Next semester starts 01/21/2025
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.
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.
Our courses incorporate role-playing games and virtual reality to better engage students in the learning process.
You’ll experience hands-on learning through 100+ hours of field experience and student teaching at two different school sites.
Complete our biology teacher concentration program and get recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you toward obtaining your teaching license.
Our faculty and students create a supportive environment, cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Hosted alumni nights to connect current and former students giving you access to networking opportunities and career advice.
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.
| 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 |
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 total cost of attendance.
| Expense | By Semester | By Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology Fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total Direct (Billable) Charges | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 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.
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 your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
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.
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.
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress of me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
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.
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Biology Teacher Education program.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
We have special requirements for admittance to the School of 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.
For more information on biology teacher employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
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Alumnus Daniel Salazar '23 has been chosen as a Fulbright finalist for the English teaching assistantship in Spain.
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Private higher education makes a positive difference all across Iowa, and Catholic institutions offer a supportive environment to learn and grow.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
