have graduated or will graduate from high school with a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
have earned a minimum ACT composite of 18 or SAT equivalent (minimum SAT score range of 860-890 when combining Critical Reading plus Math)
must meet the minimum high school subject requirements of 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Lab Sciences, 2 years of Social Sciences, 2 years of Fine Arts or 2 years of a Foreign Language and 2 years of Elective Academic Units
Applicants are required to submit official high school transcript(s) and official ACT or SAT score reports (if younger than 21 years old), or official GED. Final high school transcripts must be submitted after graduating or freshman applicants will be unable to begin courses.
English requirements
The IELTS minimum acceptable score is 6.0
International students should have TOEFL score 500 on paper based with 53 on reading, 54 on writing, 53 on Listening, 173 on computer based with 20 on reading, 21 on writing, 19 on Listening and IBT score of 68 with 19 on reading, 16 on writing, 18 on Listening and 15 on speaking.
rain the next generation of scientists, doctors, nurses, and other medical and research professionals with a biology teaching degree. At Governors State University, you can receive the training, knowledge, and certification you need to become a biology teacher. Explore the laboratory experience, classroom discussions, and faculty mentorships you’ll receive as a student at GSU.
Biology and other science teachers help encourage another generation of scientists and researchers. Promote excitement about STEM fields in middle and high school classrooms. If you love teaching young minds and wish to work with older, more experienced students, receive a master’s degree to teach biology to future college students. Continuing your education is a great way to keep up with current research and provide your students with even more resources in the sciences.
The United States Department of Education, for the last six years, has pointed out a national shortage of science teachers, including biology teachers. Source: "Designated Teacher Shortage Areas," Illinois State Board of Education
Don’t let this shortage limit children's’ access to a quality education in the sciences. Work with passionate educators in Chicago’s Southland to gain the tools and knowledge necessary to work with students. Some students may be hesitant to learn more about biology, but you can help them fall in love with this crucial field.
Create an environment of learning in any classroom setting. Work with students who are reluctant learners, shy learners, or bright pupils to pass on your knowledge of and excitement about the sciences. Some biology teachers can focus on a specific subdiscipline, while others are hired as generalists to teach the basics of biology, chemistry, and physics in high school classes.
Developing Expertise
As a student in the GSU biology program, you will encounter the natural world, decipher its codes, and understand its complexities. As a student of education, you also learn how to teach valuable skills and understanding to the next generation of scientists, researchers, and environmentally aware citizens.
Gain classroom skills necessary to work with students in the real world. Manage classes, lead discussions, and design a curriculum that inspires and empowers young learners. Your biology teacher degree program helps you prepare for the professional teaching examination program in Illinois.
Part of your teacher training is a student teaching opportunity. This puts you in an actual classroom and helps you put your knowledge of teaching strategies and classroom management to practice. This gives you the confidence you need to work with students in middle and high school environments in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
What does it take to be a great teacher? Your Bachelor of Science program also covers teaching theories and principles of teaching science in a classroom setting. Explore various theories of learning, classroom management, and curriculum-building practice. Hone these essential skills before stepping foot in a classroom or taking the Teacher Performance Assessment.
Don’t wait until you’re hired as a teacher to practice standing up in front of a classroom full of students, but receive the practical experience and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel as a biology teacher.
You’ll also need to have an in-depth grasp of your subject area. A degree program in biology education trains you to be a teacher without compromising on your quality biology education. Learn more about general biology, microbiology, physics, zoology, botany, ecology, anatomy, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on your preferred specialty with elective courses, but a program at GSU offers you the broad subject knowledge you need to confidently teach and answer questions about biology in a classroom setting.
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General Education Requirements (38-41 Hours)
The following courses must be taken to meet major and general education requirements:
General Biology I with Laboratory (4)
General Chemistry I with Laboratory (4)
MATH - 2281 Applied Calculus (3)
Required Courses (63 Hours)
The following courses must be taken at the lower-division level:
General Biology II with Laboratory (4)
General Chemistry II with Laboratory (4)
The following courses can be taken at either the lower-division or upper-division level:
Botany with Laboratory (3)
Zoology with Laboratory (3)
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (8)
BIOL - 3360 Comparative Anatomy (3)
BIOL - 3361 Comparative Anatomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4430 Microbiology (3)
BIOL - 4431 Microbiology Laboratory (1)
PHYS - 2141 Intermediate Physics I (3)
PHYS - 2142 Intermediate Physics Lab I (1)
PHYS - 2143 Intermediate Physics II (3)
PHYS - 2144 Intermediate Physics Lab II (1)
The following courses must be taken at the upper-division level:
BIOL - 3099 Biology Junior Seminar (3)
BIOL - 3322 Ecology (3)
BIOL - 3323 Ecology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 3340 Genetics (3)
BIOL - 3370 Cell Biology (3)
BIOL - 3371 Cell Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4450 Animal Physiology (3)
BIOL - 4451 Animal Physiology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4460 Plant Physiology (3)
BIOL - 4461 Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4965 Senior Capstone: Evolution (3)
BIOL - 4990 Undergraduate Research I (1)
BIOL - 4992 Undergraduate Research II (1)
STAT - 4219 Statistical Methods (3)
Upper-Division Applications Selectives (9 Hours)
Select nine hours from the following courses:
BIOL - 3341 Genetics Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4510 Biological Literature (1)
BIOL - 4522 Ornithology (2)
BIOL - 4523 Ornithology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4530 Biotechnology (2)
BIOL - 4531 Biotechnology Laboratory (1-2)
BIOL - 4555 Mammalogy (2)
BIOL - 4556 Mammalogy Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4560 Plant Systematics (2)
BIOL - 4561 Plant Systematics Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4570 Immunology (3)
BIOL - 4580 Behavioral Ecology (3)
BIOL - 4700 Conservation Genetics (2)
BIOL - 4701 Conservation Genetics Lab (1)
NOTE:
Other biology courses as approved by the academic advisor.
Electives (7 Hours)
May include credit-hours needed to meet minor requirements.
Additional courses such as Analytical Chemistry (CHEM-3233/CHEM-3234), Analytical Biochemistry (CHEM-6333 /CHEM6334 ), Introduction to Computer Technology (CPSC-2005), or Computer Programming: Visual BASIC (CPSC-3120) are
strongly recommended.
Total - 120 Hours
