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Chemistry Education

What is chemistry education? The knowledge of basic science and different emphases of chemistry, plus the training to educate others well.

Students perform chemistry experiments in a lab.
Students perform chemistry experiments in a lab.

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

36*

Cost

$9,875

Composition, action, reaction – it's chemistry. And the world should be taught about it.

Learn basic scientific principles and valuable chemistry knowledge, plus the skills essential to becoming an impactful educator. Our Department of Chemistry is equipped with top-notch laboratories and classrooms that will benefit you throughout your time in the program. Within your senior year of your chemistry education degree, you will complete a research project with an area of special interest, which has the chance to be recognized at a professional research institution. In the past, our students’ projects have been selected for summer programs at research institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Clemson University, Notre Dame, Brown University, and the Natural History Museum in London England. Additionally, as part of this education in chemistry program, you'll have the opportunity to join the Alchemist Club (an affiliate of the American Chemical Society) with field trips and special events.  

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$61,820

Average Salary

5%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List

80%

Faculty with Highest Degree
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education

What makes this education in chemistry program different from a basic chemistry degree? In short, that this chemistry education degree program also equips you with all you need to earn certification to teach high school science classes. Lesson planning, evaluating student progress, personalizing instruction – you'll be trained in these skills and more. Along with educational training, you will gain an understanding of general science, with a special emphasis in chemistry. Explore general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry while simultaneously strengthening your teaching skills. 

Notes:
*Additional 42 hours of professional education courses required for secondary education Students are encouraged to take other advanced courses, such as:

CHEM 432 - Physical Chemistry II and CHEM 412 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory II.
CHEM 491 requirement may be replaced with CHEM 436 - Instrumental Analysis

Course Requirements

In addition to the required chemistry and math courses, 42 hours of professional education courses are required as defined by University of the Cumberlands' Department of Education. View our course catalog for details.

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232        Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the chemistry education program at University of the Cumberlands is to prepare you to move directly into either a graduate program or a teaching career – stepping onto either path as a highly qualified, knowledgeable, and caring person.

Provide high-quality instruction for diverse learners, in keeping with Kentucky Teacher Standards and University of the Cumberlands’ standards.
Understand chemical principles in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Critically reflect and assess your skills, creating opportunity for growth.
Appreciate ethical and Christian moral values in education.
Exemplify strong oral, written, and information literacy skills.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Chemistry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chemistry Teacher: $61,820

Chemistry Teacher: $61,820

Teaching students chemistry concepts at the secondary level.

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of different substances and materials and develop new materials and products. 

Chemical Technician: $48,990

Chemical Technician: $48,990

Conduct laboratory tests and help scientists with analyzing materials. 

Forensic Science Technician: $61,930

Forensic Science Technician: $61,930

Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes to help criminal investigators with their investigation.

Environmental Science Specialist: $76,530

Environmental Science Specialist: $76,530

Work in protecting the environment and human health. 

Physician Assistant: $121,130

Physician Assistant: $121,130

Examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician (will require additional education after bachelor’s degree).

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Plenty! Many chemistry classes have both a lecture and a lab component that go hand-in-hand, so you’ll have plenty of lab time throughout a chemistry education program. Additionally, if you want extra lab experience, you can apply for work-study positions assisting chemistry professors. It's a great way to strengthen your lab skills while earning money toward your college education. 

Once you complete the chemistry education bachelor’s degree program at Cumberlands, you will be well-equipped to pass a state test and apply for certification. Once you’ve passed the exam and all the necessary paperwork is finished, you will be able to begin applying for open teaching positions.

Yes! This program has received state accreditation through Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and national accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

The Alchemist Club is an affiliate of the American Chemical Society. By joining this club, you will be able to attend chemistry-related field trips and special events with fellow chemistry majors. This club also sponsors the annual Chemistry Symposium hosted at Cumberlands, which consists of events that inform high school students about the many science careers they can pursue. You can start inspiring the next generation and sharing your love of chemistry before graduating! 

Absolutely! No degree from Cumberlands confines anyone to only one career path. A chemistry education degree can also open doors to technical chemistry and laboratory jobs, forensic careers, environmental positions, and healthcare careers. Some of these will require additional education post-graduation, and others are available to any qualified individual with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Chemistry

Learn more about your future chemistry and education professors.

Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

606-539-4318
jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Julie Tan

Dr. Julie Tan

Professor, Department Chair
Chemistry

Dr. Julie Tan

Contact Information

606-539-4379
julie.tan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C104
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