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Elementary Education Major with Middle School Science Pathway

Bachelor of Science

With an elementary education degree focused on science, you’ll gain the skills to lead K-6 classrooms and pursue licensure to teach middle school science.

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Become who you’re meant to be. With a B.S. in Elementary Education with Middle School Science Pathway, you’ll build the tools for a successful and flexible teaching career. You’ll be equipped to lead K-6 classrooms and prepared to continue toward middle school science licensure—broadening your impact and meeting a critical need for science educators. This STEM-integrated program blends rich science content with proven teaching methods and real classroom experience. You’ll also earn graduate-level credits that apply toward an M.A.—providing a head start on salary advancement in many school districts. At Bethel, you’ll be guided by expert faculty and a Christ-centered community that’s committed to your calling. You’ll graduate ready to inspire curiosity, lead with confidence, and serve wherever you’re called to teach.

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Why should I study elementary education with middle school science pathway at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from compassionate and knowledgeable professors who will get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Built-in career preparation
    From your first day at Bethel, career preparation is woven into your experience through The Studio for Vocation and Calling. And it’s reinforced by the Bethel Career Commitment: If you haven’t secured a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, we’ll step in with meaningful support to help you get there.
  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you gain the skills to teach, you’ll also explore how your faith can influence your work and drive you to serve in incredible ways in your classroom and the world.
  • A respected education program
    You’ll study education in a department known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.
  • A clear path to graduate licensure
    The program builds toward a 5-8 science license through Bethel’s graduate education programs. After earning your B.S., you’ll complete the remaining licensure requirements—including student teaching—while gaining M.A.-level credits that support future salary advancement.
  • Mentorship and belonging
    You’ll meet with your faculty advisor to help you meet your goals. While student teaching, you’ll be mentored by a full-time faculty member and take courses alongside supportive peers—building confidence, receiving personalized feedback, and growing within a strong professional network.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in elementary education with a middle school science pathway, you’ll become a confident teacher equipped to lead both elementary classrooms and middle school science courses. This program emphasizes foundational teaching knowledge, advanced science content, and classroom-tested methods.

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A strong base in education and training methods

You’ll be trained in curriculum design, inclusive teaching strategies, and effective instruction for both K-6 and middle school grades.

Integrated science content knowledge

You’ll build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science—preparing you to teach across STEM disciplines.

Real-world classroom experience

You’ll complete classroom practicums and student teaching in both elementary and middle school settings, gaining the experience and confidence to thrive from day one.

Innovative, hands-on teaching methods

You’ll learn to teach science through experimentation, discovery, and inquiry—engaging students in meaningful learning and critical thinking.

A base in developmental and educational psychology

You’ll explore how students grow, think, and learn—so you can support their development with confidence and care.

The tools to serve all students

You’ll be equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners, lead inclusive classrooms, and build supportive learning environments for all students.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong skills in writing, verbal and nonverbal communication, presentation, research, organization, evaluation, creative problem solving, and process improvement—skills that will help you in careers in education, nearly any field, and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.

Clubs and activities

You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events that bolster your future as an educator and connect you with your fellow education majors.

Networking and connections

You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, develop your job interviewing skills, and interact directly with potential employers. These include a principal panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an elementary education degree with a middle school science path?

With this degree, you’ll be prepared to teach K-6 students and build a direct path to teaching middle school science in grades 5-8. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in the classroom and beyond.

Teaching

You’ll be equipped to lead K-6 classrooms or pursue science teaching roles in middle schools, meeting critical workforce needs in both elementary and STEM education.

Opportunities in education

You’ll be qualified to teach in public, private, and charter schools and have the flexibility to support students in science labs, STEM enrichment programs, curriculum development, or educational nonprofits.

Graduate school and Ed.D. programs

You’ll have a direct bridge to graduate licensure and be prepared to earn your M.A. or pursue additional endorsements and degrees. Your undergraduate science coursework also supports continued study in science education, curriculum leadership, and other education fields. The science-rich foundation of this degree also supports future pathways into 9-12 science licensure, giving you flexibility to expand your teaching credentials over time.

Skills for any career

You’ll transferable skills in communication, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving—equipping you for future roles in administration, nonprofit work, and graduate school.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.

Department of Education


Location

Lakeside Center (LSC) C200

Contact

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Nadine Johnson

Nadine Johnson

Education Licensing and Advising Specialist

Bio >

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Mary Lindell

Mary Lindell

Professor of Education

Bio >

Peg McCormick

Peg McCormick

Professor of Education

Bio >

Danny Swensen

Danny Swensen

Professor of Education

Bio >

Geri Von Grey

Geri Von Grey

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Lisa Bekemeyer

Lisa Bekemeyer

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Becky Carlson

Becky Carlson

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Placement and Partnership Specialist

Bio >

William Derden

William Derden

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Elise Erlandson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Katelin Held

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Sara Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Lisa Kepple

Lisa Kepple

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Education

Bio >

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Tyler Krebs

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Alanna Lienig

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Amie Lorence Grubidge

Amie Lorence Grubidge

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Rachel Meixner

Rachel Meixner

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Glenn Morehouse Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Sara Nelson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Lisa Ouren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

Professor of Mathematics Education Emeritus

Bio >

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Patricia Danforth

Assistant Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

Bio >

Sandi Horn

Sandi Horn

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

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David Klostreich

Associate Professor of Physical Education Emeritus

Bio >

Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Science Education Emerita

Bio >

Jolene Pearson

Jolene Pearson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

Jay Rasmussen

Jay Rasmussen

Professor of Education Emeritus

Bio >

Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

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Louise Wilson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

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Adele Greenlee

Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music Education Emeritus

Bio >

92%

of recent alumni say they would recommend Bethel to prospective teachers

Top 5

college for education majors in Minnesota

- Niche.com

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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A path with promise

Clear price. Clear outcomes.

Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.

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Explore the career commitment

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements