COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s program in Teaching in the Life Sciences Biology prepares graduates for careers in secondary science education while also opening opportunities in nontraditional educational settings, advanced academic study, and various science-related industries. Designed for students with undergraduate backgrounds in life sciences, the program combines advanced biological knowledge with professional teaching preparation to develop skilled educators capable of teaching life sciences at the secondary level. Graduates may pursue careers as biology or life science teachers in middle and high schools, while others may explore educational roles in museums, science outreach programs, environmental education organizations, and community learning centers. The program also provides strong preparation for students interested in continuing into Ph.D. programs or combining their scientific and educational training with careers in research, environmental science, healthcare, biotechnology, or related industries. Through a combination of science coursework and educational training, students develop expertise in both biological sciences and effective teaching practices. Courses such as Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling and Mammalian Ecology and Evolution strengthen students’ scientific understanding in specialized areas of biology, while courses like Everyone Can Learn: Applying Theory to Teaching Practice, Curriculum Development for Culturally Diverse Learners, and Maintaining Classroom Discipline focus on instructional methods, classroom management, and inclusive educational practices for diverse student populations. The course Tracing Darwin’s Path further connects biological science with historical, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and scientific exploration. Throughout the program, students gain valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, curriculum design, scientific reasoning, and educational leadership, helping them become effective educators and professionals in science-related fields. Overall, the program equips graduates with the scientific knowledge, teaching abilities, and professional preparation needed to succeed in education, research, and interdisciplinary careers connected to the life sciences.