Environmental Science Major — Secondary Teacher Education Track (6-12)

Degree
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Benefit from our unique approach: We combine teacher preparation courses and student-teaching experience with courses in environmental science, sustainability, and ecology.
  • Develop expertise in environmental science and prepare to be an engaging and resourceful physical and life sciences teacher.
  • Gain more student-teaching experience than any other Maine-based teacher preparation program.
  • Excel with academic advising and professional development — from course selection to the student teaching internship.
  • Gain hands-on experience identifying and solving local and regional environmental problems.
  • Become part of a community through our field immersion weekend, collaborative projects, and student group activities.

Expected career outcomes

Student teacher leans over table with 5 seated elementary school students.

Continual classroom experience

We provide practice with grades 6-12 early and often — you’ll start working with students in your first year. During your final year-long student teaching internship, you’ll gain experience in two grade levels.

A group of students works together in the aquaponics lab.

Diverse learning spaces

Each Environmental Science faculty member runs a lab dedicated to their specific research, which includes an aquatics systems lab, aquaponics lab, chemical ecology lab, air quality lab, and entomology lab.

A student teacher smiles at a group of K-12 students in the classroom.

Teacher education program options

Interested in another content area or grade level? We offer additional Secondary Teacher Education Tracks (6-12) in STEM and liberal arts. We also offer programs for Elementary Education (K-6), French and Spanish Linguistics (PreK-12), Art Education and Music Education (PreK-12).

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

A student attends to a plant in the aquaponics lab.

Program requirements

Share your enthusiasm for environmental science and education — prepare to teach middle or high school. We provide a rigorous, authentic learning experience, ensuring you graduate with a solid knowledge base in the science classes you’ll teach.

An aerial view of the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Diverse, expert faculty

You’ll study with faculty in both Education and in Environmental Science. This unique approach ensures a superior background in educator preparation and mastery of physical and life sciences.

Logo for CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation)

National accreditation & state approval

Our Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and state-approved by the Maine Department of Education.

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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