Secondary Education: Science, BS

Requirements for Students Matriculating in or before Academic Year 2024-2025. Learn more about University Academic Regulation 3.1.

Minimum Overall Grade Point Average: 2.50
Total Hours: 120

General Education Requirements
English Composition
See Academic Regulation 3.5
ENGL 1113Composition I 13
or ENGL 1313 Critical Analysis and Writing I
Select one of the following:3
Composition II 1
Critical Analysis and Writing II 1
Technical Writing 1
American History & Government
Select one of the following:3
Survey of American History
American History to 1865 (H)
American History Since 1865 (DH)
POLS 1113American Government3
Analytical & Quantitative Thought (A)
Select one course from the following:3
Trigonometry (A) (required for Biology emphasis)
Preparation for Calculus (A) (required for Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics emphasis)
Calculus I (A)
Select one course from the following:3
Elementary Statistics (A)
Statistical Methods I (A)
Statistical Methods I (A) (required for Physics emphasis)
Humanities (H)
Courses designated (H)6
Natural Sciences (N)
Must include one Laboratory Science (L) course
CHEM 1314Chemistry I (LN) 1, 24
CHEM 1515Chemistry II (LN)5
Select one of the following options:4
Introductory Biology (LN) 1, 2
Introductory Biology (N)
and Introductory Biology Laboratory (LN) 1,2
Social & Behavioral Sciences (S)
Courses designated (S)3
Hours Subtotal40
Diversity (D) & International Dimension (I)
May be completed in any part of the degree plan
Select at least one Diversity (D) course
Select at least one International Dimension (I) course
College/Departmental Requirements
Minimum grade of "C" or "P" in each course
UNIV 1111First Year Seminar (or other approved first year seminar course)1
EDHS 1111First Year Seminar Supplement1
PHIL 3933Creation and Evolution3
Select 2-8 hours of electives to total 120 credit hours for degree2-8
3 hours may need to be foreign language
Hours Subtotal7-13
Major Requirements
Minimum GPA 2.50 with a minimum grade of “C” or “P” in each course in the emphasis area and those with a footnote of 1, 2.
Select one area of emphasis:35-41
Hours Subtotal35-41
Professional Core Requirements
Minimum GPA 2.50 with a minimum grade of “C’ or “P” in each course
SMED 1012Inquiry Approaches to Teaching2
SMED 3013Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science3
SMED 4023Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 33
SMED 4611Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 31
SMED 4613Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 33
SMED 4713Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 33
SMED 4723Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 33
CIED 3313Field Experience in the Secondary Schools3
CIED 4133Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners3
CIED 4720Internship in the Secondary Classroom 36
SPED 3202Educating Exceptional Learners (D)2
Hours Subtotal32
Total Hours120
1

Minimum grade of "C"

2

Included in the Major Requirements when calculating Major GPA

3

Full admission to Professional Education required

Areas of Emphasis

Biology (40 Hours)

Biology Emphasis Requirements
BIOL 1604Animal Biology4
BIOL 3023General Genetics3
BIOL 3034General Ecology4
BIOL 3204Physiology4
BIOL 4133Evolution3
CHEM 3013Survey of Organic Chemistry3
MICR 2123Introduction to Microbiology3
MICR 2132Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory2
MICR 3033Cell and Molecular Biology3
PHYS 1114College Physics I (LN)4
or PHYS 2014 University Physics I (LN)
PBIO 1404Plant Biology (LN)4
Select 3 hours of upper-division PBIO coursework3

Chemistry (35 Hours)

Chemistry Emphasis Requirements
CHEM 2113Principles of Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM 2122Quantitative Analysis Laboratory2
CHEM 3053Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 3112Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHEM 3153Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 3353Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM 3413Physical Chemistry Applications3
CHEM 4990Special Problems in Chemistry2
PHYS 1114College Physics I (LN)4
or PHYS 2014 University Physics I (LN)
PHYS 1214College Physics II (LN)4
or PHYS 2114 University Physics II (LN)
MATH 2153Calculus II (A)3
BIOC 3653Survey of Biochemistry3

Earth Science (39 Hours)

Earth Science Emphasis Requirements
GEOL 1214Introductory Geological Processes (LN)4
GEOL 1224Evolution of the Earth (LN)4
GEOL 2464Rocks and Minerals4
GEOL 2773Introduction to Planetary Geology (N)3
GEOL 3014Structural Geology4
GEOL 3034Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentology4
GEOL 3503Environmental Geology (N)3
GEOL 4503Introduction to Oceanography (N)3
GEOG 3023Climatology (N)3
or GEOG 3033 Meteorology (N)
ASTR 1023Stars, Galaxies, Universe (N)3
PHYS 1114College Physics I (LN)4
or PHYS 2014 University Physics I (LN)

Physics (41 Hours)

Physics Emphasis Requirements
PHYS 2014University Physics I (LN)4
PHYS 2114University Physics II (LN)4
PHYS 2203University Physics III3
PHYS 3013Mechanics I3
PHYS 3323Modern Laboratory Methods I3
PHYS 3513Mathematical Physics3
PHYS 3623Modern Laboratory Methods II3
PHYS 3713Modern Physics3
PHYS 4113Electricity and Magnetism3
MATH 2153Calculus II (A)3
MATH 2163Calculus III3
MATH 2233Differential Equations3
Select 3 hours of upper-division physics3

Other Requirements

  • 40 hours of upper-division coursework.
  • Required for graduation and recommendation for Standard Certification:
    1. 2.50 Overall GPA;
    2. 2.50 GPA in Major Requirements and specified general education courses; and
    3. 2.50 GPA in Professional Core Requirements.
  • The student must earn minimum grades of “C” or “P” in each course in the Major Requirements and Professional Core Requirements and must earn grades of “P” in all sections of observation courses and student teaching for recommendation for Certification.
  • Students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language at the novice high level from among those languages identified by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. For clarification see OSU academic advisor. This proficiency can be demonstrated by presenting a high school transcript which demonstrates two years of study of a single foreign language with grades of “B” or better. Or, students may complete 3 hours college credit in a single language with no grade below C (or pass an advanced standing examination, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam, or Oral Proficiency Interview developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, equivalent to 3 hours of college credit.) Students whose primary language is other than English may document proficiency in English as their second language with a score of 550 or more on the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Or, students may meet the requirement by transfer of documentation of meeting the foreign language competency from one of the teacher education programs in the State of Oklahoma approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Additional State/OSU Requirements

  • At least: 60 hours at a four-year institution; 30 hours completed at OSU; 15 of the final 30 or 50% of the upper-division hours in the major field completed at OSU.
  • Limit of: one-half of major course requirements as transfer work; one-fourth of hours earned by correspondence; 8 transfer correspondence hours.
  • Students will be held responsible for degree requirements in effect at the time of matriculation and any changes that are made, so long as these changes do not result in semester credit hours being added or do not delay graduation.
  • Degrees that follow this plan must be completed by the end of Summer 2030.

Finish in Four Plan of Study

The plan below is an example of how students can successfully complete degree requirements in four years. This suggested class schedule plan may be used as a guide and can be adjusted based on individual needs. Students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to enrollment each semester to plan their class schedule, and students are ultimately responsible for completing all degree requirements.

Biology

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
UNIV 1111 First Year Seminar 1
ENGL 1113
Composition I
or Critical Analysis and Writing I
3
SMED 1012 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching 2
BIOL 1113
BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology (N)
or Introductory Biology (LN)
4
MATH 1813 Preparation for Calculus (A) 3
HIST 1103
Survey of American History
or American History to 1865 (H)
or American History Since 1865 (DH)
3
 Hours16
Spring
EDHS 1111
First Year Seminar Supplement
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
1
ENGL 1213
Composition II
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
3
CHEM 1314 Chemistry I (LN) 4
BIOL 1604 Animal Biology 4
POLS 1113 American Government 3
 Hours15
Sophomore
Fall
CHEM 1515 Chemistry II (LN) 5
PBIO 1404 Plant Biology (LN) 4
SPED 3202 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
PHIL 3933 Creation and Evolution 3
3 Hour General Education Humanities (H) 3
 Hours17
Spring
PHYS 1114
College Physics I (LN)
or University Physics I (LN)
4
MICR 2123 Introduction to Microbiology 3
MICR 2132 Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory 2
SMED 3013 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
3 Hours General Education (S) 3
 Hours15
Junior
Fall
BIOL 3204 Physiology 4
MICR 3033 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
CIED 3313 Field Experience in the Secondary Schools 3
3 Hours Upper-Division PBIO 3
3 Hours General Education 3
 Hours16
Spring
BIOL 3023 General Genetics 3
BIOL 4133 Evolution 3
CHEM 3013 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3
SMED 4611 Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 1
SMED 4613 Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 3
CIED 4133 Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners 3
 Hours16
Senior
Fall
BIOL 3034 General Ecology 4
STAT 4013
Statistical Methods I (A)
or Elementary Statistics (A)
3
SMED 4023 Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SMED 4713 Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 3
3 Hours General Education 3
 Hours16
Spring
CIED 4720 Internship in the Secondary Classroom 6
SMED 4723 Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours120

Chemistry

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
UNIV 1111 First Year Seminar 1
ENGL 1113
Composition I
or Critical Analysis and Writing I
3
SMED 1012 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching 2
CHEM 1314 Chemistry I (LN) 4
MATH 2144 Calculus I (A) 4
HIST 1103
Survey of American History
or American History to 1865 (H)
or American History Since 1865 (DH)
3
 Hours17
Spring
EDHS 1111 First Year Seminar Supplement 1
ENGL 1213
Composition II
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
3
CHEM 1515 Chemistry II (LN) 5
BIOL 1113
BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology (N)
or Introductory Biology (LN)
4
MATH 2153 Calculus II (A) 3
 Hours16
Sophomore
Fall
CHEM 3053 Organic Chemistry I 3
PHYS 1114
College Physics I (LN)
or University Physics I (LN)
4
SPED 3202 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
POLS 1113 American Government 3
3 Hours Course Designated (H, DH, or HI) 3
 Hours15
Spring
PHYS 1214
College Physics II (LN)
or University Physics II (LN)
4
CHEM 3153 Organic Chemistry II 3
SMED 3013 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
CHEM 3112 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
3 Hours General Education (S) 3
 Hours15
Junior
Fall
CHEM 2113 Principles of Analytical Chemistry 3
CHEM 2122 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory 2
CHEM 4990 Special Problems in Chemistry 1
PHIL 3933 Creation and Evolution 3
CIED 3313 Field Experience in the Secondary Schools 3
3 Hours General Education 3
 Hours15
Spring
CHEM 3353
Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
or Bioinorganic Chemistry
3
CHEM 3413 Physical Chemistry Applications 3
CHEM 4990 Special Problems in Chemistry 1
SMED 4611 Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 1
SMED 4613 Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 3
CIED 4133 Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners 3
3 Hours Elective 3
 Hours17
Senior
Fall
BIOC 3653 Survey of Biochemistry 3
STAT 4013
Statistical Methods I (A)
or Elementary Statistics (A)
3
SMED 4023 Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SMED 4713 Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 3
3 Hours General Education 3
1 Hour Elective 1
 Hours16
Spring
CIED 4720 Internship in the Secondary Classroom 6
SMED 4723 Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours120

Physics

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
UNIV 1111 First Year Seminar 1
ENGL 1113
Composition I
or Critical Analysis and Writing I
3
SMED 1012 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching 2
CHEM 1314 Chemistry I (LN) 4
MATH 2144 Calculus I (A) 4
HIST 1103
Survey of American History
or American History to 1865 (H)
or American History Since 1865 (DH)
3
 Hours17
Spring
EDHS 1111 First Year Seminar Supplement 1
ENGL 1213
Composition II
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
3
PHYS 2014 University Physics I (LN) 4
CHEM 1515 Chemistry II (LN) 5
MATH 2153 Calculus II (A) 3
 Hours16
Sophomore
Fall
PHYS 2114 University Physics II (LN) 4
BIOL 1113
BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology (N)
or Introductory Biology (LN)
4
MATH 2163 Calculus III 3
SPED 3202 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
POLS 1113 American Government 3
 Hours16
Spring
PHYS 2203 University Physics III 3
PHYS 3513 Mathematical Physics 3
MATH 2233 Differential Equations 3
SMED 3013 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
3 Hours Course Designated (H, DH, or HI) 3
 Hours15
Junior
Fall
PHYS 3013 Mechanics I 3
PHYS 3323 Modern Laboratory Methods I 3
PHYS 3713 Modern Physics 3
PHIL 3933 Creation and Evolution 3
CIED 3313 Field Experience in the Secondary Schools 3
 Hours15
Spring
PHYS 3623 Modern Laboratory Methods II 3
STAT 4013 Statistical Methods I (A) 3
SMED 4611 Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 1
SMED 4613 Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 3
CIED 4133 Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners 3
3 Hours General Education (S) 3
 Hours16
Senior
Fall
PHYS 4113 Electricity and Magnetism 3
SMED 4023 Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SMED 4713 Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 3
3 Hours Upper-Division PHYS 3
4 Hours Electives 4
 Hours16
Spring
CIED 4720 Internship in the Secondary Classroom 6
SMED 4723 Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours120

Earth Science

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
UNIV 1111 First Year Seminar 1
SMED 1012 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching 2
BIOL 1113
BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology (N)
or Introductory Biology (LN)
4
GEOL 1214
Introductory Geological Processes (LN)
or Physical Geology (LN)
4
MATH 2144 Calculus I (A) 4
 Hours15
Spring
EDHS 1111 First Year Seminar Supplement 1
ENGL 1113
Composition I
or Critical Analysis and Writing I
3
CHEM 1314 Chemistry I (LN) 4
GEOL 1224 Evolution of the Earth (LN) 4
ASTR 1023 Stars, Galaxies, Universe (N) 3
SPED 3202 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
 Hours17
Sophomore
Fall
ENGL 1213
Composition II
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
3
CHEM 1515 Chemistry II (LN) 5
GEOL 2464 Rocks and Minerals 4
HIST 1103
Survey of American History
or American History to 1865 (H)
or American History Since 1865 (DH)
3
 Hours15
Spring
PHYS 1114
College Physics I (LN)
or University Physics I (LN)
4
GEOG 3023
Climatology (N)
or Meteorology (N)
3
GEOL 3503 Environmental Geology (N) 3
SMED 3013 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
POLS 1113 American Government 3
 Hours16
Junior
Fall
GEOL 3014 Structural Geology 4
GEOL 2773 Introduction to Planetary Geology (N) 3
PHIL 3933 Creation and Evolution 3
CIED 3313 Field Experience in the Secondary Schools 3
3 Hours Course Designated (H, DH, or HI) 3
 Hours16
Spring
GEOL 3034 Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 4
STAT 4013
Statistical Methods I (A)
or Elementary Statistics (A)
3
SMED 4611 Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 1
SMED 4613 Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 3
CIED 4133 Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners 3
3 Hours General Education (S) 3
 Hours17
Senior
Fall
GEOL 4503 Introduction to Oceanography (N) 3
SMED 4023 Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SMED 4713 Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 3
3 Hours Elective 3
3 Hours Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
CIED 4720 Internship in the Secondary Classroom 6
SMED 4723 Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours120

Zoology

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallHours
UNIV 1111 First Year Seminar 1
ENGL 1113
Composition I
or Critical Analysis and Writing I
3
SMED 1012 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching 2
BIOL 1113
BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology (N)
or Introductory Biology (LN)
4
MATH 1813 Preparation for Calculus (A) 3
HIST 1103
Survey of American History
or American History to 1865 (H)
or American History Since 1865 (DH)
3
 Hours16
Spring
EDHS 1111 First Year Seminar Supplement 1
ENGL 1213
Composition II
or Critical Analysis and Writing II
or Technical Writing
3
CHEM 1314 Chemistry I (LN) 4
BIOL 1604 Animal Biology 4
POLS 1113 American Government 3
 Hours15
Sophomore
Fall
CHEM 1515 Chemistry II (LN) 5
PBIO 1404 Plant Biology (LN) 4
SPED 3202 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
PHIL 3933 Creation and Evolution 3
3 Hours Course Designated (H, DH, or HI) 3
 Hours17
Spring
PHYS 1114
College Physics I (LN)
or University Physics I (LN)
4
BIOL 3104 Invertebrate Zoology 4
SMED 3013 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
3 Hours General Education (S) 3
 Hours14
Junior
Fall
BIOL 3023 General Genetics 3
MICR 3033 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
BIOL 3114 Vertebrate Zoology 4
CIED 3313 Field Experience in the Secondary Schools 3
3 Hours General Education (A, H, N, or S) 3
 Hours16
Spring
BIOL 3204 Physiology 4
BIOL 4133 Evolution 3
CHEM 3013 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3
SMED 4611 Authentic Research in the Science Classroom 1
SMED 4613 Teaching the Nature of Science Through an Inquiry Approach 3
CIED 4133 Introduction to K-12 English Language Learners 3
 Hours17
Senior
Fall
BIOL 3034 General Ecology 4
STAT 4013
Statistical Methods I (A)
or Elementary Statistics (A)
3
SMED 4023 Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SMED 4713 Teaching and Learning Science in the Secondary School 3
3 Hours Elective 3
 Hours16
Spring
CIED 4720 Internship in the Secondary Classroom 6
SMED 4723 Senior Seminar in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours120