2024-2025 Catalog 
  
    May 19, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

Biology Education (BIED3-BS), B.S.

Location(s): Ferris Main Campus


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science

Biology teachers combine strong quantitative skills with keen observational skills to explore the living world at scales ranging from molecular and cellularto community and global. The technological revolution has added an infectious new excitement to the lessons of biology. Biology education today providesaccess 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, MiddleSchool science, as well as education programs at zoos, aquaria, nature centers, botanical gardens, and environmental camps. This program partners wellwith Chemistry Education and Mathematics Education for teachers in the most demand across the nation. Ferris has a strong program centered aroundthe Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Biology, emphasizing the ecology, genetics and evolution, organismal biology, cellular function, and scientificinquiry. Graduates are prepared to teach in high schools and also have the necessary basic preparation to enter a career in industry or pursue an advanceddegree in science. One semester of directed teaching at the secondary level is required. A teaching minor is strongly recommended.

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Admission Requirements


New Student Admission Requirements


  • 2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
  • Minimum Composite ACT Score of 17/SAT 900

Transfer Student Admission Requirements


  • 2.00 Overall GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
  • At least 12 credits

University Requirements - 33 to 35 Credits Required


First Year Seminar Requirement (FSUS 100 or Equivalent) - 0 to 1 Credit Required


All First-Time-In-Any-College Freshmen (FTIACs) must complete a one-credit FSUS 100  course, or its equivalent. Additional information and the definition of FTIAC for FSUS purposes can be found in the: Ferris State University Academic Affairs FSUS Policy

University General Education Requirements - 33 to 34 Credits Required


Courses in this section are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements for a bachelor’s degree. The University General Education requirements can be found on the: Ferris State University General Education Requirements Webpage

Communication Competency - 12 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Quantitative Literacy Competency - 3 to 4 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Natural Sciences Competency - Credits Required Met in College Requirements


Two courses are required with a minimum of 6 credits: must have at least one lab course.

Culture Competency - 9 Credits Required (Consult Advisor)


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines and have at least one 200 level or higher course.

Self and Society Competency - 9 Credits Required (Consult Advisor)


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines, have at least one 200 level or higher course, and at least one Self and Society Foundation course.

United States (U.S.) Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required


If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the United States (U.S.) Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes. Students in this program cannot have courses met using the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) due to Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements.

Global Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required


If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the Global Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes. Students in this program cannot have courses met using the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) due to Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements.

Collaboration Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements


If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Collaboration attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes.

Problem Solving Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements


If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Problem Solving attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes.

College Requirements - 112 Credits Required


Major Courses - 41 Credits Required


These courses are used to calculate the major 2.50 GPA requirement.

Supporting Sciences - 9 Credits Required


Must be completed through Organic Chemistry courses. These courses are used to calculate the major 2.50 GPA requirement.

Secondary Education Teaching Minor - 24 Credits Required (Declaration Required)


Choose one teaching minor; must not be the same as secondary education major.

  • Chemistry (CHM)
  • English (ENG)
  • Geography (GEO)
  • History (HIED)
  • Mathematics (MTH)
  • Physical Education (PHED)
  • Political Science (PSC)
  • Speech Communication (SPCO)

Secondary Education Professional Sequence - 38 Credits Required


Level 1 Courses - 11 Credits Required


Students may only retake two of the four Level 1 courses. Students may not repeat any education course more than once.These courses are used to calculate the professional sequence 2.75 GPA requirement.

Level 2 Courses - 15 Credits Required


Prior to enrolling in any Level 2 courses, all students must meet the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements, currently Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); see advisor for options. Complete all Level 1 courses with a minimum of 2.50 GPA with no grade lower than a C, have a 2.50 cumulative GPA, and complete a Level 2 application. Students may not repeat any education course more than once. These courses are used to calculate the professional sequence 2.75 GPA requirement.

Level 3 Courses - 12 Credits Required


Prior to enrolling in Level 3 courses, all students must pass the Michigan test for teacher certification in their subject area. 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. Students may not repeat any education course more than once. These courses are used to calculate the professional sequence 2.75 GPA requirement.

Notes


  • Students who return to the university after an interrupted enrollment, not including summer semester, must normally meet the requirements of the curriculum which are in effect at the time of their return, not the requirements which were in effect when they were originally admitted.
  • Ferris State University’s Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) and Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) policies will not apply to this program due to Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements.
  • Credit Variance - Credits required may vary based on course placement, prerequisites, etc. If you have questions, contact your advisor.

Graduation Requirements


In order to graduate from Ferris State University, students must meet both University and Programmatic Graduation Requirements.

University Graduation Requirements


These are the minimum graduation requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University:

  • All requirements as specified in the University Requirements section must be met.
  • A minimum of 120 credits must be earned.
  • A 2.00 or higher cumulative Ferris State University GPA is required.
  • A minimum of 30 credits must be earned from Ferris State University to meet the Residency requirement.
  • A minimum of 40 credits of 300 level or higher courses must be earned.

Programmatic Graduation Requirements


These are the additional graduation requirements mandated by the program:

  • All requirements as specified in the College Requirements section must be met.
  • A 2.50 or higher cumulative GPA is required in the Major Courses and Supporting Sciences sections.
  • A 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA is required in the Secondary Education Teaching Minor section.
  • A 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA is required in the Secondary Education Professional Sequence section.
  • A 2.50 or higher cumulative GPA is required before beginning student teaching.
  • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all courses.

Contact Information


School of Education
231-591-5361
[email protected]

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree Programs