Education – Science and Mathematics Education
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Education and Human Ecology
The science and mathematics education major is one of seven undergraduate programs in Ohio State's Department of Teaching and Learning that provides students the training needed to become a teacher.
The structure and content of the program is designed to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and disposition needed to become effective leaders and advocates for social justice in the field of education. Each program is led by world-renowned faculty, staff and graduate associates who oversee the progress of each individual pre-service teacher as they progress through an intense program of study.
Upon completion of the program, students will also obtain initial licensure to teach grades 7–12 in one of the following areas of concentration: chemistry, earth science, life science, math or physics.
In applying for admission to the university, you may choose direct enrollment into the College of Education and Human Ecology as a major in the Science and Mathematics Education program.
Early in your program, you will explore your chosen career path through real-world experiences and seminars in the required First Education Experience Program (FEEP). During this service-learning course, you will spend meaningful time in partner pre-K-5 schools or other education settings. You will gain important insights into teaching and your career and will support young people’s academic growth.
You may take the course for either three or five credits — you will consult with your advisor about which is required for your degree choice. In the course, you will choose and complete a project that will immerse you in a hands-on activity serving students and the school.
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at go.osu.edu/onground.
The science and mathematics teacher education major provides students with the preparation necessary to teach in grades 7–12. The components of this major have been designed to meet state and national standards, Ohio licensure requirements and General Education requirements at Ohio State.
The principal philosophy behind the curriculum is to provide a liberal education in subjects relevant to teaching students in grades 7–12 as well as numerous opportunities for the student to experience, learn and reflect on effective pedagogy. This pathway emphasizes disciplinary content knowledge, educational foundations courses, and pedagogy and methods courses which focus on early exposure to child development and psychological and social foundations of education.
Graduates with a BS in science and mathematics education will receive Ohio teacher licensure for grades 7–12 upon successful completion of program and state requirements.
The Global Option in Education and Human Ecology is an option for students in good academic standing on any Ohio State campus. In this program, students develop their ability to communicate with and work alongside individuals from other cultures through education abroad programs and globally themed course work.
Field experiences are introduced early and culminate in an extended student teaching experience in the senior year. Teacher education is conceptualized as an apprenticeship with equal parts content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge and skill.
Because they provide placement sites for all Columbus campus students, the schools in Franklin County, particularly Columbus City Schools, are critical partners in teacher education. Students will have field experiences each year of the program, with a one semester student teaching experience at the end of their program.
The First Education Experience Program is an open option service-learning general education course that allows undergraduate students to explore education as a possible career path through real-world experiences and seminars. As a FEEP student you will learn first-hand about the education field by spending time in local PreK-12 schools or other education settings. As a service-learning course, FEEP will allow you to gain and apply academic knowledge through civic engagement with communities and require you to complete a service-learning project. This course is a required prerequisite for several undergraduate licensure programs in education and is open for students who want to explore non-classroom education settings.
The College of Education and Human Ecology Honors Program offers students rigorous course work and opportunities to work closely with faculty to design and complete a research project. Students in this program also have access to smaller classes, priority scheduling and unique housing opportunities. A significant outcome of the Honors Program is the high level of understanding gained in designing and conducting research studies and/or using and analyzing research findings and developing an understanding of the role of research in the expansion of knowledge in fields within human ecology.
Kappa Phi Kappa is a national professional co-ed fraternity in education devoted to the professional development of its members. The group helps members become aware of career opportunities in education, informs interested them about education programs at Ohio State, helps them meet possible future colleagues, and supports the Columbus community through various community service activities.
STEM education graduates may seek teaching positions in grades 7–12 at public and private schools. Since the state of Ohio has high standards for teacher preparation, graduates could potentially be hired as teachers anywhere in the United States. Many opportunities also exist within the community and public sector.
Beginning salaries for recent Science and Mathematics Education graduates vary greatly depending on the school district and state of employment. On average, new teachers with no previous teaching experience can expect starting salaries of $36,000-$42,000 per year.
Through their course and field work, students will:
- use their understanding of children’s and adolescents’ characteristics and needs and of multiple interacting influences on children’s and adolescents’ development and learning to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging for all children and adolescents
- know about, understand and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s and adolescents’ families and communities
- know about and understand the goals, benefits and uses of assessment
- integrate their understanding of and relationships with children/adolescents and families; their understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching and learning; and their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children and adolescents
- identify and conduct themselves as members of the science and mathematics education profession