The BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) is a streamlined pathway for UNC–Chapel Hill undergraduates majoring in science or mathematics to become high school teachers in North Carolina. The program pairs deep content knowledge, a real‑world student‑teaching internship, and close mentorship from UNC School of Education faculty, ensuring graduates leave Carolina licensed and classroom‑ready.
The BEST Minor program welcomes UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or mathematics.
Unlike many teacher preparation programs, the BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program lets students earn a full Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in the science or mathematics content area of their choosing and complete all requirements for North Carolina secondary teaching licensure at the same time. This unique opportunity offers a streamlines path to classroom teaching, flexibility throughout your academic journey at Carolina, and versatility in your career long after graduation.
Within the UNC‑BEST Minor, you can expect to complete 24 credit hours of coursework structured to integrate foundational knowledge, pedagogical training, and an immersive student-teaching experience in a nearby school. Because students may apply to the program any time after their first semester through their senior year, the timeline is flexible and can be integrated into your existing major requirements. Students should apply no later than the junior year to the program to ensure on time graduation and completion of their senior year coursework.
UNC‑BEST students begin hands‑on classroom teaching experience during their 16‑week, full‑time student‑teaching internship, a required component for North Carolina secondary teacher licensure. During the internship, students are placed in a local middle or high school, where they teach lessons, observe and assist mentor teachers, participate in lesson planning and grading, and become fully integrated members of the school faculty, gaining real‑world experience before graduation. Student teaching internships take place in the spring semester of senior year.
No. Students are only able to take 12 hours of academic credit hours in your spring term of senior year. This is comprised of EDUC 746 (9 credit hours) and EDUC 747 (3 credit hours). No other coursework is allowed during this term. Please reach out to a School of Education advisor to discuss further.
Student teaching only occurs in the spring semester and when all major requirements have been completed. So, we are not able to be flexible of a different term for student teaching. However, on occasion, we are able to adjust the timing of EDUC 760 to accommodate major requirements. Please reach out to the program and advisors to discuss.
Upon completion of the BEST Minor program, our students will be fully prepared to pursue North Carolina licensure in either Secondary Mathematics (grades 9–12) or Secondary Comprehensive Science (grades 9–12).
Licensure requirements vary by state. While North Carolina licensure is widely recognized, candidates seeking positions elsewhere should review that state’s specific requirements.
The BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program welcomes current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates and transfer students who meet GPA requirements and are ready to declare a major. The program admits students for fall and spring entry. High school students cannot apply directly to the major but may apply to UNC–Chapel Hill and then declare the minor once enrolled and eligible.
Current students can apply to the BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program at any time by submitting a change of major/minor request via ConnectCarolina. Students must have a science major declared to be eligible to apply.
Students apply to the BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program by first requesting a change of major/minor in ConnectCarolina. After submitting the change request, you will receive an automated email from Carolina’s application system with a link to the online application (Please note that it may take 24–72 hours to receive the application email after initiating the change‑of‑major request). All materials, including your personal essay and test scores, are submitted electronically through this system. Once your application is complete, it is reviewed, and admitted students can officially declare the minor by accepting their offer in ConnectCarolina.
Yes. Transfer students are welcome to apply to the BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program as a junior transfer. Students transferring to UNC–Chapel Hill may apply during their first semester at Carolina or through the Common Application.
Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are set by the University and assessed each semester. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please visit the University Cashier website. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include scholarships, loans, grants, federal work-study, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along with School of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards.
Note: To be considered for all scholarship financial aid opportunities offered through the UNC School of Education and the University, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline.
Yes. Students in the BEST Minor (Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching) program are eligible for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which offers professional development opportunities and up to $10,000 per year ($5,000 per semester) in forgivable loans for students committed to teaching elementary education, special education, or secondary STEM education in North Carolina after graduation.
Yes. You are encouraged to speak with a School of Education advisor to discuss course planning options and study abroad timing.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or schedule an appointment with an undergraduate advisor.