The Master of Science in Postsecondary Biology Education is tailored to those interested in teaching biology in a college setting, particularly in community colleges. Offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Education, Leadership & Public Service. This two year program, including summer session, is focused on coursework in both graduate-level biology concepts and educational instruction. It includes both research experience in biology and hands-on instructional practice.
For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Biology department page.
| Total Credits Required | 38-40 |
| Biology Core Courses | 28 |
| BI 500 Planning and Proposing Scientific Research | 2 |
| BI 502 Scientific laboratory Instruction | 2 |
| BI 594 Methods in Biological Research | 6 |
| ED 506 Cultural Foundations of Education I: Historical and Philosophical Dimensions (3 cr.) or | 3 |
| ED 507 Cultural Foundations of Education II: Social Justice and American Schools (3 cr.) | |
| ED 522 Curriculum Development | 3 |
| ED 541A Improvement of Instruction | 3 |
| ED 548A Internship in College Teaching | 3 |
| ED 574 Seminar in Educational Research * | 2 |
| HESA 531 College Student Development Theory | 4 |
| Advanced Biology courses | 10-12 |
| 400 or 500 graduate level biology electives. A minimum of one course must be at the 500 level. | |
*ED 574 will serve as the capstone graduate seminar in research that gives the student experience with the kinds of research they may expect to encounter throughout a professional career. A file paper characterized by excellence in Biology content and pedagogy in a format appropriate to graduate level scholarship is required for the course. The capstone topic will be mutually agreed upon by the student and adviser.
Applicants who already hold an advanced degree in the biological sciences (e.g. M.S, Ph.D, DVM, etc.) are eligible to be admitted to an accelerated track such that they can transfer 10 credits from their other graduate degree(s), typically in the Biology content area. Typically this would remove the requirement for two graduate level Biology courses (e.g. one semester) and BI500, assuming that a proposal was created for the first degree. This option is not available to applicants with advanced degrees in other content areas. Applicants interested in this option should contact the Program Director for assistance.
Bulletin Year:
2020 - 2021 Graduate Bulletin
| View the current NMU Catalog.