This degree is designed for those interested in teaching general science in middle school or high school (grades 6-12). Firmly grounded in the general sciences (including chemistry, geology, physics, astronomy, biology, geography, and the physical sciences), with significant work in teacher preparation through the highly acclaimed NAUTeach science and mathematics teacher certification program, the program prepares you to gain expertise in the sciences while earning your Arizona teaching certification.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) This program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education (AZSBE)
This program is designed for the individual who wants to teach general science in the high school setting (usually grades 9 or 10) or physical science in the middle grades (grades 7 or 8). The major requirements include courses in physics, astronomy, chemistry, geography, geology, biology and physical science. Additional teacher preparation courses from the NAUTeach program are included in this degree program.
Note: In addition to being admitted to the university, you must also meet the additional admission requirements and apply for admission to the Professional Education Programs.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The NAUTeach program equips secondary mathematics and science students (or teacher candidates) with the knowledge and practices necessary to teach diverse learners in ways that are rigorous, equitable, and responsive to all students. Our program provides a challenging undergraduate progression plan solely designed to prepare mathematics and science teachers for grades 6-12. The program emphasizes the teacher candidate's ability to develop research-based pedagogy through a STEM-focused, field-intensive, rigorous curriculum. Undergraduates are highly supported by faculty specializing in mathematics and science education research and who have years of professional classroom experience. Our program is designed for students, with strong skills in mathematics or science, seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, general science, or mathematics at the secondary level.
The NAUTeach program provides opportunities for you to:
Student Learning Outcomes
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This major requires 100 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 100 units:
Teacher Preparation Coursework (39 units)
The following coursework must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better, except where noted.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
The NAU Teach program was intentionally designed to lead to licensure or certification in the state of Arizona. As part of that program design, you must pass the Secondary Professional Knowledge Exam that aligns with certification requirements in the state of Arizona.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
You may not count more than one 'D' toward the major requirements for this degree.
Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to an Institutional Recommendation may change at any time and may impact program of study requirements.
This degree plan is supported through the NAUTeach program.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.