SBU's biology education program will give you an intensive study of biology and foundational knowledge of teaching high school students through classroom instruction, technology integration and multiple classroom field experiences.
When you graduate with your bachelor's in biology education degree, you will be certified to teach biology and general science at the high school level. Career opportunities are promising as the need for science teachers is great and SBU graduates are widely known for their academic preparation and outstanding work ethic and character.
The Biology Education degree is offered through SBU's College of Science and Mathematics.
(For SBU biology education graduates seeking teaching positions.)
SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.
As a biology education major, you can take a course from the Strait Center, Biology Through the Eyes of Faith, and will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses, including Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.
I am thankful for all of the teachers who took time to help me prepare for my career. Many of them helped me develop my resume and gain experience in education.
As an SBU biology education student, you are encouraged to join the Biology Club. During monthly meetings you will learn about the biology field from expert guest speakers, give back through biology-related service projects (such as volunteering at the zoo), and participate in social events.
As a biology education major, you are encouraged to join SBU's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.
As an outstanding biology education student, you may have the opportunity to join Sigma Zeta, a national honor society for science and math students. Sigma Zeta members have the opportunity to go to the national honor society's convention and learn from experts and other students. You may even have the chance to present your own research at the convention.
SBU offers a wide range of privately funded scholarships. Biology education majors can apply for these awards, including the Everett & Winnie Grant Science & Christian Faith scholarship which honors science, math and elementary education majors who integrate their work with their Christian faith.
| UNI 1111 | University Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 1111 | Biology Colloquium | 1 |
| BIO 1004 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| ENG 1113 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 1143 | College Algebra | 3 |
| BIB 1013 | Old Testament History | 3 |
| Total hours | 15 | |
| UNI 1121 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 1 |
| BIO 2134 | General Zoology | 4 |
| ENG 2213 | English Composition II | 3 |
| CIS 1103 | Computer and Information Management | 3 |
| BIB 1023 | New Testament History | 3 |
| Total hours | 14 | |
| BIO 2214 | Environmental Biology (fall, odd) | 4 |
| BIO 2234 | General Botany | 4 |
| EDU 2313 | Foundations of Education — Secondary | 3 |
| SPF 2012 | Introduction to Spiritual Formation | 2 |
| COM 1103 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| Total hours | 16 | |
| EDU 2113 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 2141 | Field Experience Level 1 — Secondary | 1 |
| PHS 1004 | Introduction to Physical Science | 4 |
| HIS 2213/2223 | U.S. History I or II | 3 |
| FAR 10_3 | Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre | 3 |
| Cultural Studies Elective | 2-3 | |
| Total hours | 16-17 | |
| CHE 1115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| EDU 2823 | Technology for Educators | 3 |
| EDU 3043 | Learner Development and the Classroom | 3 |
| PHS 3303 | History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (fall, even) | 3 |
| KIN 1162 | Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness | 2 |
| Total hours | 16 | |
| BIO ___4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| CHE 1125 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| POL 1113 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | LIFE Economics | 3 |
| EDU 3013 | Analyzing & Amending Reading Problems | 3 |
| Total hours | 16 | |
| BIO ___4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| BIO 3324 | Genetics | 4 |
| PHS 1114 | Introduction to Earth Science | 4 |
| EDU 3833 | Behavior and Classroom Management—Secondary | 3 |
| EDU 4522 | Methods of Teaching Science in Middle/Sec. | 2 |
| Total hours | 17 | |
| EDU 4691 | Student Teaching Seminar | 1 |
| EDU 4832 | Assessment and Evaluation of Learners | 2 |
| EDU 4842 | Teaching Diverse Learners | 2 |
| EDU 4949 | Student Teaching in Secondary School | 10 |
| Total hours | 15 | |
| BIO 3334 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 4471 | Seminar in Biology | 1 |
| BIO ___4 | Biology Elective | 4 |
| EDU 3333 | Principles and Methods of Secondary Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 3341 | Field Experience Level 2 — Secondary | 1 |
| EDU 3613 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| Total hours | 16 | |
This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without
advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education,
degree, departmental and graduation requirements.
Download in PDF format:
Biology Education Plan
