Secondary Education, B.S. (Education)

Program Code: SECED_BS

Program Description

The following teaching options are available for majors in Secondary Education: Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, English, Environmental Education, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies/Citizenship Education.

The Secondary Education major helps prepare students for middle school and/or high school teaching positions and for other employment in fields related to their content specialties.

Biological Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Chemistry Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Earth and Space Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

English Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A comparable program is also open to student outside the College of Education who desire certification.

Environmental Education Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for a Pennsylvania teacher certification in Environmental Education when completed in conjunction with another secondary education teaching option (i.e., Biological Science Teaching option). The total number of credits required will depend primarily on that other option.

General Science Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching General Science at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary education option (e.g., Biology); the total number of credits required will depend primarily on that other option.

Mathematics Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: Erie, University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Physics Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Social Studies Teaching Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option enables the graduate to meet all of the academic requirements for the Instructional I certificate for teaching social studies at the secondary-school level, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

What is Secondary Education?

The Secondary Education (SECED) major prepares graduates to teach at the middle school or high school level (grades 7-12) in English, Mathematics, Social Studies (which includes history, geography, government, and the social sciences), or a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, or Physics). The program combines on-campus course work with clinical experiences in schools; graduates are eligible to apply for teacher licensure through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are committed to public service and working with young people, and you appreciate that effective teaching demands both mastery of subject matter knowledge and understanding learners and communities.
  • In your subject-matter studies, you tend to find yourself asking: How do we know that? Is there a better way to describe it? What are we overlooking? How could I help others understand this too?

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SECONDARY EDUCATION

Entrance to Major

Baccalaureate degree candidates must meet the following requirements 1-3 by the end of their third semester:

  1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
  2. Documentation of at least 80 hours of volunteer or paid education work experience with learners of the age group the candidate plans to teach. Candidates for Secondary Education must document 40 of these hours with learners who come from backgrounds that are different from the candidate's.

Requirements 4-9 must be met by the end of the fourth semester when students typically participate in the Entrance-to-Major process.

  1. A grade of "C" or better in all specified courses.
  2. Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program.
  3. Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program.
  4. Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program.
  5. Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H, three credits of literature, and six credits of quantification
  6. Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program. 

Degree Requirements

For the B.S. degree in Secondary Education with an option in Biological Science Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Chemistry Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Earth and Space Science Teaching, a minimum of 123 credits is required; with an option in English Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Environmental Education Teaching and a cohort option, a minimum of 123 credits is required; with an option in General Science Teaching and a cohort option, a minimum of 121 credits is required; with an option in Mathematics Teaching, a minimum of 132 credits is required; with an option in Physics Teaching, a minimum of 121 credits is required; with an option in Social Studies Teaching, a minimum of 129-132 credits is required. (See also Teacher Education Programs):

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 0-20
Requirements for the Major 83-111

12-27 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Biological Science Teaching option, Chemistry Teaching option, Earth and Space Science Teaching option, Environmental Education Teaching option, General Science Teaching option, and Physics Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 9 credits of GN courses, 6 credits of GS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses. English Teaching option--0-6 credits of GA courses; 6 credits of GH courses; 6 credits of GS courses, 0-3 credits of GWS. Mathematics Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses. Social Studies Teaching option--6 credits of GH courses; 3 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GS courses. Six of these credits for any option may also satisfy the Integrative Studies requirement.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CI 280Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners Keystone/General Education Course3
CI 295Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation2
CI 495CClinical Application of Instruction -- Secondary Education3
CI 495EPracticum in Student Teaching--Secondary Education15
EDPSY 14Learning and Instruction Keystone/General Education Course3
PSYCH 100Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course3
SPLED 400Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management4
SPLED 403BEvidence-Based Methods for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
PSYCH 412Adolescence3
or HDFS 239 Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 3 credits of GH courses from Literature Selection3
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Education in American Society Keystone/General Education Course
Competing Rights: Issues in American Education Keystone/General Education Course
3 credits at the 400 level of any EDTHP course
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select an option38-66

Requirements for the Option

Biological Science Teaching Option (63-66 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
BIOL 240WBiology: Function and Development of Organisms4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BMB 251
BMB 252
Molecular and Cell Biology I
and Molecular and Cell Biology II
4-6
or BIOL 230W Biology: Molecules and Cells
MATH 141 or 4 credits of 200-level STAT GQ courses4
Select one of the following:3-4
Introductory Biological Anthropology Keystone/General Education Course
Human Genetics
Evolution
Geobiology
Paleontology and Fossils
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Elementary Biochemistry
Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory
General Biochemistry
General Biochemistry
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 8 credits of 300-level or 400-level BIOL or biological fields8

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Chemistry Teaching Option (55-60 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select one of the following:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 9 credits from 400 level CHEM or related field9
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 6-9 credits in CHEM or chemistry-related fields at the 200 level or higher (e.g., BMB 211 and BMB 212, BMB 251, BMB 252, MICRB 251, FDSC 400, ANSC 301, NUTR 251, CHEM, CHE)6-9

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Earth and Space Science Teaching Option (60-63 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
ASTRO 10Elementary Astronomy Keystone/General Education Course2
ASTRO 11Elementary Astronomy Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course1
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
EARTH 100Environment Earth Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
GEOSC 1Physical Geology3
or GEOSC 20 Planet Earth Keystone/General Education Course
GEOSC 21Earth and Life: Origin and Evolution3-4
or GEOSC 204 Geobiology
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Weather Revealed: Introductory Meteorology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Weather Analysis
Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Ecology of Lakes and Streams
Coastal Biology
The Sea Around Us Keystone/General Education Course
Marine Geology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 8 credits of 200-400 level from EARTH, GEOSC, METEO, ASTRO, other earth science field, or BIOL 4278

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

English Teaching Option (40-42 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Note: Must complete at least 3 credits of IL and 3 credits of US Cultures selections.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CI 492Identities, Power and Perceptual Pedagogies in Teaching and Learning3
LLED 411Teaching Language Arts In Secondary Schools I3
LLED 412WTeaching Language Arts in Secondary Schools II3
LLED 420Teaching Adolescent Literature and Literacy3
LLED 421Teaching Writing in Secondary Schools3
LLED 422Teaching the Young Adult Literature Workshop3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 1-3 credits of Grammar from the following:1-3
Discourse-Functional Grammar
Basic News Writing Skills
Select 3 credits of Speech and Oral Performance from the following:3
Effective Speech
Storytelling and Speaking
Fundamentals of Acting Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Shakespeare from the following:3
Shakespeare Keystone/General Education Course
Taking Shakespeare From Page to Stage
Studies in Shakespeare
Shakespeare
Select 6 credits of British and American Literature from the following:6
British Literature to 1798 Keystone/General Education Course
British Literature from 1798 Keystone/General Education Course
American Literature to 1865 Keystone/General Education Course
American Literature from 1865 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Multicultural Literature in English from the following:3
Latina/o Literature and Culture
Alternative Voices in American Literature Keystone/General Education Course
African American Literature Keystone/General Education Course
Women Writers Keystone/General Education Course
Asian American Literatures
Black American Writers
Reading Black, Reading Feminist
African American Novel I
African American Novel II
African American Poetry
Women Writers and Their Worlds
American Women Writers
Select 3 credits of Nonprint Literature from the following:3
From Folk Shouts and Songs to Hip Hop Poetry
World Graphic Novels Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Film History and Theory Keystone/General Education Course
Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
The Graphic Novel Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of Writing from the following:3
Introduction to Creative Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Fiction Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Poetry Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to General Nonfiction Writing
Environmental Education Teaching Option (55-58 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 220WBiology: Populations and Communities4
CHEM 101Introductory Chemistry Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
SCIED 4573
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select one of the following:4
Environmental Chemistry
and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
and Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3-4
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Ornithology
Mammalogy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select two courses (6-8 credits) in environmental law, economics, management and policy (e.g., ECON 428, ERM 411, ERM 412, ERM 413W, WFS 410, WFS 447W, WFS 463W)6-8
Select 4 credits of an environmentally related course in Science Technology and Society (e.g., STS 100, STS 460)4
Select at least 14 credits from the cohort Teaching option 114
1

This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary teaching option, such as the Biological Science Teaching option.

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

General Science Teaching Option (38 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 141 or 4 credits of 200-level STAT GQ courses4
Select one of the following:4
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select one of the following:8
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course

Note 1: This option may only be completed in conjunction with another secondary teaching option, such as Biology.

Note 2: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 3: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Mathematics Teaching Option (57-59 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Erie, University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
MATH 310Elementary Combinatorics3
MATH 311WConcepts of Discrete Mathematics3-4
MATH 312Concepts of Real Analysis3
MATH 414Introduction to Probability Theory3
MATH 471Geometry for Teachers4
MTHED 411Teaching Secondary Mathematics I3
MTHED 412WTeaching Secondary Mathematics II3
MTHED 427Teaching Mathematics in Technology-Intensive Environments3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CMPSC 101Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course3
or CMPSC 121 Introduction to Programming Techniques
MATH 231
MATH 232
Calculus of Several Variables
and Integral Vector Calculus
4
or MATH 230 Calculus and Vector Analysis
MATH 435Basic Abstract Algebra3
or MATH 470 Algebra for Teachers
MATH 436Linear Algebra3
or MATH 441 Matrix Algebra
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Experimental Methods
3 credits of MTHED from program list
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from 400-level MATH or MTHED courses6
Physics Teaching Option (55-62 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 213General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 214General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 237Introduction to Modern Physics3
PHYS 400Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism3
PHYS 419Theoretical Mechanics3
SCIED 411WTeaching Secondary Science I3
SCIED 412Teaching Secondary Science II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
MATH 230Calculus and Vector Analysis2-4
or MATH 231 Calculus of Several Variables
MATH 250Ordinary Differential Equations3-4
or MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Select one of the following:1-4
Electronics for Scientists
PHYS 457
Intermediate Optics

Note 1: Students may complete multiple science teaching options concurrently by completing all of each option's requirements. The six science teaching options are: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, General Science, and Physics.

Note 2: Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) must be earned for science certification.

Social Studies Teaching Option (57 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
ECON 104Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
GEOG 30NEnvironment and Society in a Changing World Keystone/General Education Course3
HIST 20American Civilization to 1877 Keystone/General Education Course3
HIST 21American Civilization Since 1877 Keystone/General Education Course3
PLSC 1American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers Keystone/General Education Course3
SSED 411Teaching Secondary Social Studies I3
SSED 412WTeaching Secondary Social Studies II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
HIST 1Western Civilization I Keystone/General Education Course3
or HIST 10 World History to 1500 Keystone/General Education Course
HIST 2Western Civilization II Keystone/General Education Course3
or HIST 11 World History since 1500 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits of the following:9
Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution Keystone/General Education Course
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Sociology Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
Select 6 credits of 400-level History6
Select one concentration:15
Citizenship Education
Select 6 credits of History at the 100-level or above
Select 3 credits of the following:
Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Sociology Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution Keystone/General Education Course
Physical Geography: An Introduction
Human Geography: An Introduction
Civics and Government
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:
Contemporary Political Ideologies Keystone/General Education Course
Scientific Study of Politics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Political Theory Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of 400-level Political Science
Classics and Ancient Studies
Select 3 credits from the following:
Greek and Roman Literature Keystone/General Education Course
Jewish and Christian Foundations Keystone/General Education Course
Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of 100-level Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Select 3 credits of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Economics
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits of 400-level Economics
Geography
Select 9 credits of Geography below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Geography
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
History of the Holocaust 1933-1945 Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits from the following:
The Holocaust in Film and Literature Keystone/General Education Course
History of Fascism and Nazism Keystone/General Education Course
Genocide in Global perspectives: Twentieth Century and beyond Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6 credits from the following:
Holocaust
Women and the Holocaust
Genocide and Tyranny
Hiroshima & the Holocaust in History and Memory
Ethics After the Holocaust
Social Sciences
Select 9 credits of Anthropology, Psychology, and/or Sociology below the 400 level
Select 6 credits of 400-level Anthropology, Psychology, and/or Sociology

Note 1: Courses taken to meet Additional Courses and other Supporting Courses and Related Areas requirements cannot also be applied to the concentration. Different courses need to be selected for the concentration and Additional Courses and other Supporting Courses and Related Areas requirements.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

College of Education
Advising and Certification Center

228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ed@admissions.psu.edu

Erie

Pat Kelly
Lecturer in Math Education
16 Prischak
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6308
pmk91@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Biology Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15*‡#3CHEM 110*#†3
MATH 140 or 140B*‡#4CHEM 111*#†1
BIOL 110*#†4MATH 141, 141B, or STAT 200*‡4
PSYCH 100*#†3EDPSY 14*#3
EDUC 1001Health and Wellness*1.5
EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)*3BIOL 220W*#4
 18 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 230W or BMB 251 and BMB 252*4CI 280*†3
CAS 100A3HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3
CHEM 112*#†3BIOL 240W*4
CHEM 113*#1PHYS 250 or 211*#4
Literature Selection*#†13Health and Wellness*1.5
CI 295*#2 
 16 15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SPLED 400*4SCIED 411W*3
PHYS 251 or 212*4BIOL 300-400 Level Selection*3
ENGL 202A or 202B*3SPLED 403B*3
BIOL 427, ANTH 21, ANTH 460, GEOSC 204, or GEOSC 424*3-4BMB 211/212, 401, 402, CHEM 202, CHEM 203, CHEM 210, CHEM 212, or CHEM 213*23
BMB 211/212, 401, 402, CHEM 202, CHEM 203, CHEM 210, CHEM 212, or CHEM 213*23 
 17-18 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SCIED 412*3CI 495E*315
CI 495C*3 
Arts Selection3 
GH, GA, GS, GHW, or Interdomain*3 
BIOL 300-400 Level Selection*3 
 15 15
Total Credits 125-126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

BMB 211 is related to and a prerequisite for the companion laboratory course BMB 212 (1 credit).

3

No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Additional Notes:

  • Must complete at least 3 cr. of United States (US) and 3 cr. of International Cultures (IL).
  • W is the code used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
  • First Aid and CPR certification required. (on-line courses not acceptable)
  • Summer study could reduce some of the credit loads above.
  • Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 030 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
  • Academic Advising Notes: The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through this curriculum. Please be sure to also use the curriculum checksheets and degree audits, as well as consult with an adviser about appropriate scheduling sequences, clearances for field experiences and testing requirements. Advisers also can assist students in identifying coursework offered at Penn State in the SUMMER.

Chemistry Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15‡#3CHEM 112*#†3
MATH 140*#†4CHEM 113*#†1
CHEM 110
CHEM 111*#†
4MATH 141*#†4
EDUC 1001EDPSY 14*#3
EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)3Literature Selection*#†13
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 110*#†4CI 280*3
PHYS 211*#†4PHYS 212*#†4
CI 295*#2CHEM 212 and CHEM 213 or or CHEM 202 and CHEM 203*#5
CHEM 210*#3Related 200 Level Selection*3
PSYCH 100*#†3Art Selection*3
 16 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SPLED 400*4SCIED 411W*3
ENGL 202A or 202B3HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3
Related 200-level Selection*3CHEM 400 Level Selection*23
Related 200-level Selection*3SPLED 403B*3
CAS 100A3 
 16 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SCIED 412*3CI 495E*315
CI 495C*3 
CHEM 400 Level Selection*23 
GA, GH, GS, or GHW Interdomain*3 
Health and Wellness (GHW)*1.5 
 13.5 15
Total Credits 119.5
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

CHEM 402, CHEM 406, CHEM 408, CHEM 410, CHEM 412, CHEM 423W, CHEM 425W, or CHE 301 or CHE 435.

3

No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Additional Notes:

  • Must complete at least 3 cr. of United States (US) and 3 cr. of International Cultures (IL).
  • W is the code used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
  • First Aid and CPR certification required. (on-line courses not acceptable)
  • Summer study could reduce some of the credit loads above.
  • Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 030 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
  • Academic Advising Notes: The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through this curriculum. Please be sure to also use the curriculum checksheets and degree audits, as well as consult with an adviser about appropriate scheduling sequences, clearances for field experiences and testing requirements. Advisers also can assist students in identifying coursework offered at Penn State in the SUMMER.earth and space teaching option at University Park Campus and commonwealth campuses.

Earth and Space Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15‡#3BIOL 220W*#4
MATH 140 or 140B‡#†4CHEM 111*#†1
BIOL 110*#†4MATH 141, 141B, or STAT 200*4
PSYCH 100*#†3EDPSY 14*#3
EDUC 1001Health and Wellness1.5
EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)*3EARTH 100*3
 18 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOSC 1 or 20*3CI 280*3
CAS 100A3PHYS 250 or 211*#†4
CI 295*#2Interdomain General Education*3
CHEM 110*#†3Health and Wellness*1.5
Literature Selection*#†13METEO 3, 201, or 300*†3-4
 14 14.5-15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 251 or 212*4SCIED 411W*3
ENGL 202A or 202B*3SPLED 403B*3
GEOSC 40, 440, BIOL 435, or BIOL 482*†3-4GEOSC 21 or 204*†3-4
ASTRO 10 or 11*1-2HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*3
SPLED 400*4BIOL 427 (or 200 -400 Level Selection (EARTH, GEOSC, METEO, ASTRO, PHYS, ANTH) )*3
 15-17 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SCIED 412*4CI 495E*215
CI 495C*3 
Arts Selection3 
BIOL 427 (or 200 -400 Level Selection (EARTH, GEOSC, METEO, ASTRO, PHYS, ANTH) )*3 
BIOL 427 (or 200 -400 Level Selection (EARTH, GEOSC, METEO, ASTRO, PHYS, ANTH) )*†3 
 16 15
Total Credits 124-128
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

 

Additional Notes:

  • Must complete at least 3 cr. of United States (US) and 3 cr. of International Cultures (IL).
  • First Aid and CPR certification required. (on-line courses not acceptable)
  • Summer study could reduce some of the credit loads above.
  • Academic Advising Notes: The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through this curriculum. Please be sure to also use the curriculum checksheets and degree audits, as well as consult with an adviser about appropriate scheduling sequences, clearances for field experiences and testing requirements. Advisers also can assist students in identifying coursework offered at Penn State in the SUMMER.English and communication teaching option at university park and commonwealth campuses

English Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H*#†3PSYCH 100*#†3
Literature Selection*†13Non-Print Selection*33
EDPSY 14*#3Science Selection†23
EDUC 1001Mathematics Selection*#†3
Mathematics Selection*#†3American or British Literature Selection*43
Science Selection (GN)/Interdomain†23 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CI 295*#2CAS 100A (Speech and Oral Performance Selection)*#3
Art Selection (GA)*53PSYCH 412 or HDFS 239*3
Science Selection (GN)†23Interdomain General Education (GA, GH, GS, GHW)3
CI 280*†3Grammar Selection*71-3
American or British Literature Selection*43EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)*3
Writing Selection*63Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17 14.5-16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
LLED 411*3LLED 421*3
CI 492*3LLED 422*3
ENGL 202A or 202B*†3Multicultural Literature Selection*93
Shakespeare Selection*83SPLED 400*4
Elective3Elective3
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 16.5 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
LLED 420*3CI 495E*1015
LLED 412W*3 
CI 495C*3 
SPLED 403B*3 
Elective3 
 15 15
Total Credits 125-127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

Science Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

3

AFAM 235/ENGL 235, CMLIT 415, COMM 150N, COMM 250, COMM 411, ENGL 136, THEA 100, THEA 105.

4

ENGL 221, ENGL 222, ENGL 231, ENGL 232.

5

ENGL 100, ENGL 407, ENGL 417; LING 100.

6

ENGL 50, ENGL 212, ENGL 213, ENGL 214, ENGL 215.

7

APLNG 484 or COMM 160.

8

ENGL 129, ENGL 405, ENGL 440, ENGL 444.

9

CMLIT 403/LTNST 403, ENGL 135/AMST 135, ENGL 139/AFAM 139, ENGL 194/WMNST 194, ENGL 428/AAS 428, ENGL 431/AMST 475, ENGL 462/WMNST 462, ENGL 466/AFAM 466, ENGL 467/AFAM 467, ENGL 468/AFAM 468, ENGL 490/AFAM 490, ENGL 492/AMST 476/WMNST 491.

10

No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Mathematics Teaching Option - Fall Semester Student Teaching: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H*#3MATH 141*#†4
EDUC 1001MATH 220*#†3
MATH 140*#†4Literature Selection*#†13
CMPSC 101 or 121*#†3Science Selection3
PSYCH 100*#†3CAS 100A*3
Arts Selection3Health and Physical Activity1.5
 17 17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 230 or 231*#4HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3
MATH 311W*3MATH 310*3
Science Selection3MATH 312*3
EDPSY 14*#3Science Selection3
CI 280*†3CI 295*#2
Health and Physical Activity1.5EDTHP 115 (or EDTHP 400 Level Selection)*3
 17.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MTHED 411*3MTHED 412W*3
MTHED 427*3CI 495C*3
SPLED 400*4SPLED 403B*3
MATH 435 or 470*3MATH 471*4
MATH 414*3MATH 436*3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CI 495E*215MATH 400 Level Selection or MTHED 400 Level Selection*3
 MATH 400 Level Selection or MTHED 400 Level Selection*3
 ENGL 202A or 202B*3
 Arts Selection3
 STAT 401 or MATH 415*3
 15 15
Total Credits 131
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Mathematics Teaching Option - Spring Semester Student Teaching: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H*#3MATH 141*#†4
EDUC 1001MATH 220*#†3
MATH 140*#†4Literature Selection*#†13
CMPSC 101 or 121*#†3Science Selection3
PSYCH 100*#†3CAS 100A*3
Arts Selection3Health and Physical Activity1.5
 17 17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 230 or 231*#4HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*3
MATH 311W*3MATH 310*3
Science Selection3MATH 312*3
EDPSY 14*#3Science Selection3
CI 280*†3CI 295*#2
Health and Physical Activity1.5EDTHP 115 (or EDTHP 400 Level Selection)*3
 17.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Arts Selection3SPLED 400*4
ENGL 202A or 202B*3MTHED 411*3
MATH 414*3MTHED 427*3
MATH 435 or 470*3MATH 471*4
MATH 436 or 441*3MATH 400 Level Selection or MTHED 400 Level Selection*3
 15 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MTHED 412W*3CI 495E*215
CI 495C*3 
SPLED 403B*3 
STAT 401 or MATH 415 (or MTHED List)*3 
MATH 400 Level Selection or MTHED 400 Level Selection*3 
 15 15
Total Credits 131
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

 No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Physics Teaching Option: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15*#3CHEM 110*#†3
MATH 140*#†4CHEM 111*#†1
PHYS 211*#†4MATH 141*#†4
PSYCH 100*#†3PHYS 212*†4
EDUC 1001EDPSY 14*#3
EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)3 
 18 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†2-3Health and Wellness*1.5
BIOL 110*#†4CI 295*#2
Literature Selection*#†13MATH 250 or 251*3-4
CI 280*†3PHYS 237*3-4
PHYS 213 or 214*†2CHEM 112*#†3
 CHEM 113*#†1
 14-15 13.5-15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SPLED 400*4CAS 100A*†3
ENGL 202A or 202B*†3SCIED 411W*3
MATH 230 or 231*3-4Arts Selection3
PHYS 400*3SPLED 403B*3
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3PHYS 419*3
 16-17 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SCIED 412*3CI 495E*215
CI 495C*3 
PHYS 402, PHYS 457, or PHYS 458*2-4 
Health and Wellness*1.5 
GS, GH, GA, GHW, or Interdomain*3 
 12.5-14.5 15
Total Credits 119-125
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

2

 No Additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Social Studies Option - Fall Semester Student Teaching: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H*#3GEOG 30N*#3
EDUC 1001EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)*3
HIST 20*#†3HIST 21*#†3
PSYCH 100*#†3PLSC 1*#3
Mathematics Selection*#†3Mathematics Selection*#†3
Science Selection*†3Additional Course Selection*13
 16 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDPSY 14*#3HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*3
ECON 104*#†3CI 280*†3
HIST 1 or 10*†3HIST 2 or 11*†3
CI 295*#2Additional Course Selection*13
Literature Selection*#†23Concentration Selection*33
Additional Course Selection*13Concentration Selection*33
 17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SSED 411*3SSED 412W*3
SPLED 400*4CI 495C*3
HIST 400-level Selection*3SPLED 403B*3
Concentration Selection*33HIST 400-level Selection*3
Concentration Selection*33Concentration Selection*33
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CI 495E*415CAS 100A*3
 ENGL 202A or 202B*3
 Health and Wellness Selection3
 Science Selection3
 Art Selection3
 15 15
Total Credits 130
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Choose ANTH 45N or GEOG 6N and ECON 102, PLSC 3, PLSC 14 or SOC 1

2

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

3

Civics & Government (PLSC), Classics & Ancient Studies (CAMS), Economics (ECON), Geography (GEOG), Holocaust & Genocide Studies (JST, HIST) or Social Sciences (ANTH, PSYCH, SOC)

4

No additional coursework permitted during student teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Social Studies Option - Spring Student Teaching: Secondary Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOG 30N*#3ENGL 15 or 30H*#3
EDUC 1001HIST 20*#†3
PLSC 1*#3PSYCH 100*#†3
Arts Selection3Science Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3Mathematics Selection*#†3
Science Selection*†3Health and Physical Activity1.5
 16 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CI 280*†3CI 295*#2
EDTHP 115 (or 400-level EDTHP)*†3EDPSY 14*#3
HIST 21*#†3ECON 104*#†3
Additional Course Selection*13HIST 1 or 10*†3
Additional Course Selection*13Additional Course Selection*13
Health and Physical Activity1.5Literature Selection*#†2
 16.5 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A*3SSED 411*3
ENGL 202A or 202B*3SPLED 400*4
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3HIST 400-level Selection*3
HIST 2 or 11*†3Concentration Selection*33
Concentration Selection*3Concentration Selection*33
Concentration Selection*3 
 18 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SSED 412W*3CI 495E*415
CI 495C*3 
SPLED 403B*3 
Concentration Selection*33 
HIST 400-level selection*33 
 15 15
Total Credits 127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Choose ANTH 45N or GEOG 6N and ECON 102, PLSC 3, PLSC 14 or SOC 1.

2

Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.

3

Civics & Government (PL SC), Classics & Ancient Studies (CAMS),  Economics (ECON), Geography (GEOG), Holocaust & Genocide Studies (JST, HIST) or Social Sciences (ANTH, PSYCH, SOC).

4

No additional coursework permitted during student teaching.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Career Paths

Our graduates teach in public and private schools in Pennsylvania, elsewhere in the U.S., and around the world. Education is a profession, and all teachers are expected to continue studying and developing new skills throughout their careers. In most U.S. states, teacher certification is a multi-stage process, with graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree expected early in a teacher’s career. Graduates of this program who work in public schools usually go on to earn a master’s degree. Alumni who wish to continue educational studies at the graduate level through Penn State can do so at University Park and through the University’s World Campus.

Careers

In addition to resources like the College’s Advising and Certification Center and Penn State Career Services, the University hosts large education career fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, which bring recruiters to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

The College of Education educator preparation programs are fully accredited at the Initial and Advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next CAEP program review will be Fall 2026. CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION OF THE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
141 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1500
rmz101@psu.edu

https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction

Erie

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
1 Prischak
4205 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6105
behrend-science@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science