Overview of the Online MS Biology in Education Program
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Biology in Education is designed for practicing secondary school teachers who wish to become qualified to instruct advanced placement, dual enrollment, or early college courses, as well as deepen their understanding of biology, life science, and advanced educational classroom practice. Candidates will complete a 33-credit hour program consisting of 18 hours in graduate biology and 15 in graduate education. Candidates must already be credentialed for teaching life science or biology in P-12 schools and/or community colleges, as this degree will not lead to initial or advanced state licensure in those areas.
The 18 credit hours of courses in biology provide a broad understanding of the field, strengthening scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and quantitative skills in fundamental domains along with a biblical worldview.
The 15 credit hours of courses in education are designed to provide participants with methods and materials to deepen their teaching ability and help their own students learn, including culturally responsive teaching, ethics and faith, and research and technology tools. It aligns to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation's advanced-level program standards. Course instruction is designed to model best practices and procedures in the classroom.
You’ll Learn To…
- Analyze then synthesize scientific knowledge in biology effectively.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skill by evaluating and explaining biological scientific information accurately.
- Develop quantitative skills for evaluating and solving quantitative biological problems that can be modeled mathematically.
- Formulate a biblical worldview utilizing the attained scientific knowledge in biology.
- Demonstrate the ability to use research with an understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies.
- Demonstrate ethical, Christ-like attitudes, values, and Biblical worldview that encompass professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to classroom teaching in their professional behaviors.
- Apply advanced knowledge of student learning suitable for any student.
- Apply data literacy to develop or sustain supportive school environments.
- Apply self-reflection and data analysis to improve their own teaching.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and participate in collaborative activities with others, such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents.
- Apply technology appropriate for their field of specialization.
- Demonstrate cultural knowledge and culturally responsive teaching that promotes student and school success.
- Apply content knowledge and skills that the courses and other experiences of this advanced preparation emphasize.
- Integrate global philosophies into their own educational practices.
TUITION
33 Total
Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans benefits, and employer reimbursement.
COURSES
Here is the list of courses required to complete the program. Full course descriptions may be viewed by clicking on the course titles. For further information, feel free to contact us.
11 Core Courses
These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence.
BIOL-501,BIOL-502,BIOL-503,BIOL-504,BIOL-505,BIOL-506,EDUC-510,EDUC-520,EDUC-530,EDUC-600,EDUC-630
REQUIREMENTS
Click on each section to expand the different requirements for this program. If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to contact one of our admissions representatives at 1-866-498-4968.
- A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
- A bachelor’s degree with a Biology major or must be state certified (in any state) to teach Biology at a secondary school level.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
- Candidates need:
- A valid (but not necessarily current) state teacher’s license, with an endorsement to teach Biology or Life Science, or a valid (but not necessarily current) temporary, standard, or professional teaching license/certificate from another recognized accreditation body (e.g., Association of Christian Schools International), or an official letter from a school administrator confirming employment as a teacher of record.
- At least one year (i.e., a minimum of one semester and one day) of teaching experience from an approved and accredited public, private, or parochial P-12 school in the United States or abroad.
- Supporting documentation demonstrating access to a P-12 classroom, preferably secondary Biology or Life Science.
- Successful completion of the M.S. curriculum.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
- Successful completion of admission, mid-program review, and program completion gateways.
- Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
START DATES
Below are the program locations, upcoming dates, and meeting times for the program. This list is updated regularly as new classes are added.
Accreditation
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
*Effective 07-01-2021 through 06-30-2022