In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid for your Chemistry Education degree.
Chemistry Education Degree Program
About the Chemistry Education Degree Program
The study of chemistry is broad but fundamental in a young student’s education. A chemistry education is necessary because it connects and helps you understand other sciences such as physics, biology, and geology. With a degree to teach chemistry, you can be an important part of their junior high or high school education. In the Chemistry Education degree program at Wayne State College, you’ll get a solid understanding of chemical sciences while also learning how to teach in a classroom setting.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A., B.S. (Subject Endorsement)
In addition to choosing the Chemistry subject endorsement, you will also need to select a field endorsement or a second subject endorsement to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Hours required:
For endorsement: 39
For professional education: 27-33
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)
Popular pairings: Biology Education (7-12)
Schools: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice, Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Nationally Ranked Programs
The chemistry and education programs at Wayne State are nationally ranked for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.
Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
College Factual
Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
College Factual
In a recent ranking of the best chemistry degree programs by College Factual, Wayne State College earned #79 of all colleges in the U.S., placing us in the top 10% nationwide for 2019. Three metrics measure how College Factual determines which colleges are the "Most Focused."
- Percentage of students studying a particular major - the higher the better. This is a signal from students at the college that they recognize the strength of the program, and also stands to reason that more resources are dedicated to departments with more students.
- Market share - We take it as a positive signal if a college is attracting a lot of students to a particular major. This usually means that a college has more income from tuition to further invest in the program.
- Post graduate resources - If a college has significant graduate and doctoral level programs, that indicates they are even more focused on a particular major. This can mean more resources available to all students.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Chemistry Education degree program.
Skills Learned
- Chemical processes and materials
- Chemical experiment and design
- Analytical, physical, and organic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- General physics and experimentation
- Advanced lab techniques and management
- Introductory meteorology or geology
- Teaching and instruction methods
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management and leadership
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Research, observation, and analysis of data
- Communication
- Organization
- Time management
Possible Careers
- Middle school chemistry teacher
- High school chemistry teacher
- STEM specialist
- Lab manager
- Science tutor
- Science teacher
- Lab technician
- Chemist
- Chemical engineer
- Forensic scientist
- Research scientist
- Toxicologist
Employers
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Colleges and universities
- Education and learning centers
- Research labs
- Energy and utility companies
- Chemical companies
- Cosmetic companies
- Community programs
- Environmental agencies
- Public health organizations
- Manufacturing companies
- Government / federal agencies
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Chemistry Education degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Chemistry Education degree program by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Biology Club
- Health Science Club
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Aspiring Educators
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Research projects, class trips, and more – Conduct your own research and present your work at regional conferences. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to help judge at the Junior Academy of Science Fairs and also visit area analytical science labs.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your Chemistry Education degree, you’ll complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.