Science Education Chemistry Physics

Associate Degree Program

Delaware has been experiencing teacher shortages in specific critical areas for over a decade. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative recognizes the need for highly-qualified teachers in these areas, and the Department of Education consistently lists all science disciplines as a critical need for Delaware schools.

The Science Education Associate Degree prepares students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program that leads to a teaching career in high school physics or chemistry. The program provides rigorous science course work as well as field experience in a secondary school setting.

This program is offered at the Dover, Georgetown, and Stanton campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for positions such as:

• Upon completion of your associate degree, you can work as a paraeducator in the school system.
• Upon completion of your bachelor’s degree, you can work as a high school chemistry or physics teacher.

What You Will Earn

• Upon completion of an associate degree as a paraeducator, an average competitive starting salary of $19,806.
• Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, an average competitive starting salary of $35,854

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Employ mathematical problem solving strategies to solve algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus problems.
2. Apply scientific principles to explain everyday phenomena.
3. Analyze problems, safely and ethically conduct scientific research, and interpret and report the results.
4. Integrate psychological and human development concepts in the educational process.
5. Demonstrate and explain the scientific process and related modern laboratory procedures.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree?

This is a Connected Degree program that enables you to complete your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year degree program as a junior. See a program advisor for details!