Become a Science Teacher

We need science teachers more than ever. Middle and high school students are at a crucial stage of development: a good science teacher can instill in them a scientific literacy that will shape how they think about the world, and an excellent science teacher will inspire them to continue their studies and become the innovators of their generation.   

The UMass Amherst College of Education offers many pathways to become a licensed teacher in General Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Guided by current experts in education and the sciences, you will attain practical teaching experience in addition to content expertise.

Ready to get started? Fill out the Request Information form and an advisor will be in touch about the admissions process.

“I can’t say enough about the quality of the graduates of the UMass-Amherst science education program. The four hires we’ve made over the last few years from there have really been terrific! They all find value in developing positive relationships with students, excel in their classroom practices, and engage in discussion around curriculum development on an equal level with our veteran teachers.”

William Bobrowsky, Science Department Head, Franklin High School
President, Massachusetts Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA)

Subject Matter Requirements

Requirements for entry to the program depend on the grade level and the type of science you plan to teach. These requirements are flexible, please talk to an advisor for further information to see if you qualify. 

General Science

Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge for General Science (Grade Level: 5 - 8)

(a) Intermediate knowledge of astronomy, geology, Earth systems, biology, ecology, genetics, animal structure and function, plant structure and function, physics, and chemistry
(b) History, philosophy, and nature of science
(d) Science and Engineering applications and practices in the sciences 

Subject matter knowledge in General Science for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in General Science. Normally the coursework requirement can be met with a distribution of courses in all four sciences and an equivalent of at least a minor in one. Often candidates must take additional course work to fulfill requirement (b).

High School Biology (Initial Licensure)

Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge for Biology (Grade Level: 8 - 12)

(a) The Cell
(b) Ecology
(c) Genetics
(d) Biological Evolution
(e) Animal Structure and Function
(f) Plant Structure and Function  
(g) Molecular Biology 
(h) Science and Engineering applications and practices in Biology 
(i) History/Philosophy/Nature of Science 

Subject matter knowledge in Biology for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the MTEL in biology. Normally the course work requirement can be met with a major in biology. Often candidates must take additional course work to fulfill requirements (h) and (i).

High School Chemistry (Initial License)

Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Chemistry (Grade Level: 8 - 12)

(a)  Inorganic chemistry
(b)  Organic chemistry
(c)  Physical chemistry
(d)  Biochemistry
(e)  Analytical chemistry
(f)  Polymer chemistry
(g)  Science and Engineering applications and practices in Chemistry 
(h)  History and philosophy of science

Subject matter knowledge in Chemistry for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the MTEL in Chemistry. Normally the course work requirements can be met with a major in Chemistry. Often candidates must take additional courses to fulfill requirements (g) and (h).

Earth Science (initial License)

Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge for Earth Science (Grade Level: 5 - 12)

(a) Geology
(b) Oceanography
(c) Astronomy
(d) Meteorology
(e) Environmental science
(f) Science and Engineering applications and practices in Earth and Space Science 
(g) History and philosophy of science

Subject matter knowledge in Earth Science for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the MTEL in Earth Science. Normally the course work requirement can be met with a major in Earth Science or Earth Systems. Often candidates must take additional coursework to fulfill requirements (f) and (g).

High School Physics (Initial License)

Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Physics (Grade Level: 8 - 12)

(a) Mechanics (including fluid mechanics)
(b) Heat, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
(c) Kinetic theory of gases
(d) Light and geometric optics
(e) Electricity and magnetism
(f) Oscillatory Motion, Waves, Sound, and Light 
(g) The atom: its structure and the nucleus, Radioactivity
(h) Quantum Theory 
(i) Modern Physics: Cosmology, Relativity, Particle Physics, Current Research
(j) Science and Engineering applications and practices in physics 
(k) History and philosophy of science

Subject matter knowledge in Physics for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the MTEL in physics. Normally the course work requirements can be met with a degree or major in Physics. Often candidates must take additional courses to fulfill requirements (i), (j) and (k).