Why Choose Biology Education at Bethel University?
Biology Education is for students who love science and want to spark that same curiosity in the next generation. This degree pairs with a rigorous, lab-rich biology major with a full path to secondary teacher licensure, so you graduate as both a real scientist and a prepared teacher. You learn biology the way scientists actually practice it, then learn how to bring it to life for students in grades 6-12.
The program's strength is its depth in both the lab and the classroom. Your biology coursework moves from foundational cell biology and genetics through microbiology, ecology, and human anatomy, with laboratory work throughout, while the required Professional Education (Secondary) minor provides the teaching methods, classroom management, and field experience to lead a science classroom. You finish knowing your subject deeply and are ready to teach it well.
What You'll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A foundation in biological chemistry, cell biology, genetics, and evolution
- An understanding of biological diversity, plant biology, animal biology, and ecology
- A working knowledge of microbiology, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses
- A command of Mendelian and modern genetics and the biochemical basis of inheritance
- A detailed understanding of cell structure, function, and how cells reproduce and develop
- Knowledge of ecological relationships, energetics, population dynamics, and ecosystems
- An understanding of human anatomy and physiology across the body's major systems
- Extensive laboratory skills developed across the biology curriculum
- The teaching methods and classroom experience to lead a secondary science classroom, through the required education minor
Courses You'll Take
The biology major
Every course in the biology major is required, with laboratory work throughout:
BIO 111, Introduction to Biology I
BIO 112, Introduction to Biology II
BIO 201, Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 202, Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO 211, Introduction to Microbiology
BIO 304, Genetics
BIO 401, Ecology
BIO 419, Cell Biology
BIO 497C, Biology Capstone
The professional education core
Through the required Professional Education (Secondary) minor, you will also complete the teaching sequence that leads to 6-12 licensure, including:
EDU 212C, Foundations of Education
EDU 323, Educational Psychology
EDU 418, Teaching Methods for Secondary Schools
EDU 465, Clinical Teaching Experience
Beyond these, you will complete the full Professional Education (Secondary) minor required for 6-12 teaching licensure.
Career Possibilities
High School Biology Teacher
Teaches biology and life science to students in grades 9 through 12, including laboratory instruction.
Middle School Science Teacher
Teaches life and physical science to students in the middle grades, building curiosity and foundational skills.
Secondary Science Teacher
Leads instruction across the sciences in a licensed 6-12 teaching role, planning lessons and labs and assessing learning.
Science Department Educator
Contributes to a school's science program through teaching, curriculum, and laboratory coordination.
Laboratory Instructor
Guides students through hands-on laboratory work, safety, and scientific methods.
Science Education Program Coordinator
Develops and leads science learning programs for schools, museums, nature centers, or community organizations.
Curriculum Developer
Designs and organizes science lessons and materials that align with state standards.
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