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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Chemistry Education (B.S.)
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Program Coordinator/Contact
Brian Logue, Department Head
Melody Jewell, Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics
Avera Health and Science Center 247, Box 2202
605-688-5151
Program Information
Chemistry is often referred to as the central science because of its strong connections to the other natural sciences and mathematics. Chemistry is therefore an area of study that allows students vast opportunity to explore the unknown and to address some of human society’s most pressing scientific problems. The Chemistry Education program will prepare students for careers in high-quality teaching of chemistry at the secondary/high school level. The curriculum consists of a set of core requirements for students to acquire fundamental chemistry content knowledge and skills shared by all high-quality chemistry teachers, requirements for cognate knowledge development and skills acquisition (e.g., mathematics and other sciences), while meeting the state licensure requirements to teach high school. The core requirements provide foundational understanding in all five sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical), representing breadth of content knowledge. The curriculum also allows for exploration into the depth of chemistry content by including elective coursework in chemistry, environmental chemistry, and a capstone research course.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
- Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
- Completion of an approved South Dakota Indian studies course.
- Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
- Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
- Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.
Course Delivery Format
Courses offered in the Chemistry Education curriculum are taught in a variety of formats which address student learning outcomes. Didactic (lecture) methods ensure the development of foundational knowledge of chemistry. Practical (laboratory) methods ensure the development of laboratory skills and training.
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Teacher Education Program Progression Requirements
Acceptance into Teacher Education - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, SPED, or SEED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA in the academic major of 2.6 is required.
- Completion of program application and professional licensure location form.
Acceptance into Residency I - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, SPED, or SEED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis content exam.
- The teacher candidate is also required to complete a criminal background check with field placements, a TB test with negative reading, and CPR and first aid certification.
Acceptance into Residency II - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, SPED, or SEED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis PLT exam.
Academic Requirements
- A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, SPED, or SEED prefixes).
- A grade of “C” or better is required in academic major coursework (classes with BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS prefix).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
Requirements for Chemistry Education Major: 120 Credits
Bachelor of Science System General Education Requirements
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Requirements
- Capstone course in the major discipline
- Upper division coursework Credits: 33
Total Required Credits: 120
Summary of Program Requirements
Bachelor of Science | | System General Education Requirements* | 22 Credit Hours | | Major Requirements | 98 Credit Hours | | Electives** | 0 Credit Hours | *System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements. Academic Advising Guide Sheet
The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program. |
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