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students looking through microscopes

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

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.

Jaren Whisler
"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.)

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.