Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education-Science Education

The Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education-Science Education in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University provides a focused, non-degree pathway to initial teacher certification in grades seven through 12 for individuals with a strong background in science. The 19-credit certificate program is designed for college graduates and working professionals—especially those with degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science or related fields.

Graduates are prepared to be future educators and bring their subject matter expertise to diverse, secondary-level classrooms. It is well-suited for those currently working or teaching on emergency permits who want to earn their certification while balancing other responsibilities. Science certification areas include biology, chemistry, earth and space science, general science, and physics. Students have the option to complete the certificate on a part-time basis and take evening courses at Temple’s Main Campus.

Why study Secondary Education-Science Education in the College of Education and Human Development?

This Secondary Education-Science Education Certificate program equips you with the knowledge, tools and hands-on experience to effectively teach science content aligned with Pennsylvania academic standards. Through coursework in adolescent development, instructional methods and inclusive practices, you’ll learn how to design engaging science lessons that foster inquiry, critical thinking and equity in the classroom. You’ll complete a full-time supervised student teaching placement to gain real-world classroom experience. This clinical practice is a critical component of certification and allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a supportive, mentored environment.

Program Outcomes

As a graduate of the Secondary Education-Science Education Certificate program, you will be prepared to

• develop strong content knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and general science; 

• design and deliver inquiry-based, standards-aligned science instruction; 

• engage students in scientific thinking, experimentation and real-world applications; 

• create inclusive, supportive classrooms that reflect equity and diversity in STEM education; and

• demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification.

Program Format & Curriculum

The Secondary Education-Science Education Graduate Certificate program comprises 19 credits. Courses are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. You can attend full time or part time, and you have up to four years to complete the program.

Fieldwork 

In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational settings. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. The Supervised Teaching course involves a full-time teaching placement in a secondary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.