Course Overview!

The Ball State University Chemistry Education major is a four-year program designed to prepare students to become high school chemistry teachers in Indiana. The curriculum blends chemistry coursework focusing on general, organic, and physical chemistry with educational theory and practice courses from the Teachers College. Students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and participate in a vibrant student organization, the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS). The program emphasizes small class sizes, facilitating close interactions with faculty and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Graduates will be certified to teach high school chemistry and physics in Indiana, well-prepared to help students grasp fundamental concepts and prepare for future studies.

Course Structure

The curriculum integrates chemistry content courses and pedagogy courses from the Teachers College. Content courses include general, organic, and physical chemistry, covering advanced topics in the field. Pedagogy courses focus on teaching methodologies, educational theories, and principles for secondary-level instruction. Students also complete courses in physics and calculus, and fulfill requirements of the University Core Curriculum. The program incorporates laboratory work, research opportunities (such as the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program), and participation in SAACS, enabling students to develop practical skills and contribute to the chemistry community. Students gain experience with advanced instrumentation like NMR spectrometers, FT-IR spectrometers, and mass spectrometers.