BS in Biology for Secondary Education
BS in Biology for Secondary Education
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The BS in biology secondary education degree program combines rigorous coursework in biology with specialized training in teaching strategies, curriculum development and classroom management, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective high school biology teacher. If you find yourself passionate about both biology and education, this may be the right path for you.
BS in Biology for Secondary Education majors study relevant topics in this program, including:
Acquiring essential modern-day competencies is crucial for students, which includes being adaptable, collaborative, independent learners and having a lifelong learning mindset.1 In addition to the rigorous pedagogical training that future biology teachers will be taught in this secondary education major, STEM content knowledge is emphasized.
As a student in GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Biology for Secondary Education degree program, you will have the opportunity to attain a deep understanding of biological science as well as research-based pedagogical practices, including curriculum development, prior to entering the classroom. This biology for secondary education teaching program is designed to prepare you to use the skills of a biology educator, such as research, critical thinking and effective communication, in your future educational settings.
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.
Do you enjoy learning about the complexities of living organisms while also wanting to make a positive impact on the next generation? If so, the Bachelor of Science in Biology for Secondary Education degree from Grand Canyon University is designed to provide future middle school and high school teachers with the content knowledge they need to be biology teachers.
This undergraduate biology for secondary education 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. Biology for secondary education majors can earn their initial teacher licensure in addition to their biology teaching degree.
Deciding on a bachelor’s degree is a big decision. Review our list of the most frequently asked questions about this BS in biology secondary education to help you make your decision.
This biology secondary education degree requires a total of 126 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. 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.
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.4 According to the BLS, high school teachers have a median annual wage of $61,820 in May 2021.2
Some students may find the coursework in biology to be challenging due to its complexity and the amount of memorization 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.
While some bachelor’s in biology for secondary education degree graduates may go on to teach or work in nontraditional industries, such as in museums and national parks, many use their biology teaching degrees to pursue a career as a postsecondary education teacher or a secondary school teacher (except special and technical education).
Median annual wage for high school teachers as of May 20222
Estimated for secondary education teaching occupations from 2021 to 20313
The BS in biology for secondary education degree program:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
This content-rich biology teaching degree is for students who are looking forward to a career teaching biology and other STEM subjects to students in grades 6-12.
This biology secondary education major also qualifies GCU students to take exams for initial teacher licensure. As a graduate of this BS in biology secondary education degree program, you meet the requirements for the secondary education certificate in biology. You also qualify for a middle school endorsement, which allows you to teach grades 6-12. In addition, to become a licensed biology teacher, GCU BS in Biology for Secondary Education degree students need to pass both a content knowledge and professional knowledge exam.
If your dreams include helping to develop STEM proficiency and content knowledge in the future generations of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, then you might consider the BS in Biology for Secondary Education degree at GCU.
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 a career as a high school biology teacher, can benefit in the following ways:
In-depth knowledge of the subject matter
Biological science foundations that are invaluable for teaching high school biology and preparing students for advanced studies in the field will be taught.
Preparation for teaching certification
A BS in Biology in 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 for secondary education majors often involves 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 BS in biology secondary education major can provide flexibility and career opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and goals.
