Secondary Education Biology
Craft a science education experience.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Education Biology degree program at York College of Pennsylvania prepares you to become a certified biology teacher through Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved coursework and rich student teaching experiences.
At York College, we believe a great biology teacher must have a well-rounded background in other scientific disciplines and a solid understanding of teaching and leading a classroom. Secondary Education Biology majors establish these solid foundations and receive personalized support to become certified teachers.
York is home to a community of expert educators, industry leaders, and driven students who support your journey to complete licensure requirements, pass certification exams, and become a biology teacher.
About the Secondary Education Biology Degree
Biology Education Degree Requirements
Secondary Education Biology majors complete a balance of science and biology topics courses, general education classes, education methods requirements, and real-world student teaching experiences in preparation for careers as certified educators in seventh through twelfth grade.
Key courses and experiences in the 125-credit BS in Secondary Education (7-12), Biology degree program include:
- BIO 142: Molecules, Genes and Cells
- BIO 212: Environmental Biology
- SE 201: Early Field Experience
- SE 354: Middle and Secondary Science Pedagogies
- SE 495: Student Teaching
Program Admissions
Once admitted to York College of Pennsylvania for the Secondary Education Biology program, students must complete introductory courses and meet other requirements to apply for Pre-Professional Educator Status, a prerequisite for upper-level coursework and student teaching.
To learn how to become a Secondary Education Biology major, explore undergraduate admissions at York College of Pennsylvania.
Earn a BS in Secondary Education Biology (7-12) at York College of Pennsylvania
With York’s bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Biology, make the first stride toward a career impacting the lives and learning of students in science classrooms.
Learn more about becoming a Secondary Education Biology major: Request more information.
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Begin Teaching Biology in Middle and High School
A Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Biology helps certify students seeking teaching positions in grades 7-12. Graduates from the Secondary Education Biology bachelor’s program become educators in public schools, private schools, and other related environments. Our students have gone on to work for public and private schools, such as 360Lancaster, Commonwealth Connections Academy, and school districts across York County.
Individuals who have completed a secondary education degree program can also pursue further education by enrolling in graduate education programs, leading to other certifications and credentials. By gaining experience as an educator, you'll expand career opportunities in areas such as teacher training, special education, school administration, and district-level roles.
In addition to the learning and student teaching you need, the Career Development Center offers assistance with finding placements and career services.
Salary Outlook in Secondary Education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school teachers reported a median annual salary of $62,360 in 2022. This figure reflects the evolving economic landscape and the crucial role of educators in secondary education.
A high school teacher's salary depends on location, school district, length and breadth of work experience, education, and certifications. Gaining more experience and pursuing advanced degrees or leadership roles can increase salary potential.
Field Experience and Student Teaching
Biology and science education majors at York receive extensive, personalized training on how to lead a classroom, including instructional techniques and technological skills, in hands-on field experiences that culminate in a student teaching semester.
As a biology education major, you’ll build up your methods and confidence in teaching scientific concepts, completing typical teacher duties, lesson planning, and more. There are four components of student teaching:
- Early field experience
- Educational assessment immersion
- Advanced field experience
- Professional semester (student teaching and seminar)
These undergraduate student teaching experiences help complete the requirements for teacher certification in Pennsylvania, a necessary credential for teaching in public Pennsylvania schools.
Learn from Expert Educators
From the York faculty who teach and mentor you to the clinical supervisors you learn from in field and student teaching experiences, the educators you meet as a Secondary Education Biology major at York impart insight and advice that impact your future professional success.
Placements with Local Schools
York College of Pennsylvania has sowed deep roots in the local and regional educational community, from public and charter schools to related organizations in social outreach, educational technology, and more.
Through this access, current students and graduates of the Secondary Education Biology program enjoy connections to schools and educational institutions in the city and region that make strong references for student teaching engagements, job placements, and further education.
Clubs and Professional Organizations
Secondary Education Biology majors at York join clubs and professional organizations, attend science and educational conferences, read science journals, and expand their professional network.
Over 100 student-run organizations and involvement opportunities intertwine with your academic success in the YCP community.
Skills for Teaching the Sciences in Middle and High School
Acquire essential skills for biology lesson development, educational techniques, and classroom management. Graduates of the BS in Secondary Education - Biology degree program:
- Gain comprehensive understanding of topics of biology such as genetics, microbiology, and ecology for teaching at the secondary level
- Practice teaching methods and strategies to communicate complex biological concepts to students
- Demonstrate skills in managing diverse classroom dynamics and maintaining an inclusive and productive learning environment
- Know how to integrate technology and digital tools and resources into the classroom
- Be able to administer techniques in assessing student understanding and progress
- Design and implement an engaging and educational biology curriculum, including lab experiments and field activities
Other Teaching Bachelor’s Programs at YCP
The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education offers 12 undergraduate majors tailored to meet certification pathways for teaching different grades and subjects. A few are:
- Secondary Education (7-12), General Science
- Secondary Education (7-12), Mathematics
- Secondary Education (7-12), Social Studies
- Middle Level Education
- Middle Level Education, Special Education
York College also offers multiple certificates, master’s, and doctoral education programs, ideal for students seeking specialized training and credentials.
Secondary Education Biology Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Molecules, Genes and Cells | BIO 142 | 4 Credits |
| Environmental Biology | BIO 212 | 3 Credits |
| Middle and Secondary Science Pedagogies | SE 354 | 3 Credits |
| Student Teaching | SE 495 | 10 Credits |
Careers in Secondary Education Biology
A bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Biology opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
High School Biology Teacher
Junior High School Biology Teacher
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
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Related Programs
Middle Level Education
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Education Biology degree program at York College of Pennsylvania prepares you to become a certified biology teacher through Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved coursework and rich student teaching experiences. York College is home to a community of expert educators, industry leaders, and driven students who support your journey to complete licensure requirements, pass certification exams, and become a biology teacher.
Middle Level/Special Education
Education today revolves around inclusion and diversity. Classrooms are full of students with a wide range of needs, and a middle level teacher (grades 4-8) must be able to adapt and help children excel. In this dual major, you’ll learn classroom management and all the best practices of shaping preadolescent minds, as well as gain knowledge and skills about students with special needs and English Language Learners. The result? You’re a more effective and well-rounded (and also more employable) teacher.
Secondary Education English
Open up the world of literature and writing to students as a secondary education English teacher. Just as you fell in love with reading the classics, writing a short story, or editing papers, you can similarly help middle and high schoolers develop as writers and critical readers. Field experience and student teaching help round out your education with real world experience. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.
Secondary Education General Science
At York College, we believe a great science teacher needs to have a well-rounded background in many scientific disciplines as well as a solid understanding of how to teach and lead a classroom. For secondary education general science majors, students select one of three specialization areas that will become part of their required coursework – biology, chemistry or physics. You’ll also get extensive training on how to lead a classroom, including instructional technique, assessment methods, and technological skills. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.
Secondary Education Mathematics
Help effectively guide middle and higher schoolers through this core academic subject, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. The Education Department offers a curriculum based on developing researched-based skills and techniques proven to be effective. The Mathematics curriculum provides a broad basis of mathematics theory presented in secondary schools. Field experience and student teaching help round out your education with real-world experience. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.
Secondary Education Social Studies
We help challenge you with intensive instruction in history, political science, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. And we layer that with mentoring faculty who prepare you as an educator with research-based teaching methods and concepts. Field experience and student teaching help round out your education with real world experience. Our graduates are ready to take on their own social studies classroom at the middle school or high school level. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.