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Biology Education

Expand your knowledge about biology and learn how to teach the subject to your future students.

woman directs crowd in forest
woman directs crowd in forest

Types

Bachelor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

54*

Cost

$9,875

Bring biology to life for your future students.

Bring your passion for life sciences into the classroom with a Bachelor’s in Biology Education from University of the Cumberlands. This program provides the training and preparation you need to become an effective biology teacher, combining strong foundations in science with professional education coursework. Housed in the Correll Science Complex, you’ll study in modern laboratories and classrooms equipped with advanced media, audio, and data transmission technology, while learning from dedicated faculty who model what it means to be a great educator.

Biology education majors also benefit from unique opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. Through independent coursework, field study, Presidential Scholar research, and study abroad programs, you can tailor your education to your interests and career goals. Students even have the option to assist faculty with laboratory instruction or research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Whether you plan to teach in Kentucky, across the United States, or abroad, the biology education bachelor’s degree program at Cumberlands prepares you to inspire the next generation of scientists and lifelong learners.

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

2nd

in KY, Education Programs

$61,820

Average Salary

5%

Industry Growth

100%

Accredited Program
Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions in Biology Education

Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Biology Education (Secondary Certification)

The Biology Education program combines rigorous training in the biological sciences with professional teacher preparation, equipping students to become effective secondary science educators. Students build a strong foundation in genetics, ecology, cellular biology, biodiversity, environmental science, chemistry, and scientific research while developing the instructional skills needed to teach life science concepts in middle and high school classrooms. Through coursework in educational psychology, classroom management, curriculum development, instructional technology, literacy, and student teaching, students learn how to transform complex scientific concepts into engaging, standards-based learning experiences. Laboratory experiences, field studies, research opportunities, and classroom placements provide hands-on preparation for teaching biology and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

What You'll Learn

Students in the Biology Education program develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Biology and life science instruction
  • Genetics and heredity
  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Ecology, biodiversity, and environmental science
  • Human anatomy and physiology concepts
  • Scientific inquiry and research methods
  • Laboratory techniques and science safety
  • Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Secondary science curriculum development
  • Lesson planning and standards-based instruction
  • Educational technology for science classrooms
  • Classroom management and student engagement
  • Educational psychology and adolescent development
  • Assessment and evaluation of student learning
  • Scientific communication and presentation skills
  • Differentiated instruction for diverse learners
  • Literacy strategies in science education
  • Professional ethics and responsibilities of educators
  • Student teaching and classroom leadership

Graduates learn how to teach biology and life science concepts through inquiry-based instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and evidence-based teaching practices. They gain the scientific knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and classroom experience needed to become licensed biology teachers while helping students develop critical thinking, scientific literacy, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Course Requirements

In addition to the courses listed, as a biology education major, an additional 42 Credit Hours of professional education courses are required for students pursuing secondary certification.

Because school is so affordable, I do not worry about what I will have to pay once I start to work. I enjoy knowing that once I do have a "real" job, this money will go straight to me, not into school loans.
Logan Hurley
Frankfort, KY | Elementary Education

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the biology education degree program at Cumberlands is to train competent and caring educators through innovative exploration, rigorous academics, advantageous opportunities, and hands-on experience in the laboratory and classroom.

Build a solid fundamental understanding of sciences, especially biology.
Practice sound reasoning through mathematics and science.
Learn to make lesson plans, manage classrooms, create assessments, and more.
Sharpen your critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, reflection, and communication skills.
Gain experience leading children through coursework and activities.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Biology Education Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Biology Teacher (9-12): $61,820

Biology Teacher (9-12): $61,820

High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

Medical Scientist: $95,310

Medical Scientist: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Lab Technician/Assistant: $57,800

Lab Technician/Assistant: $57,800

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Physician Assistant (PA): $121,530

Physician Assistant (PA): $121,530

Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.

School Administrator: $106,850

School Administrator: $106,850

Education administrators plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Biology

Learn more about your future biology and education professors!

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

606-539-4309
leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116
Dr. Joan Hembree

Dr. Joan Hembree

Associate Professor / Adjunct Professor
Biology

Dr. Joan Hembree

Contact Information

606-539-4264
joan.hembree [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B115
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