Physical Science Secondary Education
Communicate Chemistry
This concentration within the Chemistry major is for students not intending to become professional chemists, but instead are interested in applying chemistry concepts to other professions, such as middle or high school teaching , or public communication, etc.
Opportunities for majors in Chemistry with a concentration in Science Communication
Advising
If you are interested in becoming a middle or high school Chemistry teacher, you should declare your major early in order to get proper advising.
Students interested in becoming Chemistry teachers will pursue two overlapping degrees while at MUW -- the BS in Chemistry w/concentration in Science Communication and a Masters in the Arts of Teaching. Your advisor will know when required courses are usually offered and can help you decide which electives will allow you to fulfill the required distribution of courses. Without proper advising, you may spend more time earning your degrees.
Accelerated MAT
The concentration in Science Communication provides a pathway for students interested in a career in teaching Chemistry at the middle school or high school levels.
In their final semester of their junior year, students will be prepared to apply to enter the Accelerated Master of Arts (MAT) in Teaching program at The W, where they can take up to four graduate classes as part of their undergraduate degree. Upon earning their Bachelor’s degree, passing the Praxis II exam in the subject area, and being accepted into the MAT program, they immediately qualify for a temporary 3-year teaching license and can be hired as a full-time Chemistry teacher in grades 7-12. After finishing the MAT internship year, they will receive a renewable 5-year teaching license. Completing the MAT program qualifies teachers for a Class AA license and a higher salary. Students are also well prepared to enter other alternate route pathways, including Teach for America and Mississippi Teacher Corps. The concentration on its own does not lead to licensure; acceptance into an MAT program or another alternate route pathway is required.
Chemistry, BS - concentration in Science Communication
This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.
Enlight Core Curriculum
In keeping with The W's Mission, the Enlight Core Curriculum (aka the General Education Program) provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.
The W's Enlight Core Curriculum provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.
All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women Enlight Core Curriculum will demonstrate:
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Literacy
- Quantitative & Technology Skills
- Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
- Life-Long Learning
Major Requirements
- PSC 111 General Chemistry 1
- PSC 111L General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
- PSC 112 General Chemistry 2
- PSC 112L General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
- PSC 211 Organic Chemistry 1
- PSC 211L - Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
- PSC 212 Organic Chemistry 2
- PSC 212L - Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory
- MA 130 Precalculus
- MA 181 Calculus 1
- PSP 211 General Physics 1 (w/lab) or PSP 213 General Physics (Calculus-based) 1 (w/lab)
- PSP 212 General Physics 2 (w/lab) or PSP 214 General Physics (Calculus-based) 2 (w/lab)
- SM 125 Fortran or SM 135 Programming in C++
- PS 109 General Physical Science (w/lab)
- SM 101 Environmental Sciences 1 (w/lab)
- BSB 151 General Biology 1 OR BSB 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
- BSB 151L General Biology 1 laboratory OR BSB 141L Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 laboratory
- BSB 152 General Biology 2 OR BSB 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
- BSB 152L General Biology 1 laboratory OR BSB 1421L Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 laboratory
- PSC 312 Quantitative Analysis (w/lab)
- BSB 304 Research Methods (w/lab)
- IS 105 - Social Studies Education and Praxis Lab
- Any one 300- or 400-level PSC course
Additionally
- Four semesters of SM 100 Science/Mathematics Seminar (Students are required to pass four semesters of SM 100, except for transfer students entering with 60 or more transfer hours who are required to pass three semesters of SM 100.)
- Additional general electives as required to reach 124 semester hours.
2.0 Major GPA required
2.0 Departmental GPA required
Comprehensive Exit Exam
Exit Questionnaire
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:
- 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
- 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
- 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
- 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course
A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
All the B.S. requirements are met by students completing the Chemistry w/concentration in Science Communication major requirements listed above. No additional courses are needed.
Total Hours Required for a BS in Chemistry with concentration in Science Communication: 124 Semester Hours