Science

Gone are the days of worksheets. Teaching in today’s society is creative, innovative and engaging and allows educators to make an impact that extends beyond the classroom. In the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, students are prepped with hands-on experience and a solid theoretical grounding. With a focus on technology and field experience, our graduates guide student exploration with creative and innovative teaching strategies. The Science Education degree program at OU prepares students to pursue teaching careers in various sciences to middle or high school classrooms.  

A science education major receives a Bachelor of Science in Education in one of the five following concentrations: 

• Science Education-Biological Sciences
• Science Education-Chemistry
• Science Education-Earth Science
• Science Education-Physical Science
• Science Education-Physics

Students pursing specific majors in the College of Arts & Sciences are able to add teacher certification to their degree program through the TE-PLUS Teacher Certification Program. For specific majors please contact the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education or the College of Arts & Sciences.

OU science education majors have endless opportunities to become role models and lead student success. Qualities and desires of exceptional science teachers include:

• Passions for the natural sciences
• Helping children find their dreams and passions
• Mentoring students in all aspects of life
• Becoming a confidant and a cheerleader
• Supporting critical and innovative thinking

High school preparation could include tutoring, mentoring, camp counseling, science, math or pre-education courses.

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education helps prepare the future mind-molders of the world. With alumni networks all over the world and free professional development opportunities, JRCoE graduates are prepared and ready to enter the innovative and rewarding world of teaching. Our graduates are highly recruited, and we’re pleased to report 100 percent job placement in recent years. Take a look at some of our unique programs:

Technology Focused
JRCoE is the only college of education in the state of Oklahoma to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. This program meet rigorous criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence. Students enrolled in our undergraduate degree programs receive an Apple iPad their first semester in the program. Upon successful completion of their degree, students keep the device and the digital content they created to use in their teaching careers.

Debt-Free Teachers
JRCoE is the first in Oklahoma to offer students the opportunity to complete their college education free of debt through our OU Debt-Free Teachers Program. Once JRCoE students graduate, they’ll teach in a mutually agreed-upon high-need area in Oklahoma and we foot the bill for up to $20,000 of their student loans - $5,000 a year up to four years after they graduate.

Education students have the opportunity to study abroad through programs in Arezzo, Italy and Puebla, Mexico.

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education’s degree programs acreddited by the state of Oklahoma and the national Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Students who complete an education degree program through the JRCoE are well-prepared for initial teacher certification in the state of Oklahoma, and they find that the out of state teacher certification process is feasible. Science education majors graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education while earning their Teacher Certification. Additional Master and Doctoral Program information available here.