Chemistry Teacher Education

Illinois State's rate of teacher graduation places it among the Top 10 educators of teachers in the nation. Nearly 1 of every 7 teachers in the classrooms of Illinois' public schools holds a degree from Illinois State University. Approximately one-half of all secondary school teachers in downstate Illinois currently hold teaching degrees from Illinois State.

The demand for chemistry teachers is great in both Illinois and across the nation. We need more beginning chemistry teachers over the next 10 years than teacher education programs can currently produce. Illinois State's Chemistry Teacher Education program is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The Department of Chemistry is one of the nation's top producers of degrees certified by the American Chemical Society.

Why Study Chemistry Teacher Education?

Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of substances and the way they can be changed and transformed. There are almost 100,000 chemists in America and still the need for such individuals is on the rise. More than 75% of the chemists are employed by the private sector and some chemists work as professors in colleges.

Related Skills

Analytical

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Environmental
• Forensics

Employers

• Federal, state, and local government
• Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass,paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
• Industrial production and inspection agencies
• Research laboratories and organizations
• Environmental protection organizations
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
• Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
• Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
• Take electives in your area of interest.

Biochemical

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Quality Control
• Medical
• Environmental
• Industrial Health & Safety
• Hospital Administration

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
• Biotechnology firms
• Plant and animal breeders and growers
• Food processors
• Industrial production and inspection agencies
• Environmental protection organizations
• Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
• Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
• Join related professional organizations.
• Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.

Name

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

Employers

• Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food
• Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
• Research organizations
• Federal and state government
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.

Geochemistry

• Environmental Remediation
• Research & Development
• Analysis & Testing

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
• Federal and state government
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

Take geology and environmental science electives.

Inorganic

• Research
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

Employers

• Environmental organizations\
• Water processing plants
• Natural resources organizations

Strategies

• Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
• Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.

Polymer Chemistry

• Analysis & Testing
• Research & Development

Employers

Industries involving textiles and plastics

Strategies

Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.

Physical

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
• Federal government
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Develop strong mathematical background.

Education

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration

Employers

• Private and public secondary schools
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master'sdegree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
Take courses in public speaking.

Business

• Technical Sales/Marketing
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Management
• Consulting
• Industrial Quality Control
• Research & Development

Employers

• Manufacturing firms
• Drug stores
• Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
• Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
• Agricultural product companies
• Environmental management organizations
• Waste management firms

Strategies

• Obtain a minor in business.
• Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
• Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.

Other Professions

• Agricultural Scientist
• Anesthesiologist
• Application Chemist
• Biochemist/Molecular Biologist
• Ceramic Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Chemist
• Clinical Specialist
• Computational Chemist
• Color Development Chemist
• Crime Lab Analyst
• Dentist
• Entomologist
• Environmental Engineer
• EPA Inspector
• FDA Inspector
• Fire Protection Engineer
• Food Scientist/Technologist
• Forensic Chemist
• Geochemist
• Geologist
• Glass Chemist
• Hydro Geologist
• Hydrologist
• Industrial Hygienist
• Metallurgical Engineer
• Microbiologist
• Oceanographer
• Optometrist
• Patent Agent
• Perfumer
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician
• Plastic Engineer
• Product Development Manager
• Product Tester
• Quality Controller
• Radiologist
• Research Analytical Chemist
• Research Associate
• Science Laboratory Technician'
• Soil Scientist, Agriculture
• Technical Journalist
• Textile Engineer
• Toxicologist
• Veterinarian
• Water Purification Chemist
• Water/Wastewater Plant Operator

Being Successful in the Field

• Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator,research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
• Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
• Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
• Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
• Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Post doctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
• Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
• Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
• Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
• Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
• Complete an undergraduate research project.
• Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
• Join related student professional organizations.

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.30, or 2.50 with 45 or more hours

Middle 50% GPA

2.90 - 2.97

Required Courses

Students with fewer than 45 earned hours are evaluated on collegiate coursework and grade point average.

Students with 45 hours or more completed prior to transferring must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better:

• Calculus I (MAT 145),
• General Chemistry I (CHE 140), and
• General Chemistry II (CHE 141)

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Calculus I (MAT 145)
• Calculus II (MAT 146)
• Engineering Physics I (PHY 110)
• Engineering Physics II (PHY 111)
• Organic Chemistry I (CHE 230/231)
• Organic Chemistry II (CHE 232/233)
• Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY 110 or 111)
• Educational Psychology (PSY 215)
• Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life (BSC 197)
• Principles of Geology (GEO 102)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.30, or 2.50 with 45 or more hours

Middle 50% GPA

2.90 - 2.97

Application Period

Applications are always available.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Major Requirements

If 45 or more earned hours: Grades of “C” or better in MAT 145, CHE 140 and CHE 141.

Academic Advising