B.A. Natural Sciences

Program Description

The BA in Natural Sciences is designed for students that want to teach science in middle school or introductory science in high school.  Once approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this degree will make you eligible to enter a credential program to earn a Foundational Level General Science Credential (FLGS).  With the FLGS credential you will be qualified to teach science in middle school or in any K-12 non-departmentalized integrated science program.  In addition, you'll be eligible for all the special financial incentives for future science teachers.  For current information, contact the program advisor Ann Bykerk-Kauffman (PHSC 114; 898-6305) or the Department of Science Education.

The B.A. in Natural Sciences is well suited to students who plan to use a broad background in fundamental science concepts for an interdisciplinary career such as law, science writing or environmental policy. The 45-unit requirement is lower than most degrees in the College of Natural Sciences, allowing the students the time and freedom to take other courses as required or recommended depending on their future career plans.

If you are a Liberal Studies major and plan to complete the Science Area of Concentration, you will only need a few more courses to get a second degree in Natural Sciences.  Once approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this degree will make you eligible for a Foundational Level General Science Credential (FLGS) in addition to your Multiple Subject Credential.  Having the FLGS credential will make your resume stand out when it comes time to look for teaching positions.

For course requirements see the university catalog.

^{Status Update}

^{The Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences is now approved by the California State University Chancellor's Office (CO).  We are currently working through the approval processes with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).  We are hopeful that the process will be completed by the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.  Below are some updates on the progress:}

^{May 2011 The BA is now in the 2011-2012 catalog. We are working with the Degree Audit Project to allow students to enter the program.}

^{March 2011 The CO has approved the BA and we are now working on getting it in the 2011-2012 catalog.}

^{January 2011 The CCTC approved the preconditions for the Foundational Level General Science Credential (FLGS) so now the BA in Natural Sciences can be approved by the commission.}

^{September 2010 The review by the CCTC was returned to our department.  The approval cannot take place until the commission approves the preconditions for FLGS.}