Our dedication to Racial Equality and Social Justice (RESJ) spans decades. Learn more about our RESJ Initiative
General Science (1-6 or 5-8) Initial Licensure Teaching Certificate
-
Grade Levels:
1-6 or 5-8
-
Credits for Licensure:
21-24
-
Degree:
Certificate
-
Program Approved:
Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education
Program Description
This teaching certificate prepares you to teach general science in Massachusetts public and private schools, grades 1-6 or 5-8. Credits earned for the certificate can also be used toward the Master of Education in General Science at Cambridge College. This program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Who Is the General Science Certificate Designed For?
This program is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in science and are interested in teaching general science in the Massachusetts public school system at the elementary (1-6) or middle school (5-8) grade level. This is a license-only pathway and does not result in a graduate degree. Find information about admission requirements.
Cambridge College General Science Program Highlights
- Hands-on training. Get the experience of what it’s really like to teach a science class. This program includes a practicum in a elementary or middle school classroom guided by a licensed/certified general science teacher.
- Flexible course schedules. Balance work and family time with the help of flexible course schedules designed for working professionals that include day, evening, weekend, and online class options.
- Experienced faculty. Learn from top science professors who are accomplished researchers, experienced teachers, and accessible mentors dedicated to helping you succeed.
- Diverse experiences. Gain new perspectives by working with other adult learners from around the world. Recently ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in America, Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from 50+ countries.
- Convenient location. Save time and money on your commute. All Cambridge College classroom locations are close to major highways and public transportation and/or offers free parking for students throughout the year.
Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, giving you exceptional value for your education.
General Science (1-6 or 5-8) Teaching Certificate Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be ready to teach an elementary science curriculum and middle grade level students, engaging learners in the scientific practices and the engineering design process. Knowledge and skills covered include how to:
- Design and conduct scientific inquiries to test scientific hypotheses.
- Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
- Convey how science, technology, and math inform each other and serve as mechanisms for inquiry into the nature of the universe.
- Use best practices to teach inquiry-based science and develop a balanced approach to hands-on science instruction.
- Create a safe and collaborative learning environment to engage all students in their learning.
- Implement well-structured lessons with measurable assessments of learning and engage in ongoing reflection on practice.
General Science Careers
This program prepares you to teach elementary or middle school general science—including earth, life, physical, and engineering sciences—grades 1-6 or 5-8.
Graduates of this program also go on to other careers such as educators at science museums, nature center guides, and aquarium and zoo educators.
Middle School Teacher Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, with rising school enrollment driving the need for additional teachers.
The Boston/Cambridge area of Massachusetts is one of the metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in this occupation, and also one of the top paying, with an average annual salary of $74,700 for middle school teachers.
Example General Science Teaching Certificate Courses
This teaching certificate program features courses such as:
- Teaching Engineering and Technology
- Logistics of Teaching Science
- Practicum General Science
Download the General Science (1-6 or 5-8) Initial Licensure program sheet.
General Science Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your general science certification. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Students are required to enroll in this 0-credit course during the first semester of their program experience. Enrollment in this 0-credit course activates student access to the Tevera portfolio which facilities the tracking and storage of essential documents required for program completion.
This course is designed to support the 2017 Massachusetts Science/Technology and Engineering Standards, specifically aligned to the Technology and Engineering Standards. Students will be instructed utilizing best practices in engineering design processes, material, tools and manufacturing and technological systems at the intermediate level of understanding. Special focus will be directed in the integration of life, earth and physical sciences as they are used to solve problems and challenges in the field of engineering.
This course is designed to provide the elementary science specialist (1-6) and the middle school science teacher (5-8) with the specialized skill set to meet the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers, science safety standards, lab/classroom set-up and design, and management of science equipment. Students will also be guided in the opening of an electronic portfolio system (TaskStream) that will capture all of their academic and licensure requirements as highly qualified science teachers.
- Pass all MTELs required by Massachusetts for this license: Communication & Literacy and General Science 5-8 tests.
- SEI605 Sheltered English Immersion or ESE-endorsed course or SEI MTEL.
- Pass all required courses.
- Pre-Practicum — Successfully complete program-specific hours in diverse settings (0 credit)
- EDU704 Practicum Readiness (1 credit)
- Submit Practicum Application and Placement Approval Forms.
This course is specifically designed to determine readiness for the practicum. It will assist the teacher candidate to develop his/her skills to be ready to assume the role of student teacher from the first day of practicum. Students will understand the requirements of CAP by engaging in and completing the forms for each of the "essentials" and completing their own goals. All of the Tevera components, other than the practicum documents, will be completed. MTELs will be completed. Those having difficulty with the MTELs will be directed for support. Fieldwork assignments will be required.
Guided and evaluated by a licensed/certified general science teacher in the classroom and a Cambridge College general science supervisor. Practicum locations are subject to ESE regulations and must be discussed with the program chair and approved by the pre-practicum/practicum coordinator.
Core Faculty
Senior Instructor
Pages
Admissions
-
Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs
-
Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Program Requirements
- School of Education requirements for certificate programs.
- Bachelor’s or master's degree in a STEM field.
- Pass Communication & Literacy (MTEL).
- Transcript analysis: Subject matter competency for General Science 1-6 or 5-8 will be evaluated through transcript analysis by the program chair, following the Massachusetts standards for the license (see www.doe.mass.edu). Only coursework completed within the last seven years, with grades of B or better will be considered.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.
Tuition
-
Credits for Licensure:
21-24
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
-
Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
-
Internship/Practicum Fee:
$400
Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more