Master of Science in Biology with Emphasis in Science Education

Degree Requirements

To enroll in this biology master’s degree program, you must have a mentorship agreement with a biology professor and must be approved by the chair of the Biology Department and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. This program is designed for students seeking careers as two- or four-year college or university educators.

In this program, you will broaden their basic knowledge of the biological sciences, gain experience in investigative research methodology (particularly as it relates to the study of how science is taught) and develop an understanding of science pedagogy, curriculum development and assessment as it relates to learning in institutions of higher education.

The Thesis Option is offered for those preparing to teach and conduct research at the two- or four-year college level or for those preparing for further graduate work in science education at the doctoral level. For thesis admission, you must select a research topic and be approved by the biology graduate faculty member who represents that discipline.

The Non-Thesis Option is offered for those who want to improve their positions and skills as secondary school or junior college teachers.

Note: This program does NOT lead to teacher certification. However, secondary biology teachers seeking to expand their background knowledge in the biological sciences and/or enhance their science education research skills are eligible to apply. Leveling work is determined case-by-case.

Thesis Option

Thesis students must complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of graduate work, including:
- 4 semester credit hours of core pedagogical courses (BIOL 6304 and BIOL 6171);
- 3-6 semester credit hours of graduate (non-biology) elective courses. (Must have advisor approval. If these hours are not used for electives, they must be made up in Biology courses.);
- 14-20 semester credit hours in biology graduate courses, including BIOL 6301, 6302, and 1 hour of 6181;
- A thesis in science education (6 additional semester credit hours in biology will be awarded for successful completion of the thesis).
Admission into the biology graduate program as a thesis student requires acceptance into a research program of one of the biology graduate faculty. Those interested in admission as a thesis student should first contact a biology graduate faculty member conducting research in an area of interest to the student.

Non-Thesis Option

A non-thesis student (a student who either has chosen the non-thesis option or has not yet been accepted into a graduate faculty member’s research program) is required to complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours, including:
- 4 semester credit hours of core pedagogical courses (BIOL 6304 and BIOL 6171);
- 6 credit hours of graduate (non-biology) elective courses. (Must have advisor approval. If these hours are not used for electives, they must be made up in Biology courses);
- 23 semester credit hours in biology graduate courses, including BIOL 5480 or 6301, 6302, and 1 hour of 6181;
- A research report in science education (BIOL 6391). Results of the research report must be presented orally to the Biology Department faculty during the last semester prior to graduation.

Science Education Graduate Faculty

Dr. Connie Heimann: (including, but not limited to) student behavior, self-efficacy, use of technology, introductory biology student success
Dr. R. Russell Wilke: (including, but not limited to) action research, motivation, active learning, anatomy, student success

More Information

To learn more about the Biology Department graduate programs, contact graduate advisor Loren Ammerman, a member of the biology graduate faculty.

You can also read this information about choosing a graduate school that outlines what you need to know before you apply.

Financial Assistance

Financial support for graduate students is available through: