Why Major in General Science?

The General Science degree provides a solid grounding in the physical and biological sciences. While some of our General Science graduates have found work as laboratory technicians or have gone on to graduate school, this program is most appropriate for those who are planning to teach at the K-8 level.

Requirements for the General Science Degree

Requirements for the General Science Major

OPTION I - Elementary Licensure (1-6) with General Science (1-6) - 40 Credits

Students choosing this option are expected to complete a second major in Elementary Education, and are encouraged to consider applying to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for General Science (1-6) licensure after they apply for Elementary (1-6) licensure.

Required Foundation Courses - 28 Credits

• ASTR 0101 - Astronomy
• BIOL 0102 - Environmental Biology
• BIOL 0104 - Human Biology
• CHEM 0101 - Introduction to Chemistry
• GEOL 0101 - Physical Geology with Laboratory
• GEOL 0107 - Historical Geology with Lab
• PHSC 0101 - Introduction to Physics
• GNSC 0139 - Current Topics in Science Seminar I

Required Upper-Level Courses - 9 Credits

• GPS 0230 - Meteorology
• GNSC 0239 - Current Topics in Science Seminar II
• GNSC 0349 - Research Methods for the Physical Sciences
• GNSC 0350 - Research Experience
• GNSC 0360 - Methods of Science Education for Pre-K-6

Upper-Level Elective - 3 Credits

One of the following courses, which integrate the other disciplines within the major:

• ASTR 0349 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy OR
• GEOL 0347 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology

OPTION II - Middle School Licensure in General Science (5-8) - 52 Credits

Students planning to teach should also review the section on licensure requirements that follows the description of the General Science Minor

Required Foundation Course - 39 Credits

• ASTR 0101 - Astronomy
• BIOL 0128 - General Biology II
• BIOL 0129 - General Biology I
• CHEM 0109 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 0111 - General Chemistry II
• GEOL 0101 - Physical Geology with Laboratory
• GEOL 0107 - Historical Geology with Lab
• MATH 0104 - Pre-Calculus
• PHSC 0115 - General Physics I
• PHSC 0117 - General Physics II
• GNSC 0139 - Current Topics in Science Seminar I

Required Upper-Level Courses - 13 Credits

• GPS 0230 - Meteorology
• GNSC 0239 - Current Topics in Science Seminar II
• ASTR 0349 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy
• GEOL 0347 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology
• GNSC 0349 - Research Methods for the Physical Sciences
• GNSC 0350 - Research Experience Note

Pedagogical Coursework

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required in pedagogical coursework specific to your licensure program prior to practicum.  Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core .