- October 1: MEd/ILP application opens
- November 30: Deadline to request a transcript review/prerequisite evaluation
- December 15: Application and scholarship application deadline
- February 1: Admissions notifications sent out on a rolling basis
We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area.
Tuition and funding
To get you started, we have created a tutorial to review your scholarship and financial aid options. Watch the scholarship video tutorial.
Financial aids
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships when you submit your application
- Each year we award partial scholarships to qualified teaching candidates. Teaching candidates received over $600,000 in scholarships from CEHD last year.
- If you intend to teach a high-need subject in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income families, you may be eligible to receive grants of up to $4,000/year. Learn more about the TEACH grant on Onestop.
- If you plan to teach full time for five complete and consecutive years in schools that serve low-income families, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 through a program administered by the federal government.
- Learn more about teacher loan forgiveness
Application requirements
What we look for
Strong applications will demonstrate:
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A commitment to social justice and equity through working with diverse populations and underrepresented, or marginalized, group
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A capacity for critical self-reflection
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How teaching is a thoughtful and informed career choice
Application Process
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Prerequisite review
- GPA: 2.80 GPA is required for full acceptance. Special review will be given to applicants with a GPA less than 2.80.
- Unofficial transcripts: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country, is required.
- Resume: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country, is required.
- Personal Statement:
Writing prompt: Describe the world you come from--for example, your family, community or school. Tell us about a time when your worldview has informed and/or been challenged by working with children or youth.
- Diversity Statement: Writing prompt: Given the well-documented racial, ethnic, and/or cultural differences between teachersand the students they teach in K-12 spaces, what have you done to further your knowledge and understanding about equity and diversity?
- Letter of Recommendation: Ask someone who can speak to your experience working with children and/or youth, or who can vouch for your commitment to educational equity.
- (Optional) Extenuating Circumstance Statement: Recommended for those with a GPA below 2.8.
*GRE is not required
International Student Applicants
- English Language Profiency Test: The Graduate School requires evident of English proficiency.Please visit the Graduate School's English language proficiency page for more information.
- Official evaluation of transcript by a NACES-approved member: You must get a NACES-approved member organization to complete a course-by-course evaluation of your transcript. Send to: Department of Curriculum & Instruction c/o Foreign Transcript Evaluations Peik Hall, 125 159 Pillsbury Dr. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455
Program Prerequisites
Program Prerequisites
Before you are admitted to the MEd and Teaching license programs, you must complete some prerequisite coursework, which varies based on the type of license you are seeking. Below, you will find a list of prerequisites listed by license. Please send the program advisor your unofficial transcript(s).
Admissions Support
Request information
We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch