Chemistry Teacher Education, B.S.
Prepare the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers through a dynamic Chemistry Teacher Education program at GovState. This bachelor’s degree combines a strong foundation in chemistry with hands-on teacher preparation, giving students the knowledge, laboratory experience, and classroom training needed to become highly effective high school chemistry educators.
Students gain practical teaching experience in real classrooms while studying modern scientific concepts, educational psychology, instructional technology, and laboratory safety. Graduates are prepared for Illinois licensure and careers teaching chemistry and physical science in middle and high schools.
Why Study Chemistry Teacher Education at GovState?
At GovState, students receive individualized attention from experienced faculty in both chemistry and education. Small class sizes, supportive mentoring, and hands-on laboratory learning create an engaging academic experience that prepares future teachers to inspire curiosity and scientific literacy in their students.
GovState’s location near Chicago provides access to diverse school districts, research institutions, museums, and STEM education partnerships that enrich the learning experience. Students also benefit from field experiences and student teaching opportunities that begin early in the program.
Advantages of Our Program
- Strong combination of chemistry content knowledge and teacher preparation
- Modern science laboratories with hands-on experimentation
- Early classroom observation and field experience opportunities
- Preparation for Illinois Professional Educator Licensure
- Experienced faculty with backgrounds in chemistry research and science education
- Opportunities for undergraduate research and STEM outreach
- Affordable tuition and financial aid options
- Flexible pathways for transfer students and adult learners
Career Outcomes
Many graduates continue into master’s degree programs in education, chemistry, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership. Graduates of the Chemistry Teacher Education program may pursue careers such as:
- High School Chemistry Teacher
- Middle School Physical Science Teacher
- STEM Education Specialist
- Science Curriculum Developer
- Laboratory Instruction Coordinator
- Museum or Science Center Educator
- Academic Tutor or Educational Consultant
- Science Camp or Outreach Program Coordinator
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships at Governors State University (GovState) are designed to help students make their degree more affordable through a combination of federal, state, institutional, and private funding options. To begin the process, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState’s school code (009145), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants like the Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG don’t need to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need, while Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. In addition to need-based aid, GovState offers merit and institutional scholarships — including highly competitive awards such as Presidential, Provost, and Dean’s Scholarships for incoming students — and ongoing scholarship opportunities through platforms like Scholarship Universe.
Specialized awards, such as the Earthrise Scholarship and others offered via the GovState Foundation, also help offset costs for students across many academic areas. The Office of Financial Aid is available year-round to guide students through applications, award offers, and planning to ensure financial support aligns with individual academic goals.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Students are encouraged to participate in campus organizations, research projects, and professional development opportunities, including:
- Chemistry and STEM student organizations
- Future educators and teacher leadership groups
- Undergraduate research projects with faculty mentors
- Science outreach events for local schools
- Regional and national science education conferences
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs
- Community environmental and sustainability initiatives
These experiences help students build leadership skills, professional networks, and classroom confidence.
Key Benefits of Our Program
Learn Through Hands-On Science
Students conduct laboratory experiments in analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry while learning how to safely manage classroom labs for future students.
Build Classroom Confidence
Teacher candidates gain valuable experience designing lesson plans, managing classrooms, and using innovative instructional methods to teach complex scientific concepts.
Develop STEM Leadership Skills
Students learn how to encourage critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and scientific problem-solving in diverse classroom settings.
Graduate Career Ready
Graduates are prepared for teacher licensure, graduate study, and leadership opportunities in science education.
Contact Us
- Chemistry Department
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Governors State University Room F2300
- 708.534.4520