MS - Biology in Education Major
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Biology in Education is designed for practicing secondary school teachers who wish to become qualified to instruct advanced placement, dual enrollment, or early college courses, as well as deepen their understanding of Biology, Life Science, and advanced educational classroom practice. Candidates will complete a 33-credit hour program consisting of 18 hours in graduate biology and 15 in graduate education. Candidates must already be credentialed for teaching Life Science or Biology in P-12 schools and/or community colleges, as this degree will not lead to initial or advanced state licensure in those areas.
The 18 credit hours of courses in Biology provide a broad understanding of the field, strengthening scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and quantitative skills in fundamental domains along with a biblical worldview.
The 15 credit hours of courses in Education are designed to provide participants with methods and materials to deepen their teaching ability and help their own students learn, including culturally responsive teaching, ethics and faith, and research and technology tools. It aligns to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation's advanced-level program standards. Course instruction is designed to model best practices and procedures in the classroom.
Candidates who have completed this program should be able to:
- Analyze then synthesize scientific knowledge in biology effectively.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skill by evaluating and explaining biological scientific information accurately.
- Develop quantitative skills for evaluating and solving quantitative biological problems that can be modeled mathematically.
- Formulate a biblical worldview utilizing the attained scientific knowledge in biology.
- Demonstrate the ability to use research with an understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies.
- Demonstrate ethical, Christ-like attitudes, values, and biblical worldview that encompass professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to classroom teaching in their professional behaviors.
- Apply advanced knowledge of student learning suitable for any student.
- Apply data literacy to develop or sustain supportive school environments.
- Apply self-reflection and data analysis to improve their own teaching.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and participate in collaborative activities with others, such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents.
- Apply technology appropriate for their field of specialization.
- Demonstrate cultural knowledge and culturally responsive teaching that promotes student and school success.
- Apply content knowledge and skills that the courses and other experiences of this advanced preparation emphasize.
- Integrate global philosophies into their own educational practices.
This program is available to candidates from all states or internationally, and does not lead to P-12 licensure.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the M.S. program with a major Biology in Education, are as follows:
- A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
- A bachelor’s degree with a Biology major or must be state certified (in any state) to teach Biology at a secondary school level.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least of minimum of 30 hours was completed.
- Candidates need:
- A valid (but not necessarily current) state teacher’s license, with an endorsement to teach Biology or Life Science, or a valid (but not necessarily current) temporary, standard, or professional teaching license/certificate from another recognized accreditation body (e.g., Association of Christian Schools International), or an official letter from a school administrator confirming employment as a teacher of record.
- At least one year (i.e., a minimum of one semester and one day) of teaching experience from an approved and accredited public, private, or parochial P-12 school in the United States or abroad.
- Supporting documentation demonstrating access to a P-12 classroom, preferably secondary Biology or Life Science.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the M.S. program, candidates must have completed the following:
- Successful completion of the M.S. curriculum.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
- Successful completion of admission, mid-program review, and program completion gateways.
- Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
MS - Biology in Education Major - Program of Study
Biology Courses
Core Courses
