Students who wish to teach middle or high school Biology in the secondary schools (7-12) will find this degree essential. Firmly grounded in Biology, with significant work in teacher preparation through the highly acclaimed NAUTeach science and mathematics teacher certification program, the plan establishes the professional conduit for teaching this exciting subject.
This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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Create the middle or high school biology classroom of the future. In this degree plan, you'll learn how to get students involved in learning about the complicated concepts they need to understand to succeed. This degree will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a secondary education teacher with comprehensive expertise in life sciences. Because of your knowledge, your students will tackle the environmental, health, and ecological challenges that lie ahead.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete fieldwork, laboratory exercises, and practicum experiences for your professional preparation. You'll learn advanced approaches to teaching and curriculum in a rigorous, diverse, and collaborative inquiry-based atmosphere. Earning this degree will help you move forward in your teaching career as well as enhance your students' educational experience.
Note: If you want to major in Secondary Education - Biology, you must apply and be accepted to the NAU Professional Education Program's teacher education program in addition to being admitted to the university.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The NAUTeach program is a challenging undergraduate course of study solely designed to prepare mathematics and science teachers for grades 6-12. The program emphasizes the pre-service teacher’s ability to develop research-based pedagogy through a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) focused, field intensive, rigorous curriculum. This allows undergraduate students to be highly supported by faculty who specialize in mathematics and science education research and Master Teachers that have years of professional classroom experience. Our program is designed for students with strong skills in mathematics or science seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, general science, or mathematics at the secondary level.
The NAUTeach program, modeled after the successful UTeach program at the University of Texas, provides opportunities for you to:
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Admission requirements over and above admisssion to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the teacher education program, candidates must meet the following requirements and apply for the program online.
30 units of coursework which includes:
Take the following 100 - 103 units including 41 units of Biology courses with a Grade of "C" or better:
Biology courses (41 units)
Additional coursework to complete 41 units in the major. The following rules apply to course selection (12 units):
Mathematics and Science Teaching Courses (30 units)
Note: TSM 495C meets Northern Arizona University's senior capstone requirement.
Note: In order to be approved for student teaching, you must complete TSM 350, TSM 404, and TSM 450, earning a grade of "B" or better in two of the three courses and earning a "C" or better in the remaining course. TSM 350, TSM 404 and TSM 450 may be repeated with a grade of “C”.All prerequisite coursework must be completed with grades of C or better.
The Department of Biological Sciences does not allow dual majors within the department.
In all of our teacher education programs, you are required to apply for, and complete a student teaching or internship experience. Applications are due one year prior to the student teaching semester. In addition, a minimum number of units of practicum is required, which involves supervised field experience with a practicing teacher.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
In order to obtain an AZ teaching certificate, you must pass the following required Arizona Educator Exams
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
This degree plan is supported through the NAUTeach program.