Bachelor's Degree in Biology Education (Secondary Certification)

As a biology student in UC's biology education degree program, you’ll find new and innovative ways to explore and appreciate the biological sciences while earning your secondary education certification. If you aspire to become a science teacher in middle school or high school settings, then pursue biology education with guidance from a skilled and enthusiastic faculty who have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your program.

In our state-of-the-art Correll Science Complex—featuring laboratories and classrooms equipped with the latest media, audio, and data transmission technology—you’ll interact with a dynamic group of people from the Department of Biology, learning the science you need to become a biology teacher. 

Educational opportunities also exist outside the classroom. With specialized research through independent course work, field study, Presidential Scholar research, and study abroad programs, you’ll work on the practical skills to be the best science teacher possible. You can also gain valuable hands-on experience by assisting in labs and with faculty research, in addition to your biology university courses. Plus, each year, Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society, sponsors guest speakers, field trips, and service projects.

• What is a Biology Education Degree?
• How to Become a Science Teacher
• Curriculum and Degree Requirements

What is a Biology Education Degree?

A biology education major provides the training educators need to pursue career opportunities teaching science in public and private schools. Coursework of an accredited program for aspiring biology teachers offers the opportunity to gain a solid fundamental understanding of all sciences with a special emphasis in biological sciences—from cellular biology to genetics to biodiversity. In addition, students of these programs will gain a comprehensive education in age-appropriate lesson planning, classroom management, creating assessments, and other necessary skills for the middle school or high school science teacher.

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*A Bachelor of Science or Arts is considered a minimum degree needed for most positions. Many require a master’s degree and/or a doctorate.

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How to Become a Science Teacher

Aspiring teachers will first need to check with the certifying board in the state they wish to teach, as each one may have slightly different qualification requirements. Some things, however, are almost universally required.

As with any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) educator, a student wishing to teach biology in public school systems begins by earning a relevant bachelor’s degree. This degree’s major must explore scientific principles and understandings of the biological sciences. And it must offer coursework designed to help students understand how to teach young people. These programs will likely have a student teaching obligation for completion, a requirement for certification in most, if not all, states.

From there, new educators will likely need to pass a state test, apply for teaching certification, and then start applying for open biology teacher positions. 

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Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Major in Biology with Secondary Education Certification — 55 hours

Hours include the requirements for the B.S. with the following exception: BIOL 410, Teaching Practicum in biology and BIOL 231, Introduction to Environmental Science or BIOL 448, General Ecology are required.

Students seeking secondary certification must also take the required professional education courses as described in the Department of Education portion of this catalog. Students completing this degree will be required to report scores from the ETS subject area exam in biology prior to graduation. 

Required Biology Courses: (17 hours) 

• BIOL 133     Introduction to Population Biology 
• BIOL 113     Introduction to Population Biology Laboratory 
• BIOL 134     Introduction to Cellular Biology 
• BIOL 114     Introduction to Cellular Biology Laboratory 
• BIOL 246     Biodiversity 
• BIOL 340     Genetics 
• BIOL 495     Senior Seminar OR BIOL 498 Senior Thesis 

 
Required Allied Math and Science Courses: (18 hours) 

• MATH 132     College Algebra (or higher math course) 
• CHEM 132     General College Chemistry I 
• CHEM 111     General College Chemistry I Laboratory 
• CHEM 232     General College Chemistry II 
• CHEM 211     General College Chemistry II Laboratory 

 
Remaining 7 hours selected from the following: 

• PHYS 241     Physics I 
• PHYS 242     Physics II 
• PHYS 137     Physical Science 
• PHYS 117     Physical Science Laboratory 
• BIOL 231     Environmental Science OR GEOG 231 - Environmental Geography 
• BIOL 116     Environmental Science Laboratory 

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