Application Deadlines:
Spring 2027 Start Fall 2027 Start *Please note that it will take 24-72 hours to receive the application email after initiating the change of major request in Connect Carolina. Transfer Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 Applicants will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis up until the deadline and/or until enrollment capacity is reached, so applicants are encouraged to complete their application early.
Admissions Requirements
The BEST Minor program welcomes UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or mathematics who are passionate about becoming secondary education teachers. Applicants may apply to BEST after completing their first semester and up until their senior year.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required at the time of application, as mandated by the State of North Carolina for licensure eligibility. Applicants who do not meet the 2.7 GPA requirement at the time of application but anticipate meeting it before entering the School of Education are encouraged to contact the department to discuss their situation. Please note that the state mandates the 2.7 GPA requirement, which is not negotiable.
Successful candidates typically demonstrate academic readiness, strong content knowledge in their major field, and a clear commitment to teaching diverse student populations.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor their application status regularly to ensure all materials are received.
Admissions Process
Applicants to the BEST Minor program must first submit a request to change their major within ConnectCarolina. After this request is submitted, an email from the Slate application system will be sent within 24 to 72 hours, containing a link to the online application.
All application materials are to be submitted electronically and include:
- Virtual application via the Slate application system
- Resume (details below)
- Personal Statement/Essay (Please reply to each prompt in 500 words or less)
- What motivates you to pursue teaching as a potential career?
- What qualities do you possess that you believe will allow you to be an effective teacher for a diverse population of students?
- Describe a specific experience from your life and discuss how that experience will influence your ability to support the achievement of a diverse population of students.
By applying to UNC-Chapel Hill, you consent to the university obtaining additional information if needed, including campus safety records. Admission offers are term specific. If you do not enroll, you must reapply for future terms.
Resume
A standard resume is required. Career services can assist you with preparing a resume. Please be sure to include your experiences working with and leading organizations, either through work, volunteer efforts, and co-curricular activities, along with the duration of each experience. For extra-curricular activities at UNC-Chapel Hill, describe any special roles you have fulfilled, such as being an officer or heading a committee. Some of this information could be included in your essay.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering a degree from the UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include loans, grants, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along withSchool of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards.
Undergraduate Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships »
Apply for Change of Major/Minor
1. Log into ConnectCarolina and proceed to Self Service and select “Student Center”.
2. From the “Other Academic” drop-down menu, select “Apply for Change of Major/Minor.”
3. Select “UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching (BEST)” from the “Major/Minor” drop-down. Make sure to select the upcoming term for the current application cycle.
4. If you agree to the terms, click “I Agree” and “Submit Request.” (Please note, this action does not immediately change your current major status. You must be officially accepted to the program.)
5. Once your change of major/minor is submitted and processed, you should receive an email within 24 hours with a link to activate your account and begin the application.