Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary 
Majors and Minors

Interdepartmental
Chemistry-Physics Major
B.S. in Ed. degree, Secondary and Secondary Special Education emphases

The Chemistry-Physics Major, offered by the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, is designed to prepare prospective high school teachers of chemistry and physics. A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors.

Required Courses (46 or 49 hours):
CHM 131 (4) Introduction to Chemistry I
CHM 132 (4) Introduction to Chemistry II
OR as an alternative to the above two courses: CHM 161 (5) Principles of Chemistry
CHM 211 (4) Quantitative Analysis
CHM 331 (3) Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 345 (3) Organic Chemistry I
CHM 346 (3) Organic Chemistry II
CHM 349 (2) Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab
PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Lab I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Lab II
PHY 231 (1) Electronic Instrumentation
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Lab III
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism
CHM/PHY 505 (3) Teaching Chemistry/Physics in the Secondary School
CHM/PHY 507 (1) Field Experience in Teaching Chemistry/Physics

The following mathematics courses or equivalent skills are prerequisites for some of the required courses on this major: MTH 136 (or 132); MTH 137 (or 133 and 223); MTH 233; MTH 334. Consequently, a minimum of 17 hours of MTH courses will normally be required to complete this major in addition to the 46 or 49 hours specified above. Students with incomplete high school preparation may find it necessary to complete additional MTH courses.

Additional requirements:
1. The student must have completed the specified chemistry courses for the Chemistry-Physics major, in addition to CHM/PHY 505 (3) and 507(1), before approval for student teaching can be given. The student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.70 in those 24-27 hours of courses. Transfer chemistry credit will be accepted from regionally accredited institutions, but at least six of the hours must be CMU classes with a minimum grade point average of 2.70. At least 12 of the required chemistry credit hours must have been received within 10 years of application for student teaching.

2. In order for a student to be approved for student teaching in chemistry, two CMU chemistry faculty must, at the student’s request, provide completed department student evaluation forms. Students must also furnish transcripts showing all chemistry course credits.

3. Each student must demonstrate competence in chemistry by passing an American Chemical Society standardized chemistry examination at a specified level in order to be approved for student teaching.

For students seeking the Physics Department’s recommendation for student teaching in physics, the following requirements must be met:

1. At least 20 hours of physics (including CHM/PHY 505) must be completed with a grade point average of 2.7.

2. At least 6 hours of physics (excluding CHM/PHY 505) must be completed at CMU.

Total: 46 or 49 semester hours

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