Chemistry Secondary Education

Turn your passion for chemistry into a teaching career.

Western Colorado University’s Chemistry Secondary Licensure program is designed for students who want to inspire the next generation of middle and high school students through science education. You’ll study core areas of chemistry—including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry—while gaining hands-on lab and research experience. In addition to building your scientific expertise, you’ll take education courses and complete a yearlong student teaching residency to develop practical skills for leading a high school classroom with confidence.

Although Western provides the academic foundation and in-classroom experience, teaching licensure in Colorado is administered by the Colorado Department of Education. Our program is carefully aligned with state requirements, ensuring you’re fully prepared to sit for licensure exams and begin your career as a secondary chemistry educator.

Chemistry Secondary Licensure Requirements

Emphasis

Licensure

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, an emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

Licensure Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

Start with the General Application—it will match you with eligible scholarships. You’ll be notified if any department-specific materials are needed.

General Application

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

1

Top Skills

Biochemistry
Chemistry
Clinical Trials
Leadership
Research
Soil Science

2

Career Pathways

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemistry Teacher
Clinical Research Coordinator
Materials Scientist
Natural Sciences Manager

Latest News

• 

  Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference

  Recognition at a regional conference provides important networking opportunities. Western Colorado University is proud to announce that its Gamma Chapter of the TriBeta Biology Honor…

  Read More
• 

  New Scholarship Fund Memorializes Alumnus, Supports Western’s Aspiring Geologists

  Western Colorado University is proud to announce the Gary Christopher Memorial Geology Scholarship, started as a testament to a remarkable alumnus and a lifelong student…

  Read More
• 

  Erik Rathmann: Western’s Sustainability Hero

  I honestly don’t know what we would do without him -Jason Grosse, Custodial Supervisor When Erik Rathmann was called to Western’s South Conference Room in…

  Read More

Faculty & Staff

Jason E. Mullins, PhD

Professor of Chemistry

Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Department Chairperson

• Anne W. Ryter

• Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Administrative Assistant

• Lori Clement

• Natural & Environmental Sciences Department Administrative Assistant

Contact Information

970.943.2015

aryter@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Hurst Hall 128
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231