The Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences science education concentrations (Biology Ed; Chemistry Ed; Geology Ed; or Physics Ed) provides the scientific subject matter, education classes and the classroom experience required for secondary science education licensure in Colorado. The program includes basic general science content required for licensure in Colorado, upper division science content in the chosen concentration and professional classes in the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP). In addition, the CEP program helps schedule over 800 hours of classroom experience through their Professional Development School model. Graduates will find a strong demand for middle and high school science teachers in Colorado and elsewhere in the nation. The ability to speak a second language or add an additional teaching endorsement such as math is highly desired by schools.
Common employers
- City of Fort Collins
- Colorado National Guard
- First National Bank
- Poudre School District
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lockheed Martin
- Precision Water Resource Engineering
- Woodward
Common job titles
- Middle School Science Teacher
- High School Science Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
Factors of success
- Engagement with the CSU Career Center
- Internship or research involvement
- GPA
- On campus employment
Learn more about the natural sciences major:
https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/natural-sciences/natural-sciences-major/
Career checklist
- Go to the Career Center’s drop-in hours or schedule an appointment with a Career Educator to discuss what you should be doing to develop career skills. The Career Center is located at room 120 of the Lory Student Center. See https://career.colostate.edu/ or call (970) 491-5707 to see an advisor or to explore the many resources available.
- Log into Handshake, the CSU Career Center’s online location for on-campus jobs, internships, and careers.
- Choose a concentration: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/natural-sciences/natural-sciences-major/
- Join a student organization: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/student-organizations/
- Start working on licensure program application materials (20 hours of work with K-12 students and letter of recommendation)
- Volunteer with the NS Education & Outreach Center (STEM Fridays; Triunfo) or the Little Shop of Physics.
- Create a resume and learn how to write a cover letter based on the handouts in the Career Center and on the website. Then have your resume and cover letter reviewed in a drop-in session at the Career Center or make an appointment with a Career Educator.
- Begin a portfolio of teaching examples to build on throughout the licensure program.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Volunteer with the NS Education & Outreach Center (STEM Fridays; Triunfo) or the Little Shop of Physics.· Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/career-resources/· For research opportunities, visit: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/undergraduate-research/
- Run for a leadership role in a student organization.
- Update your resume and/or CV for internships or on-campus jobs.
- Update portfolio for licensure program.
- Attend an appointment or drop-in at the Career Center to discuss job/internship search strategies and tips for interviewing.
- Attend a PRAXIS II Exam study session.
- Apply for undergraduate internship options: https://www.natsci.colostate.edu/career-resources/
- Learn about graduate school options in Natural Sciences:
- If planning on attending graduate school, make an appointment with a Career Educator to create a plan.
- Honors students should consider creating a STEM kit for their thesis: https://natsci.source.colostate.edu/going-viral-biology-student-creates-educational-kit-about-the-spread-of-pathogens/
- Update your resume and/or CV.
- Present research at CSU:
- Attend a mock interview session at the Career Center to prepare for the job search or graduate school interviews.
- Attend many networking events to meet employers and increase your chances of landing a job.
- Ask three professors and/or employers to be professional references.
- You may continue to use the Career Center for guidance! All services are still available to you at no cost for one year after graduation and for a small fee after that.
