COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biology Education program at Southeast Missouri State University combines 47 hours of professional education coursework with a 39–40 credit hour biology major to prepare students for careers as certified science teachers. The education component focuses on developing strong teaching skills through courses such as Introduction to Education as a Profession, Techniques of Teaching Science, and multiple pedagogy classes that build effective instructional strategies. Students also study adolescent development and special education to better understand diverse learners. Field experiences and advanced teaching placements are integrated throughout the program, culminating in a full semester of Student Teaching, where students gain hands-on classroom experience. A minimum grade of C is required in most education courses, with a higher standard for certain foundational classes.The biology major provides a comprehensive scientific foundation. Core courses include Evolution and Ecology, Cell and Organismal Biology, Genetics, Zoology, and Plant Biology, ensuring students understand key biological concepts across different areas of life science. Additional coursework in Environmental Biology with lab and Earth Science helps students connect biological knowledge to environmental systems and real-world applications. Students also choose between advanced topics such as General Microbiology or General Ecology to deepen their expertise.To support their scientific training, students complete chemistry and physics requirements, along with mathematics and computer applications. These courses strengthen analytical, quantitative, and technical skills that are essential for teaching modern science effectively.Overall, the program balances content knowledge in biology with professional teaching preparation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to educate and inspire future students. With strong demand for qualified science teachers, this degree provides excellent career opportunities in secondary education, along with the flexibility to expand into other science teaching areas through additional certification.