Biology Education
Program Requirements
Biology Education, BS Program Checksheet
Includes:
- Major Courses and General Education Courses
- Admission and Transfer Requirements
- Graduation Requirements
Why Choose Biology Education?
Biology teachers combine strong quantitative skills with keen observational skills to explore the living world at scales ranging from molecular and cellular to community and global. The technological revolution has added an infectious new excitement to the lessons of biology. Biology education today provides access to new knowledge, helping people understand how things happen in the natural and physical environment.
The employment outlook for biology education students is excellent. Graduates of Biology Education are highly sought after for High School biology, Middle School science, as well as education programs at zoos, aquaria, nature centers, botanical gardens, and environmental camps. This program partners well with Chemistry Education and Mathematics Education for teachers in the most demand across the nation. Ferris has a strong program centered around the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Biology, emphasizing the ecology, genetics and evolution, organismal biology, cellular function, and scientific inquiry.
Graduates are prepared to teach in high schools and also have the necessary basic preparation to enter a career in industry or pursue an advanced degree in science. One semester of directed teaching at the secondary level is required. A teaching minor is strongly reccommended.
Career Opportunities
Biology education is a four-year curriculum that may be selected as a major. A teaching minor is strongly reccommended. You cannot have a biology teaching minor with this teaching major. Successful completion of the program leads to recommendation for a Michigan secondary provisional certificate. The program is designed to take full advantage of the unusual, hands-on Ferris instructional capabilities in developing both teaching and subject matter competency. Students receive the broad background in classroom, laboratory and field training essential to be effective teachers.
Teacher Certification Requirements
As required by the State of Michigan to receive teacher certification, all teacher candidates must: (1) Meet MDE (CAEP) cohort standards, (2) pass the pedagogy tests in their subject area majors, and (3) have a 2.75 minimum GPA to receive teacher certification in Michigan. These state requirements are in addition to the FSU graduation requirements of your individual program.
More Information
School of Education
Bishop Hall Room 421
Ferris State University
1349 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2737
Telephone: (231) 591-5361
ADVISOR: Dr. Scott Herron
PHONE: 231-591-2082
EMAIL: [email protected]
Biology Education Major - 49 Credit Hours
Professional Sequence - 37 Required Credits
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE GPA FOR THEIR MAJOR/MINOR AS ESTABLISHED BY EACH DEPARTMENT. A 2.75 GPA IS REQUIRED IN THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSE SEQUENCE. A 2.50 CUMULATIVE GPA IS ALSO REQUIRED BEFORE STUDENT TEACHING.
Professional Education Sequence - Level I
Professional Education Sequence - Level II
Note: Prior to enrolling in Level II courses, all students must take the Professional Readiness Exam at least once. Complete all Level I courses with a minimum of 2.5 GPA with no grade lower than a C, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and complete a Level II application. Students may not repeat any education course more than once. You may not have more than two reapeats in Level I courses.
Professional Education Sequence - Level III
Note: Prior to enrolling in Level III courses, all students must pass the Michigan test for teacher certification in their subject area. Students may not repeat any education course more than once.
NOTE: Though faculty advisors are responsible for advising students regarding degree requirements, it is the student who is ultimately responsible for choosing the correct courses and for following the correct program. No Grade Lower than a C.