“The philosophy of the Science Education Program at California State University, Fullerton is based upon the belief that teachers play a preeminent role in the science educational process.  We prepare teachers to have confidence in their own abilities to access resources and gain the understanding that they need to help individual students become more scientifically literate.  Furthermore, we also believe that effective science content preparation is critical in preparing teachers who are able to transform the science content knowledge that they learn in their courses into pedagogical content knowledge that can be taught to others.  This process of transformation encompasses all aspects of instruction and evaluation nexus.  The science education faculty agrees that teachers must be open and interested in new ideas.  They engage in their own inquiry as co-investigators with students who learn science through multiple methods, including inquiry.  We support teachers who as active, alert members of their school community, help the next generation become effective and positive contributors to a diverse society.  The Science Subject Matter Preparation Program plays a vital role in preparing future teachers who are steeped in these philosophies and beliefs.

The mission of the Science Education Program is to prepare students who are competent in subject matter content to teach science at the elementary and secondary levels.  Furthermore, we provide guidance and support for both beginning and experienced teachers in the study and use of educational practices developed for the teaching of science, as well as helping these teachers develop original ideas as they relate to their areas of specialization.  The program’s primary goal is to address the special needs of both pre-service and post-service science teachers.