Science Education: Chemistry/Physics

Associate Degree Program

Delaware has been experiencing teacher shortages in specific critical areas for over a decade. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative recognizes the need for highly-qualified teachers in these areas, and the Department of Education consistently lists all science disciplines as a critical need for Delaware schools.

The Science Education Associate Degree prepares students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program that leads to a teaching career in high school physics or chemistry. The program provides rigorous science course work as well as field experience in a secondary school setting.

Offered at the following campus(es): Dover, Georgetown, Stanton

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:

  • Upon completion of your associate degree, you can work as a paraeducator in the school system.
  • Upon completion of your bachelor’s degree, you can work as a high school chemistry or physics teacher.

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

  1. Employ mathematical problem solving strategies to solve algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus problems.
  2. Apply scientific principles to explain everyday phenomena.
  3. Analyze problems, safely and ethically conduct scientific research, and interpret and report the results.
  4. Integrate psychological and human development concepts in the educational process.
  5. Demonstrate and explain the scientific process and related modern laboratory procedures.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

Semester 1

Number Course Title Credits
SSC 100First Year Seminar1
MAT 183Reasoning with Functions I5

Semester 2

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101Composition I3
PSY 121General Psychology3
MAT 193Reasoning with Functions II4
CHM 110General Chemistry4

Semester 3

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 102Composition II3
 
PHY 205General Physics I4
Or
PHY 281Physics I with Calculus4
 
MAT 281Calculus I4
CHM 150Chemical Principles I5

Semester 4

Number Course Title Credits
MAT 282Calculus II4

Semester 5

Number Course Title Credits
MAT 283Calculus III4
Or
BIO 150Biology I4
 
CHM 151Chemical Principles II5
 
PHY 206General Physics II4
Or
PHY 282Physics II with Calculus4
 
PSY 127Human Development3

Semester 6

Number Course Title Credits
Or
MAT 288Linear Algebra4
Or
PHY 284Oscillation and Waves4
Or
CHM 240Organic Chemistry I4
 
SPA 136Spanish Communication I4
ElectiveSocial Science Elective3
EDC 260Educational Psychology3
 
HIS 111U. S. History: Pre-Civil War3
Or
HIS 112United States History Post-Civil War3

Approved Electives

Select one (1) social science elective.

Number Course Title Credits
ECO 111Macroeconomics3
ECO 122Microeconomics3
SOC 111Sociology3
ENG 124Oral Communications3

To complete program requirements, you must pass the above courses and earn at least 73 credits. The number of courses and credits required for graduation may be more depending on college readiness and the elective courses offered in your program major (if electives are a part of the program).

EDCAATSPC

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree?

This is a Connected Degree program that enables you to complete your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year degree program as a junior. See a program advisor for details!

Campus-Specific Program Information
Contact Dover

Beth Altemus
Department Chair
baltemus@poscoop.com
(302) 857-1743

Contact Georgetown

Kathy Vezmar
Instructional Director, Instructor
kvezmar@poscoop.com
(302) 259-6595

Contact Stanton

Lakshmi Cyr
Department Chair
lcyr@poscoop.com
(302) 453-3791

This program is offered at the Dover, Georgetown and Stanton campuses.