For general information about initial teacher certification programs at NIU, contact the University Coordinator of Teacher Certification, Al Buehler, at (815) 753-0847, Williston Hall 201, or visit the University Teacher Certification Web Site. This site also has information on Alternative Certification. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also maintains a separate web site on Secondary Teacher Certification Programs. Use this link to learn more about clinical coursework and student teaching.

	Any student wishing to take courses at NIU must go through the admissions process. If you are seeking a bachelor's degree, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Home Page. You can apply online. If you already have a bachelor's degree, visit the Graduate School. Declare your status as Student At Large. You can apply online.
	Click here to find out when you should register, when classes begin, etc.

Chemistry Teacher Certification Overview:
 

Pre-baccalaureate students seeking a Standard High School Certificate in Chemistry at NIU must complete the requirements for a chemistry B.S. degree. Pre-baccalaureate students seeking Teacher Certification in Chemistry should choose Emphasis 2 or Emphasis 3. Click here for a suggested 4 year plan of study.

A pharmaceutical preparation of insulin may contain Zn(II) ion (red spheres). Zinc causes insulin molecules to clump together. Why would a pharmaceutical company want to add zinc to insulin? Molecular rendering software, available on the web for free, can help students answer this kind of inquiry question. It's one of several tools that can be made available to high school students to help them explore molecular structure.