Chemistry Education (BS) Program Overview

When you think of chemistry, you may picture lab and test-tube experiments bubbling away. But it is so much more than that. Chemistry offers passionate teachers an extraordinary way to ignite a love for STEM in their students. As an aspiring science and chemistry teacher, you’ll complete a rigorous four-year program that focuses equally on science and the art of teaching. Bluefield University’s chemistry education curriculum includes an immersive student teaching experience, where you work closely with mentors and professors who provide personalized feedback. Once you complete the program, you’ll be prepared to teach multiple types of science classes, including chemistry, to middle and high school students.

An Engaging Chemistry Education Degree

When you choose to become a chemistry education major, you’ll take a deep dive into chemistry courses and labs in the well-equipped Science Center, the University’s largest building, and home to all of our STEM-H programs. You’ll learn how to reach students of all ages and backgrounds in education courses taught by our caring faculty. Take the first step toward your teaching career today by reaching out to schedule a visit to Bluefield University.


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The Teacher Education Handbook is the guide to all of the policies and procedures for students entering the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

The Student Teaching Handbook is the primary resource for all students in the culminating experience of the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

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Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BS)
General Education (54 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Invitation to Inquiry
  • Character Formation
  • Civic & Global Response
  • Personal Wellness & Activity
  • Intro to the Writing Process (3 Credits)
  • Argumentative & Analytical Writing (3 Credits)
  • Biblical Perspectives (3 Credits)
  • Survey of American History I or II (3 Credits)
  • World Civilizations I or II (3 Credits)
  • 2000 Level Literature Course (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Precalculus
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (3 Credits)
  • General Physics I & II
Major Requirements (45 Credits)

  • General Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Chemistry Internship
  • Quantitative & instrumental Analysis
  • Intro to Biochemistry & Lab
  • Senior Seminar
  • Special Topics in Chemistry & Biochemistry
  • Teaching Secondary Science
  • Program Design & Development
  • Intro to Physical Sciences & Lab
  • General Biology & Lab
Professional Education (17 Credits)

  • Human Growth & Development for Educators
  • Foundations of Education
  • Intro to Instructional Media & Technology
  • Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction in Secondary Schools
  • Intro to the Exceptional Child
  • Teaching Reading in the Content Area
Field Experiences (15 Credits)

  • Dynamic Learning Environments
    • (Must be taken prior to Student Teaching)
  • Student Teaching
    • (Taken in the final semester)
Required Testing (2 Tests)

  • Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment
  • PRAXIS II Chemistry: Content Knowledge (153 or greater)
Total Credits: 131

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Middle/High School Chemistry Teacher
Analytical Chemist
Synthetic Chemist
Quality Control Chemist
Organic Chemist

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

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