Bachelor of Science in
Physical Science - Secondary Education

Spark Scientific Curiosity

The Physical Science – Secondary Education major at Eastern Washington University prepares you to teach physics, chemistry, and earth science to the next generation.

This program blends rigorous science training with practical classroom experience and teaching methods that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

You’ll gain a solid foundation in scientific principles through comprehensive coursework in chemistry, physics, geology, and astronomy. You’ll also learn how to turn complex topics into engaging lessons for your future students.

Upon graduating, you’ll have the expertise and skills to foster scientific thinking, promote lab safety, and support diverse learners in dynamic classroom environments.

Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Physical Science - Secondary Education Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Secondary Education Program Prerequisites
All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 6 years.
A grade ≥B- in all prerequisite courses is required for admission to the Education program.
CMST 201PUBLIC SPEAKING5
or CMST 340 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
EDUC 201INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION3
ENGL 201COLLEGE COMPOSITION: ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION (or approved equivalent)5
SOST 300PEOPLES AND GOVERNANCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST5
SPED 363INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION4
PSYC 204EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY5
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning proficiency*5
Total Credits32

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning courses

Grade Requirements: A cumulative GPA ≥2.8 for all courses, ≥C+ in each required science course and required supporting course, ≥B- in each required education course.

Required Science Courses
CHEM 171
171L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
5
CHEM 172
172L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
5
CHEM 173
173L
GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III
5
PHYS 151GENERAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 152GENERAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 153GENERAL PHYSICS III4
PHYS 161MECHANICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 162HEAT AND OPTICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 163ELECTRONICS LABORATORY I1
PHYS 121DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY5
or PHYS 126 MAKING SENSE OF THE COSMOS
GEOS 100
100L
DISCOVERING GEOLOGY
and DISCOVERING GEOLOGY LAB
5
GEOS 113THE EARTH'S CLIMATE AND WEATHER5
GEOS 222
222L
THE EARTH THROUGH TIME
and THE EARTH THROUGH TIME LAB
5
GEOS 305INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY5
or GEOS 314 WEATHER FORECASTING
Required Supporting Courses
MATH 161CALCULUS I5
MATH 162CALCULUS II5
MATH 163CALCULUS III5
Required Education Courses
EDUC 303FOUNDATIONS OF ASSESSMENT3
EDUC 309FOUNDATIONS OF SECONDARY CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
EDUC 341SECONDARY STRATEGIES, MANAGEMENT, ASSESSMENT3
EDUC 386AFIELD EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICUM3
EDUC 386BFIELD EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICUM3
EDUC 413CONTENT AREA LITERACY: MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION CANDIDATES3
EDUC 426SECONDARY STUDENT TEACHING 5-1212
EDUC 427GENERAL STUDENT TEACHING K-123-15
SCED 390SCIENCE TEACHING METHODS5
Required Senior Capstone
SCED 490ASCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE SEMINAR3
SCED 490BSCIENCE TEACHING CAPSTONE FIELD APPLICATION2
Total Credits113-125