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Biology Education Major

Become a biology teacher

SBU's biology education program will give you an intensive study of biology and foundational knowledge of teaching high school students through classroom instruction, technology integration and multiple classroom field experiences.

When you graduate with your bachelor's in biology education degree, you will be certified to teach biology and general science at the high school level. Career opportunities are promising as the need for science teachers is great and SBU graduates are widely known for their academic preparation and outstanding work ethic and character.

The Biology Education degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

100%
Job
placement
rate

(For SBU biology education graduates seeking teaching positions.)

Professor and students examine cell samples

The SBU Advantage

All full-time biology faculty have a Ph.D. degree and teach their lectures and labs personally.
Classroom field experiences begin as early as your freshman year and culminate with a semester-long student teaching experience your senior year, providing you with valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a biology education major, you can take a course from the Strait Center, Biology Through the Eyes of Faith, and will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses, including Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

"I am thankful for all of the teachers who took time to help me prepare for my career. Many of them helped me develop my resume and gain experience in education."

Jaren Whisler '10

High School Science Teacher at Concordia High School (Mo.)

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. Craig Endres, Professor

Dr. John Murphy, Associate Professor

Dr. Dennis Siegfried, Professor

Additional Information for Biology Education Students

Biology Club

As an SBU biology education student, you are encouraged to join the Biology Club. During monthly meetings you will learn about the biology field from expert guest speakers, give back through biology-related service projects (such as volunteering at the zoo), and participate in social events.

Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA)

As a biology education major, you are encouraged to join SBU's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.

Sigma Zeta

As an outstanding biology education student, you may have the opportunity to join Sigma Zeta, a national honor society for science and math students. Sigma Zeta members have the opportunity to go to the national honor society's convention and learn from experts and other students. You may even have the chance to present your own research at the convention.

Scholarships

SBU offers a wide range of privately funded scholarships. Biology education majors can apply for these awards, including the Everett & Winnie Grant Science & Christian Faith scholarship which honors science, math and elementary education majors who integrate their work with their Christian faith.

Biology Education Sample Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

UNI 1111	University Seminar	1
BIO 1111	Biology Colloquium	1
BIO 1004	Principles of Biology	4
ENG 1113	English Composition I	3
MAT 1143	College Algebra	3
BIB 1013	Old Testament History	3
Total hours		15

Spring Semester

UNI 1121	Introduction to Critical Thinking	1
BIO 2134	General Zoology	4
ENG 2213	English Composition II	3
CIS 1103	Computer and Information Management	3
BIB 1023	New Testament History	3
Total hours		14

Sophomore

Fall Semester

BIO 2214	Environmental Biology (fall, odd)	4
BIO 2234	General Botany	4
EDU 2313	Foundations of Education — Secondary	3
SPF 2012	Introduction to Spiritual Formation	2
COM 1103	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

EDU 2113	Educational Psychology	3
EDU 2141	Field Experience Level 1 — Secondary	1
PHS 1004	Introduction to Physical Science	4
HIS 2213/2223	U.S. History I or II	3
FAR 10_3	Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre	3
	Cultural Studies Elective	2-3
Total hours		16-17

Junior

Fall Semester

CHE 1115	General Chemistry I	5
EDU 2823	Technology for Educators	3
EDU 3043	Learner Development and the Classroom	3
PHS 3303	History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (fall, even)	3
KIN 1162	Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness	2
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

BIO ___4	Biology Elective	4
CHE 1125	General Chemistry II	5
POL 1113	American Government and Politics	3
ECO 2003	LIFE Economics	3
EDU 3013	Analyzing & Amending Reading Problems	3
Total hours		16

Senior

Fall Semester

BIO ___4	Biology Elective	4
BIO 3324	Genetics	4
PHS 1114	Introduction to Earth Science	4
EDU 3833	Behavior and Classroom Management—Secondary	3
EDU 4522	Methods of Teaching Science in Middle/Sec.	2
Total hours		17

Fall — Student Teaching Semester

EDU 4691	Student Teaching Seminar	1
EDU 4832	Assessment and Evaluation of Learners	2
EDU 4842	Teaching Diverse Learners	2
EDU 4949	Student Teaching in Secondary School	10
Total hours		15

Spring Semester

BIO 3334	Ecology	4
BIO 4471	Seminar in Biology	1
BIO ___4	Biology Elective	4
EDU 3333	Principles and Methods of Secondary Instruction	3
EDU 3341	Field Experience Level 2 — Secondary	1
EDU 3613	Content Area Literacy	3
Total hours		16

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Biology Education Plan (PDF)