Biology with Secondary Certification, BS
Observation of classes in middle and high school
National Science Teachers Association Accredited
Research labs, state forests and parks, and medical institutions
The Bachelor of Science in Biology with Secondary Certification program prepares you to teach in grades 7-12. We train scientists that can teach, not teachers that know a little science. Shippensburg University is a great place to study to become a biology teacher because its secondary education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the National Science Teachers Association. It also has the only public elementary lab school in the state.
You will complete the requirements for the biology major while taking education courses required for certification. You will primarily focus on biology, but you will be exposed to chemistry and physics as well. Core courses in education address the history of education in the United States, special education and accommodations, reading strategies, education law and science-specific pedagogy for secondary (grades 7-12) classrooms.
You will prepare to become a teacher in grades 7-12, but because you are also a biologist, you can work as a biologist, or continue your education and go to graduate or medical school.
Course Work for Biology with Secondary Certification, BS
You will need to earn your biology degree with the general education component and complete your professional education requirements and be formally admitted into the teacher education program after your sophomore year.
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate. Total credits to graduate with this degree are 127-130.
For full course descriptions, visit the undergraduate catalog.
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Secondary Certification and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program. For more information, contact the Political and Social Inquiry Department.