The Bachelors of Science in Natural Sciences (BSNS) at Colorado State University is aimed at two audiences:
- Undergraduate students who want to become secondary science teachers.
- Undergraduate students who seek a broad exposure to mathematics and the physical sciences, rather than specialization in one discipline.
It is required that students choose one of the five concentrations that are a part of the BSNS degree:
- Biology Education Checksheet
- Chemistry Education Checksheet
- Geology Education Checksheet
- Physics Education Checksheet
- Physical Sciences Checksheet
Secondary Science Education
The science education concentrations provide the scientific subject matter, education classes, and the classroom experience required for secondary (middle or high school) science education licensure in Colorado. All students are required to take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, and Earth science along with upper division in their chosen field in order to satisfy the requirements set forth by the Colorado Department of Education.
In order to complete any of the science education concentrations within this degree, students must apply and be admitted to the teacher licensure program in the Center for Educator Preparation. While there is no limit to the number of students admitted to the program at this time, students must meet these requirements:
- Have completed at least 30 credit hours.
- Have taken or be enrolled in EDUC275 and EDUC340 (Phase I classes).
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 – which must be maintained in order to student teach and graduate.
- Have grades of C or better in all content and education courses. Courses with D or F grades will need to be retaken before graduating.
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to your aptitude for teaching.
- Have at least 20 hours of documented work with students in grades K-12. This can be paid or unpaid and academic or informal. Examples include volunteering in a classroom, working with scouts or boys and girls clubs, coaching, etc.
- Be fingerprinted and pass a background check – this is required by the school districts in order for students to be in the schools.
Refer to the BSNS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Physical Sciences
The Physical Sciences concentration within the BSNS degree is for students wishing to gain a broader background in multiple physical sciences than a single degree would give them. It is great for those going into technical lab careers or are interested in getting a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences. Students complete introductory courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and biology before selecting 2 physical science minors to complete the degree. The 2 minors can be any combination of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Statistics.
Advising
The key academic advisor for this degree is Courtney Butler (courtney.butler@colostate.edu), Assistant Director at the Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center.
For the Physical Sciences concentration, students will also have advisors to work with from the departments of the minors they choose.
For the Science Education concentrations, students are also advised by Ben Bongers (ben.bongers@colostate.edu), Academic Support and Educator Preparation Coordinator in the Center for Educator Preparation.
Students can also reach out to the science education faculty advisors in the content departments:
- Biology – Meena Balgopal
- Chemistry – Carlos Olivo-Delgado
- Physics – Marty Gelfand
- Geology – Bill Sanford
Please refer to the CSU General Catalog for current details regarding this major.