M.S. in Biology with an Emphasis in Education

Explore Your Passion With an MS in Biology Education

A Master of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Education degree from Grand Canyon University supports students with biology backgrounds as they pursue careers in education. This online degree program can prepare students to balance biology content with pedagogy and classroom techniques, uniquely providing advanced training in the field of biology while satisfying the requirements for ongoing professional development.

To get started with the MS in Biology with an Emphasis in Education program at GCU, you will need to meet a few prerequisites.

Master's in Biology Education Prerequisites

    A bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, physiology biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology or genetics; or
    
    A bachelor's degree in secondary education with a specialization or emphasis in biology; or
    
    A bachelor's degree and a completion of one year of undergraduate General Biology

The master’s in biology education degree program at GCU focuses on development of both biological knowledge and teaching skills. Teachers at the postsecondary level are required to work with many stakeholders, including students, colleagues and department leaders. They must have strong written and verbal skills for both classwork and continued scientific inquiry.

MS in Biology Education Degree Program Topics

Courses in the MS in Biology education degree program cover topics such as:

    Ecology
    
    Biological systems (both cellular and molecular)
    
    Physiology
    
    Microbes
    
    Curriculum design
    
    Adult learning theories

The Benefits of an MS in Biology Education Degree

The need for postsecondary teachers is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for postsecondary teachers to increase by about 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 132,600 jobs in the field.1 Grand Canyon University's master’s in biology program is designed to provide graduates with the training they need to fulfill the openings in this field.

The reason behind the need for postsecondary biology teachers is the growth in STEM-related fields. Future scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians will need to take biology at the college level. As STEM fields continue to grow, so too will the needs for biology teachers. According to the BLS, biological science teachers are most highly concentrated in junior colleges.2 This means that people from all walks of life – from recent grads to people looking to start a second career – will need quality biology teachers to prepare them for the future.

Earn Your Online Master's Degree in Biology Education

Career Opportunities With a Biology Education Degree

This biology education degree at GCU can prepare you to pursue teaching opportunities in biology at the middle or secondary school level. Requirements for teaching and certification may vary depending on location, and different school districts may have differing requirements as well.

If you are hoping to advance your career by building on your biology background, teaching might be your next step. Join like-minded scientists who want to make a difference in the MS in Biology with an Emphasis in Education degree program at GCU.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on May 26, 2023.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020 May). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020: 25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Retrieved on May 26, 2023.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.