Major in Biology with Certification to Teach Biology

To receive certification for teaching biology, students must satisfy the distribution of biology courses required of all biology majors and the complementary science and mathematics courses. In addition, students planning to teach must take the following:

An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Writing process. 4 credits.
A course designed for students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary education. Responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of materials and equipment for lab; supervision of lab work; and preparation, administration, and evaluation of quizzes and lab tests. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. 1 credit.
† indicates a required course

Thirty-four total biology course credits are required. The required education courses are:

A study of the legal, social, historical and philosophical foundations of American education correlated with a survey of the principles and theories of influential educators. Includes required weekly field practicum (two hours per week minimum). Limited to education majors or permission of instructor. 3 credits
This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States.This course may be taken while student teaching. Social Diversity Studies. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. 3 credits.
This course will offer comprehensive preparation for teaching art in secondary schools through discussing, reading, writing, and completing art projects through different mediums. As part of this course, students will establish and practice appropriate classroom management strategies; develop and implement appropriate studio organization and assessment strategies; explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of studio instruction for a variety of populations; read, write and discuss current issues in the field of education, including meeting the needs of students with disabilities; explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of classroom instruction for a variety of populations including those with disabilities; evaluate student work by creating their own rubrics to assess learning; and use technology effectively as an instructional tool. Prerequisites: Art/Art History Major or permission. 3 credits.
A study of the basic principles and procedures for middle school and secondary classroom management and instruction. Prerequisite: EDU 110; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior status; approval of instructor; must be take prior to SED 431 or 440. 3 credits.
A continuation of the basic principles and procedures for middle school and secondary school classroom management and instruction. Prerequisites: EDU 110; SED 280, 430; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior or senior status; approval of the instructor; must be taken prior to SED 440. 3 credits.
Students spend an entire semester in an area school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for admission to teacher candidacy is required; EDU 110; SED 430, 431; open to seniors or students seeking certification only; fulfillment of all Act 354 requirements as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; passing scores on the PPST Reading, Writing, and Mathematics PRAXIS exams; approval of the major subject area adviser and the Education Department faculty. 12 credits.
This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course