Secondary Biology Education is a concentration within our Bachelor of Science in Biology program. In this degree, you will develop critical thinking skills, design experiments and analyze data to understand the living world. Gain skills to teach middle and high school students, encouraging a scientific perspective. You’ll graduate ready to engage students in lab activities and evidence-based analysis.
What is a Biology Teacher Education degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a Biology Teacher Education degree?
In our program, you'll develop research skills, build classroom expertise, and refine oral and written communication abilities for teaching. Benefit from a nurturing and innovative learning environment where faculty prioritize your success. Gain the foundation to become a skilled and empathetic teacher sought after by employers.
Cutting-edge technology
Our courses incorporate role-playing games and virtual reality to better engage students in the learning process.
Hands-on learning
You’ll experience hands-on learning through 100+ hours of field experience and student teaching at two different school sites.
Path to licensure
Complete our biology teacher concentration program and get recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Iowa and beyond
Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you toward obtaining your teaching license.
Supportive environment
Our faculty and students create a supportive environment, cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Faculty connections
Hosted alumni nights to connect current and former students giving you access to networking opportunities and career advice.
What you’ll learn in your Biology Teacher Education program
Our Secondary Biology Education concentration within our BS in Biology degree starts with foundational courses in science and mathematics. Then, you’ll explore education courses where you’ll build an understanding of learner development, learning differences, and learning environments. When you’re done, you’ll be prepared to become a fully licensed teacher in the State of Iowa.
- Understanding of teaching expectations and responsibilities
- Exploration of the impact of diversity on learning
- Mastery of life sciences
- Hands-on laboratory skills
- Familiarity with industry-standard equipment
Explore Biology Teacher Education courses
- Complete a total of 120 credits, including 36 gen ed credits, 52 biology credits, and 35-44 education credits.
- Complete 140 hours of pre-student teaching field experiences at two different school sites, 1 semester of student teaching, and 1 capstone course.
Sample Courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 205 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 2 credits |
| BIOL 201 | Diversity of Living Systems | 4 credits |
| CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I | 4 credits |
| EDUC 300 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| BIOL 348 | Evolution | 4 credits |
How much does a Biology Teacher Education degree cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, leaner services, and fiscal stability.
St. Ambrose University’s BS in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Biology Education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
How does SAU support Biology Teacher Education students?
St. Ambrose University’s Biology Teacher Education faculty are dedicated to student success. In their small classes, they’ll get to know you by name. You’ll be matched with a faculty advisor equipped to help you discover your career path. They’ll connect you with alumni in your field and guide you towards internships, fieldwork, and study abroad experiences that will make you stand out to future employers.
Biology teacher education faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for Biology Teacher Education program?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free education at St. Ambrose University is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Loans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
You may be able to transfer previous college credit to cover up to 25% of your degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Outside scholarships
We accept scholarships from outside sources, and there are tons of options out there. Start by searching for scholarships with criteria that match your specific talents or background. Need help? Here are a few websites to begin researching your options: Fastweb, College Board Scholarship Search, Scholarships.com, Peterson's Award Database, Scholly (app download)
Don’t let cost hinder your future.
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
What’s on campus for Biology Teacher Education students?
Join an international organization of student teachers in student teaching programs–Phi Delta Kappa. Members engage in service projects and participate in regional conferences.
Deepen your learning by joining Biology Club or our Biology Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta. You can work closely with faculty while participating in Biology Lab Prep Works. Become a member of Doctors to Bee, and be guided and supported by your peers as you prepare for graduate school.
Join GreenLife, SAU's student environmental club focused on educating and spreading awareness about local, national and worldwide environmental concerns. The work our students do is recognized and makes a difference.
Join the Sustainability Committee. Our mission and shared values of academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and community service require Ambrosians do more than simply advocate for sustainability; we must also challenge ourselves to do more - on campus, in the world, and for our future.
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Biology Education?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Biology Teacher Education program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International Student Requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What are the School of Education admission requirements for a Concentration in Secondary Biology Education?
We have special requirements for admittance to the School of Education.
- You must complete 40 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207
- You must provide two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show you earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher
- You must receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207
- You must complete the application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures)
- You must complete EDUC 282 and EDUC 284 with at least a B average
What can I do with a BS in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Biology Education?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Biology Teacher Education program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Biology Teacher
- Laboratory Instructor
- Science Education Specialist
- Academic Advisor
- Environmental Educator
- Science Writer
Potential employment settings
- 8-12 Schools
- Laboratories
- Environmental Non-Profits
- Science Museums
- Nature Centers and Parks
- Media Outlets
Top Traits of a biology teacher
- Teaching
- Planning
- Analyzing
- Communicating
- Critical Thinking
- Adapting
Industry Facts
- Secondary school teachers in Iowa earned a median wage of $60,480 in 2022. This category excludes teachers working in special education and career/technical education.
- Education Administrators, kindergarten through secondary, in Iowa earned a median income of $101,210 in 2022.
For more information on biology teacher employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
