What you need to teach science in high school

To teach science in a high school, you need a bachelor's degree in science or science education, a teaching credential (also called a teaching certificate), and a passing score on your state's science content exam. The exact requirements vary by state — some require a master's degree within five years of hire, others do not. You will also need to pass a background check.

The path splits into two main routes: a traditional four-year bachelor's program in science education, or a bachelor's degree in a science field followed by a separate teacher preparation program. Both lead to the same credential, but the timeline and cost differ. Most states require you to hold the credential before your first day in a classroom.

Key Takeaways

  • You must earn a bachelor's degree and pass your state's science content exam before you can be hired as a high school science teacher.
  • A teaching credential comes from either a four-year education program or a separate teacher preparation program after your science degree.
  • Each state sets its own exam requirements and credential rules, so check your state's department of education website for the exact steps.
  • Background checks are required in all states, and some states require a master's degree within a set number of years after you are hired.
  • Student teaching (usually 10 to 16 weeks) is a required part of credential programs and happens before you graduate or complete your preparation program.

The four-year bachelor's degree in science education

A science education degree combines coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science with education classes on how to teach those subjects. You take both the science content courses and the pedagogy (teaching method) courses as part of the same program. This route takes four years and ends with a bachelor's degree and, in most cases, your teaching credential.

During your final year or semester, you complete student teaching, a placement in a real high school classroom where you teach under the supervision of a mentor teacher. This usually lasts 10 to 16 weeks. Student teaching is where you learn whether classroom management and lesson planning work the way they did in theory. Most programs require you to pass this placement before you graduate.

After graduation, you still need to pass your state's science content exam (often called the Praxis exam, though the name varies by state). Some programs build exam prep into their coursework; others expect you to study on your own. Check with the program whether they include exam fees or prep materials.

The bachelor's degree plus teacher preparation program route

If you already have a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or another science field, you can enter a teacher preparation program (sometimes called a credential program or post-baccalaureate program) instead of starting over. These programs are shorter — usually 6 to 18 months — and focus only on education coursework and student teaching, not science content.

Teacher preparation programs are offered by universities, community colleges, and private organizations. Some are full-time and intensive; others are part-time and designed for people working while they study. Cost varies widely. University-based programs often cost $10,000 to $20,000; private programs can cost more. Some employers, including school districts, offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness for teachers who commit to working for them.

You still complete student teaching as part of the program, and you still must pass your state's science content exam. If your bachelor's degree is in a science field but you want to teach a different science (for example, you have a chemistry degree but want to teach biology), some states require additional coursework to cover the new subject area.

Passing your state's science content exam

Every state requires you to pass a content knowledge exam in the science subject you plan to teach. Most states use the Praxis II exam, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Some states use their own exam. The exam tests your knowledge of the subject matter — not how to teach it, but whether you know the science itself.

You can take the exam while you are still in your credential program or after you graduate. Some programs require you to pass it before student teaching; others allow you to take it after. Check your program's rules and your state's important date. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, though you pay the exam fee each time.

Exam fees are typically $100 to $200. Study materials — practice tests, review books, online courses — are available from ETS and from test prep companies. Many are free or low-cost. Your credential program may provide study guides or practice exams as part of your coursework.

Background checks and fingerprinting

Before you can be hired, you must pass a background check and submit fingerprints for a criminal history search. This is required in all states. The check includes a state criminal background search and a federal background search. Some states also require a check of the sex offender registry.

You typically submit fingerprints through your school district's human resources office or through a fingerprinting service they direct you to. The cost is usually $20 to $50 and is sometimes covered by the district. The process takes 2 to 4 weeks. You cannot start teaching until the background check is complete and cleared.

State-specific requirements and reciprocity

Teaching credentials are issued by individual states, not by the federal government. Each state has its own exam, its own credential rules, and its own renewal requirements. If you earn a credential in one state and move to another, you may need to take that state's exam or complete additional coursework before your credential is recognized.

Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow teachers credentialed in one state to teach in another without retesting, but these vary. Before you enroll in a credential program, check the website of the state where you plan to teach. Look for the state's department of education or the office that issues teaching credentials — they will have the exact requirements, exam names, and fees.

A few states allow alternative certification routes that skip some traditional requirements, such as a master's degree or a full student teaching placement. These are less common in science than in other subjects, but they exist. Check your state's rules to see whether you may have access to.

Master's degree requirements and timelines

Some states require teachers to earn a master's degree within a set number of years — often five to seven years — after they are hired. Other states do not require a master's degree at all. A few states require it only for certain subjects or only for teachers who want to move into leadership roles.

If your state requires a master's degree, you can pursue it part-time while teaching, or you can complete it before you are hired. Many teachers take evening and summer courses to finish a master's while working full-time. Some school districts offer tuition reimbursement to help pay for it.

Check your state's rules before you explore for your first teaching job. If a master's degree is required, factor the cost and time into your planning. A master's degree in education typically takes 18 to 24 months of part-time study and costs $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a master's degree before I can teach high school science?

Not before you start. Some states require you to earn a master's degree within five to seven years of being hired, but you can teach with just a bachelor's degree and a credential when you are first hired. Check your state's rules to see whether a master's degree is required and when you need to complete it.

Can I teach high school science with a bachelor's degree in a science field but no education coursework?

No. You must complete a teacher preparation program and earn a teaching credential, even if you have a strong science background. The credential program teaches you how to teach — classroom management, lesson planning, assessment — which is separate from knowing the science itself. A bachelor's degree in science alone does not may have access to you to teach.

How long does it take to become a high school science teacher?

If you are starting from high school, a four-year science education degree is the typical path. If you already have a bachelor's degree in science, a teacher preparation program takes 6 to 18 months. Add time for passing your state's content exam and completing the background check. Most people are ready to be hired within 4 to 5 years of starting.

What if I fail my state's science content exam?

You can retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts in most states, though you pay the exam fee each time. Many people pass on a second or third attempt. Your credential program may offer study support or require you to complete additional coursework before retaking the exam.

Do I need to be certified in a specific science, or can I teach any science?

Most states issue a credential in a specific science — biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. You take the content exam in that subject and teach that subject in high school. Some states allow a general science credential that covers multiple sciences, but this is less common. Check your state's credential options before you choose your degree focus.