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B.S. in Secondary Education (7-12) - Biology
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The B.S. in Secondary Education (7-12) with a Biology concentration at York College provides a comprehensive and dual-faceted preparation, combining rigorous scientific training in biology with extensive pedagogical coursework and practical teaching experiences. This program is designed to equip future educators with a deep understanding of biological principles, effective instructional strategies, and classroom management techniques suitable for diverse learning environments in grades 7 through 12. Graduates are prepared not only to impart scientific knowledge but also to foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and a lifelong appreciation for biology in their students, making them highly effective and certified educators in Pennsylvania.
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully structured to meet both the content requirements for a biology major and the professional pedagogical requirements for secondary education certification in Pennsylvania. Core biology courses cover a broad spectrum of topics, including General Biology, Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology, ensuring a strong foundation in the scientific discipline. Concurrently, professional education courses delve into areas such as educational psychology, adolescent development, instructional design, classroom management, assessment, and methods for teaching science in secondary schools. A significant emphasis is placed on integrating technology into the classroom and developing inclusive teaching strategies to cater to diverse student needs. The program culminates in extensive field experiences, including a full semester of student teaching, providing immersive practical application.
Research Focus: While the Secondary Education program is primarily focused on professional preparation for teaching, it inherently integrates a research-informed approach. Students are trained to understand and apply current educational research in areas such as effective teaching methodologies, adolescent learning, and science education best practices. Within their biology coursework, students often engage in scientific inquiry and lab-based research projects, which not only deepens their content knowledge but also models the process of scientific investigation that they will later teach. Faculty mentors, many with backgrounds in both science and education, guide students in critically analyzing educational theories and evidence-based instructional strategies, ensuring future educators are equipped to make data-driven decisions in their classrooms.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement in the Secondary Education program is paramount and primarily takes the form of extensive and structured field experiences within local middle and high schools. York College maintains robust partnerships with school districts, providing students with numerous opportunities for real-world classroom exposure from early in their program. These experiences progress from initial observations to co-teaching roles and culminate in a full semester of supervised student teaching. This direct engagement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop practical teaching skills, manage classrooms, and build professional networks with experienced educators and administrators. This hands-on training is vital for meeting certification requirements and preparing graduates for immediate and successful entry into the teaching profession.
Global Perspective: York College of Pennsylvania offers various study abroad opportunities that can significantly broaden an education major's global perspective. While not always directly tied to teaching methodologies abroad, these programs expose students to different cultures, societal norms, and potentially alternative educational systems. Experiencing diverse learning environments can enhance a future educator's cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and ability to connect with students from varied backgrounds in an increasingly multicultural classroom. By fostering cross-cultural communication skills and a global mindset, these experiences prepare educators to create more inclusive and engaging learning environments and help students understand the global relevance of scientific concepts. Programs often include options for short-term faculty-led trips or semester-long immersions in various countries.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education (7-12) with a Biology concentration from York College of Pennsylvania primarily prepares graduates for roles as certified biology educators. However, the strong foundational science knowledge combined with pedagogical skills opens doors to a variety of other career paths.
High School Biology Teacher (Grades 9-12): This is the most direct career path, involving teaching biology concepts, conducting laboratory experiments, and fostering scientific inquiry in high school students. Graduates are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to teach in public and private schools.
Middle School Science Teacher (Grades 7-8): Graduates are also qualified to teach general science, which often includes foundational biology topics, to middle school students. This role involves developing engaging lessons that build a strong scientific curiosity at a crucial developmental stage.
Educational Program Coordinator (Science-focused): Beyond the classroom, graduates can work for science museums, nature centers, zoos, or other educational organizations. They design and deliver engaging science programs, workshops, and exhibits for various age groups, utilizing their biology expertise and teaching skills.
Curriculum Developer (Science Education): With a deep understanding of both biology content and effective teaching methodologies, graduates can work for educational publishers, non-profits, or school districts to create and refine science curricula, textbooks, and online learning materials.
Science Tutor/Academic Coach: Graduates can provide individualized or small-group tutoring in biology and other science subjects, helping students of all ages improve their understanding and performance. This can be done independently or through tutoring centers.
Research Assistant (Biological Sciences): The strong biology content in the degree provides a solid foundation for entry-level research assistant positions in university labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or government agencies. While a teaching degree is not typical for this, the scientific background is valuable.
Environmental Educator/Naturalist: Combining their biology knowledge with teaching skills, graduates can work in parks, environmental organizations, or conservation groups. They lead educational tours, conduct outreach programs, and teach about local ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental conservation.
Science Communication Specialist: Graduates can utilize their ability to explain complex biological concepts clearly to a broader audience. Roles might include science writing for educational materials, websites, or public outreach, or working in public relations for scientific institutions.
Youth Program Director (STEM focus): In community organizations or non-profits, graduates can develop and manage STEM-focused after-school programs, summer camps, or youth initiatives, inspiring younger generations in scientific fields.
Education Administrator (Entry-level): With classroom experience, a biology education background can serve as a stepping stone to entry-level administrative roles within schools or school districts, such as department head assistant or curriculum assistant, eventually leading to roles like assistant principal or curriculum supervisor.
