certification handbook

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCSU's Secondary Science Certification program is aligned with standards and recommendations set forth by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and State of Connecticut Department of Education. Program requirements are designed to provide the highest quality preparation for the teaching of science. All certification candidates are expected to follow the guidelines provided in this handbook and to do so in a timely and professional manner.

Secondary science certification prepares candidates to teach students in grades 7-12, in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and general science. Candidates must choose one discipline as their area of primary endorsement. To complete a certification program in a specific content area such as biology, chemistry, physics or earth science a candidate must complete a minimum of 30 credits in this area. Candidates choosing general science as their primary endorsement must complete a minimum of 39 credits in coursework that includes each of the science disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science).

Candidates may enroll in certification programs as undergraduate or graduate students. Graduate students may matriculate in a "certification only" post-baccalaureate program or may choose to enroll in a master's degree program and complete both certification and coursework for a master's degree.

Individuals interested in learning more about specific certification programs are encouraged to contact advisors from the science content areas they are interested in teaching, or the coordinator. Undergraduate candidates considering certification should contact the department certification advisor as early in their program as possible to ensure that acceptance into the School of Education is completed prior to the end of their sophomore year.