BS in Biology: Secondary Education
journey today.
Empower Your Future Students Through Science Education
Do you enjoy learning about the complexities of living organisms while also wanting to make a positive impact on the next generation? Consider earning the Bachelor of Science in Biology for Secondary Education degree from Grand Canyon University. This life sciences degree is designed to provide future middle school and high school teachers with the content knowledge they need to pursue licensure as biology teachers.
This undergraduate degree program is offered by the College of Natural Sciences in conjunction with teaching licensure requirement courses provided by the College of Education for students who are seeking a biology teaching degree and want to work with students in grades 6-12. Students can apply for their initial teacher licensure in addition to earning their biology teaching degree.
Build Confidence and Experience in Biology Education
As a student in GCU’s biology education degree program, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of biological science. Through studying research-based pedagogical practices and curriculum development, you can gain confidence to teach effectively. This program aims to prepare you to use the skills of a biology educator, such as research, critical thinking and effective communication in secondary education settings. We take a blended approach that combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, which is intended to offer a holistic learning experience.
Benefits of Earning a BS in Biology for Secondary Education
Students pursuing the BS in Biology for Secondary Education have the opportunity to develop a teaching foundation, which can prepare them to make an impact as future biology teachers.
Secondary education majors who are interested in pursuing careers as high school biology teachers can benefit in the following ways:
In-depth exploration of the subject matter
The curriculum teaches biological science foundations that are invaluable for teaching high school biology and preparing students for advanced studies in the field.
Preparation for teaching certification
A BS in Biology for Secondary Education can provide the necessary coursework and practical experience that can prepare you to take the initial teacher licensure exam.
Field experiences and student teaching
Biology education majors complete laboratory research and student teaching fieldwork. This may provide hands-on experiences useful for teaching biology and encouraging students to pursue scientific inquiry.
Career opportunities
This degree program can provide professional flexibility and career opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and goals.
Curriculum for the Biology: Secondary Education Degree
The biology education degree program combines comprehensive coursework in biology with specialized education in teaching strategies, curriculum development and classroom management.
GCU’s degree program covers a broad range of topics necessary to pursue teaching licensure as a biology teacher, including:
Students are also encouraged to develop transferable soft skills, including being adaptable and collaborative learners, and nurturing a commitment to lifelong learning. In addition to the pedagogical education that future biology teachers will receive in this secondary education major, STEM content knowledge is emphasized.
Career Paths With a BS in Biology for Secondary Education
This content-rich biology teaching degree is for students who are looking forward to pursuing a career teaching biology and other STEM subjects to students in grades 6-12.
With a firm foundation of competencies in both biology and pedagogy, graduates may go on to pursue careers such as:
Middle school teachers (except special and technical education)
High school teachers (except special and technical education)
Median annual wage for high school teachers as of May 20241
Estimated job openings for high school teachers each year from 2024 to 20342
This biology for secondary education major qualifies GCU students to take exams for initial teacher licensure. To become a qualified and licensed teacher, you must obtain all necessary certifications as determined by the state in which you teach. Check your state for specific requirements. You also qualify for a middle school endorsement, which may allow you to teach grades 6-12. To become a licensed biology teacher, graduates need to pass both a content knowledge and professional knowledge exam.
Earn Your Biology Secondary Education Degree From an Accredited University
This degree is programmatically accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This accreditation confirms this degree effectively prepares educators who are committed to professional growth. The Higher Learning Commission has institutionally accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Natural Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review our list of the most frequently asked questions about biology education and the teaching profession to help you make an informed decision.
Biology for secondary education refers to the instruction of middle and high school students in biological sciences, which includes topics ranging from molecular biology to genetics and beyond. Secondary biology teachers deliver lectures and typically develop lab experiments for their students to replicate.
Each student’s journey is unique. The time it takes you to complete a degree and become a teacher can depend on factors such as your chosen degree program, scheduling preferences, transfer credits and more. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to graduate with a secondary education major in biology.
Future biology teachers need to complete 85 hours of practicum field experiences prior to student teaching, and these experiences are built into the coursework. The final semester of the program requires a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
Earning this degree could be worth it for you if you have dreams of becoming a biology teacher. Additionally, you might consider the salary potential of your intended career. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide salary information specific to biology teachers, high school teachers typically specialize in a core subject, such as science, math or history.3 According to the BLS, high school teachers had a median annual wage of $64,580 in May 2024.1
Some students may find the coursework in biology to be challenging due to its complexity and the amount of material required. Additionally, the education courses that are part of the program, such as classroom management and teaching strategies, may also require significant effort and preparation time. If biology coursework and education excite you, this combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience can help you achieve your goal of becoming a biology teacher.
Embark on your journey to become a biology teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Biology for Secondary Education from GCU. Unlock your potential as a biology educator to start shaping minds and making a difference.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), High School Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as high school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.