Secondary Chemistry Teaching Endorsement – Strengthen Your Credentials with WGU

Secondary Chemistry Teaching Endorsement – Strengthen Your Credentials with WGU
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Endorsement Program
Secondary Chemistry
A Pathway for Licensed Educators to Enhance Their Credentials and Effectiveness in Chemistry Instruction
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OVERVIEW
Advance Your Career With a Secondary Chemistry Endorsement
Advance your teaching career with the
Chemistry Secondary Endorsement
at WGU. This endorsement program is designed for licensed secondary science educators who aspire to teach chemistry at the junior high or high school level. Flexible and online, this program blends advanced coursework in chemistry with proven teaching strategies that can help you master essential concepts like
chemical reactions, molecular structures, and lab techniques.
While you pursue this program you will:
Gain a valuable education endorsement and become highly qualified in physics teaching
Open up additional career opportunities for physics classes at the junior high or high school level
Earn re-licensure points
Boost your résumé and license credentials
If you are ready for the next step in your career, a chemistry endorsement can be the perfect place to start.
Note: Currently, WGU is not offering Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics endorsement programs in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Note: The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certificate programs. Current teachers must have an initial license in secondary science in order to pursue this program.
What is an Endorsement Program?
An endorsement program is a pathway for teachers to gain additional qualifications in a certain subject area or grade level, allowing them to "endorse" their teaching abilities in that particular field through coursework and demonstrating proficiency. Endorsement programs can be in a specialization such as certain science focus areas, ESL/ELL, or gifted education, and is typically added to an existing teaching license. Endorsements can also add grade level options to your license, such as secondary or middle grades. Endorsements at WGU are for individuals who already have a teaching bachelor's degree and are a licensed teacher, or for those who are currently going through a WGU bachelor's degree program in education.
Learn More about Endorsements
Most students will complete this program in approximately:
12 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$2,550
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
Educator renewal points
Yes
Pursuing an endorsement program will count towards re-licensure points to keep your teaching license up-to-date. Endorsements then become part of your license and will need to be renewed. The details will depend on your specific state.
Career Outlook
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Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.
Learn About Teaching Licenses
COURSES
Secondary Chemistry Courses
Curriculum designed to help you be classroom ready.
Program consists of 7 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Program Guide
This online endorsement preparation program prepares licensed teachers to gain the additional certification and licensure required to teach in secondary chemistry settings and to develop significant skills in curriculum development, design, and evaluation.
You also may be able to transfer in courses taken at another institution, making the time to complete this endorsement program even shorter.
This program is made up of the following courses, which you will typically complete
one at a time
as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized degree plan.
You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material.
As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can
finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
Download Program Details
Chemistry Content
Organic Chemistry
This Organic Chemistry course prepares teacher candidates to understand and apply foundational concepts in carbon-based chemistry. You will learn to describe molecular structures using proper nomenclature, analyze chemical processes, and apply instrumental methods of analysis to determine molecular structures. The course emphasizes practical skills, including the use of modeling kits and spectroscopic techniques to synthesize and analyze organic compounds. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to teach these concepts effectively to your students.
Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry I provides an exploration of the intersection of physics and chemistry to understand the fundamental principles that govern chemical reactions and matter. This course covers key topics such as atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics, emphasizing real-world applications and practical problem-solving. Through a blend of virtual labs and interactive activities, learners will develop a deep understanding of energy changes, reaction mechanisms, and the behavior of matter in various states. This course emphasizes engagement with complex concepts, enhancement of analytical skills, and application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
General Chemistry II with Lab
Chemistry II with Lab course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced chemical principles and their real-world applications. Covering a wide range of topics from energy transfer during physical and chemical processes to the recognition and naming of compounds, the course emphasizes critical thinking and practical skills. Students will delve into quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, gaining proficiency in stoichiometry, solution concentration, and reaction predictions. Through scientific inquiry, students will learn to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and apply their knowledge to solve environmental and industrial problems. The course also includes extensive practice in communicating scientific findings effectively, both in written reports and oral presentations. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience, this course prepares students for success in advanced studies and professional applications of chemistry.
Analytical Chemistry with Lab
In "Analytical Chemistry with Lab," students will deepen their understanding of chemistry through the scientific method, data analysis, and data visualization. This course aligns with Utah Competency Areas C2.1.A and C2.1.B, focusing on questioning, methods, argumentation, models, data, and analysis. Students will gain hands-on experience with classical, optical, chromatographic, mass spectrometric, and electrochemical techniques. Prerequisites include a solid foundation in mathematics and prior chemistry courses. Students will critically evaluate experiments, learning to design effective methods and present their data clearly. This course prepares students to gather, process, and communicate chemical data, emphasizing its application in teaching and real-world scenarios. This course helps prepare students in chemistry and related fields.
Biochemistry I
This course delves into the critical role of macromolecules and chemical reactions in living organisms, with a focus on molecular interactions, metabolic pathways, and the regulatory mechanisms that underpin biological processes. The student will start by analyzing macromolecules in organisms and study information on the structure, function, and interactions of key biological macromolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, emphasizing their roles in cellular functions and intercellular interactions. The course then builds to analyzing macromolecules in organisms by building on this foundation, examining the interactions between these macromolecules and the forces driving these interactions, such as intermolecular forces and solubility principles. Finally, the student will explore chemical reactions in organisms through enzyme function and inhibition, metabolic pathways, like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, as well as the regulation of these pathways and the impact of metabolic disorders. Throughout the course, students will engage in activities and analyses that deepen their understanding of these biochemical processes and their relevance to the functioning of living organisms.
General Science Content
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I introduces foundational principles of chemistry, starting at the atomic level and expanding to the behavior of elements within the periodic table. This course explores how atoms bond to form molecules and proceeds into chemical reactions, acids and bases, solutions, and nuclear reactions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of stability and change in chemical processes. This course highlights the practical aspects of chemistry, providing insights into how chemical principles underpin everyday phenomena and contribute to our understanding of environmental processes.
Science Education
Secondary Chemistry Curriculum
Secondary Chemistry Curriculum synthesizes the core content of the Secondary Chemistry Program, preparing candidates to apply education theory and teaching approaches to the chemistry content areas. This course aligns with the areas covered by the Chemistry Praxis exam, ensuring candidates demonstrate both a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to effectively deliver content in a secondary classroom setting. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy relationships, chemical reactions, solutions, and the role of science and engineering in society. There are no prerequisites for this course.
7 Courses
Program consists of 7 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Program Guide
Praxis Prep
Helping you prepare for the Praxis Exam
Several courses in this program are focused on Praxis exam prep to help ensure that students are ready to take that licensing exam. In order to add secondary chemistry to their license, most students will be required by their state to take the Praxis exam for secondary chemistry.
Learn More about Praxis Exam
“WGU was fantastic for me. Mentors and teachers had one goal: to launch me forward through any challenge OR obstacle. I loved their 'can do' attitude, it was contagious.”
—Kassie Ann
Endorsement Program, English Language Learning
Endorsement or Master's Degree
Should you pursue a master’s degree or an endorsement program? Educators who want to expand their ability to teach certain grades or subjects may consider either a master’s degree or an endorsement program. Individuals should research their state to understand how an endorsement vs. a master’s degree will impact. Here are some important points about choosing one or the other.
Endorsement Programs
Shorter program overall, with fewer courses and often a lower cost than a master’s degree.
Adds a credential to your teaching license allowing you to teach another grade level or subject area.
Only for currently licensed teacher. An endorsement program does not give you initial eligibility to teach.
Counts toward renewal points for current teachers.
Is valuable to school districts and can look great on your résumé, helping you land a job.
Master's Programs
More in-depth knowledge in a subject area with more courses, and a higher cost overall.
Can also add subject areas or grades to your teaching license but they can be unrelated to your current license.
Master’s programs available for individuals who need an initial license to become eligible to teach in a classroom.
Counts toward renewal points for current teachers.
Is valuable to school districts and can look great on your résumé, helping you land a job.
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online program at WGU.
HOW WE DO IT
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in the secondary chemistry endorsement program at WGU, you join an impressive network of education professionals. Over 19,000 students graduated from the School of Education in 2024 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their endorsements. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay.
Apply FREE
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
YEARS
Cost Breakdown
Tuition
2,550
E-Books and Resources Fee
200
TOTAL (per 6-month term)
6-month terms
Total Cost
An Endorsement Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2023 (among those who borrowed) was about half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Payment plans help students pay for their program on a monthly basis rather than all at once.
Payment Plans
WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the
Institute for College Access and Success (2023).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Endorsement Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected endorrsement as a busy working adult.
WGU's secondary chemistry endoresment is designed for certified teachers who want to add an endorsement to their license, qualifying them to teach chemistry in junior high and high school settings.
This program is specifically designed for working adult students, so you can honor your current work and family responsibilities while completing your coursework.
REQUEST MORE INFO
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Chemistry Endorsement Paves the Way to Teaching Opportunities
Seeing students learn and grow, and helping foster that growth, is one of the main benefits of being a teacher. With a chemistry endorsement you'll be equipped with the knowledge and experience to pursue opportunities in junior high and high school chemistry classrooms.
Around the country there are
shortages in STEM teachers
, and this endorsement can help place you in high demand to teach important subjects in your school. This endorsement program is the perfect fit for:
Currently licensed teachers who have a secondary science license and are interested in teaching chemistry
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Where you can teach:
Private schools
Public schools
Charter schools
K-12 classrooms
47%
47% of public schools were unable to fill physical science teaching vacancies in the 2021 school year.
—National Center for Education Statistics
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements for a Secondary Chemistry Endorsement
If you enroll in an endorsement program, the following is expected of you:
A current professional license in secondary science.
Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An
Enrollment Counselor
will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to starting your program.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer Credits
WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please
speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program.
You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to a WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
More About the Secondary Chemistry Endorsement
More About This Program
This endorsement certifies educators to teach high school chemistry, including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as lab-based instruction.
Yes, most programs include lab safety and chemical handling training to ensure educators can safely conduct classroom experiments.
While a chemistry background is helpful, many endorsement programs provide the content knowledge necessary to meet state licensure requirements.
Educators will develop expertise in lab safety, chemical handling, experiment design, data analysis, and student engagement techniques for inquiry-based learning.
Ready to Start?
Apply Today
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