The science studies BS major offers preparation for students considering jobs teaching science in schools or in informal learning settings such as park naturalists or museum educators.
The science studies BS major offers a broad foundation in science ideal for students considering teaching science in schools or in informal learning settings such as park naturalists or museum educators. The major also provides a foundation for advanced study in education, law, or health-related fields.
The demand for science teachers locally, nationally, and globally remains very high. For students interested in teaching licensure, the science studies BS can be paired with the science education BA and Teacher Education Program. Students who complete this dual-degree program are licensed to teach in grades 5-12 anywhere in the world.
As a science studies major, you'll gain substantial knowledge in two or more science subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. Your courses will provide experience in the application of scientific knowledge to education and society, and you will learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives on science.
The program draws from multiple subject areas, and is guided by the College of Education's professors, clinical faculty, and staff, who provide students their expertise in the sciences, as well as in their own education research areas.
With the College of Education's 10:1 student to faculty ratio, Iowa students enjoy a Big Ten university experience with a small-college feel. Faculty are on a first-name basis with students and our program provides an enriched learning environment that uplifts students from all backgrounds.
The College of Education is ranked as the No. 1 college of education in Iowa and No. 31 in best education schools nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our teachers graduate with a degree in their subject area, making them content experts. We offer a 4+1 program that allows students to graduate in five years with both a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, geoscience, physics, or other science major, and the Master of Arts in Teaching.
The Baker Teacher Leader Center provides professional development in critical areas such as special education, multilingual education, social-emotional-behavioral mental health, advanced academics and talent development, global education, dyslexia intervention, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and math).
Students interested in the science studies major need to meet the requirements for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
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Within six months of graduating, 96 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking employment.
Teaching is one of the few professions offering substantial choices in terms of job location, subject area, schedule, and type of school. Salaries vary by region and by school district.
Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
In addition to over 600 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 Study Abroad Programs and multiple Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
Scholarships
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Students in science studies take 36-39 semester hours in the sciences, including courses in the application of science to education and society and a course in the cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives on science.
Science studies majors also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) CORE general education requirements.
See Science Studies in the UI General Catalog to learn more about course requirements for this major.
Teaching Licensure
For future science teachers, science studies provides the foundation of science knowledge required for teacher licensure with options to prepare to teach biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
Science studies students who want to become teachers are guided by the program's professors, clinical faculty, and staff to complete the Teacher Education Program. Students then earn two bachelor degrees: Science Studies BS and Science Education BA.