Chemistry (B.A.) with Secondary Teaching Certification

Program Overview

With many sciences such as ecology, medicine, material science, and food science turning increasingly to chemistry for explanations and understanding of their disciplines, an undergraduate major in chemistry is good preparation for a variety of careers. The Chemistry Major curriculum includes courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, physical, and inorganic chemistry, and offers a variety of electives making it possible to tailor the program to the individual’s interests and needs. Students not only learn the theory of instrumentation used in chemical research, but have hands-on experiences in the laboratory in which they become familiar with these techniques.

For students interested in teaching chemistry in grades seven to twelve, the chemistry secondary teaching curriculum should be followed. Upon successful completion of this program and a 12-week student teaching experience, students receive certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Chemistry program can:

1.   Describe the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry.

2.   Describe the structure and composition of matter.

3.   Describe the major reaction types in chemistry.

4.   Apply the laws and principles of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics to chemical systems.

5.   Apply mathematical tools to the study of chemical systems.

6.   Work effectively and safety in the laboratory.

7.   Apply central techniques for characterizing chemical compounds and mixtures.

8.   Integrate personal Christian faith to the discipline of chemistry or biochemistry.

9.   Compose abstracts, written lab reports or research summaries according to the standards of the American Chemical Society.

10. Obtain, organize, and present information from the primary literature.

11. Identify careers in chemistry that connect with one’s vocational call.

Additionally, students who complete the Chemistry with Teaching certification demonstrate:

1. Christian faith and values in personal and professional life.
2. Professional attitudes that reflect an understanding of schools and a commitment to teaching.
3. Subject matter depth and an understanding of the relationships between and among curricular areas.
4. Theoretical knowledge of learning and related instructional practices that support learning.
5. Empirical inquiry skills such as observation, hypothesis-testing, data collection, and data analysis.
6. Acquisition, analysis, evaluation, and integration of new knowledge throughout professional practice.
7. Appropriate professional responses to the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations (e.g., teachers, students, families, school districts, communities) associated with educational environments.
8. Professional communication (speaking, writing, listening) and technology skills.
9. Reflective decision-making and problem-solving skills.
10. Instructional planning and assessment skills that facilitate equitable participation, an accepting and supportive learning environment, and maximum development for all learners.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

Professional Semester:

QuEST Requirements

*Approved Chemistry electives include any Chemistry course at the 200-level or above, excluding CHEM 391.

**THEO 223 required to waive the Non-western requirement.