Program Overview
The
5-year program with teacher certification in K-12 biological science education is designed to help students deepen their understanding of the learning and teaching of biological sciences, with a focus on inquiry-based teaching that is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Successful completion of the program will lead to a bachelor's degree, master's degree in science education, and initial teacher certification in biological science education. The program curriculum will provide students with exposure to fundamental courses related to education, including the Urban Social Justice Core classes, as well as program-specific coursework related to teaching biology at the middle and high school levels.
To complete the program in 5 years, undergraduate students must complete specific pre-admission coursework and field placements during their sophomore and junior years. Students then apply for the 5-year program before the Spring semester of their junior year and if admitted, enter the professional education sequence in the summer before senior year. After senior year, students qualify to have their bachelor's degree awarded by the undergraduate liberal arts college and continue with the professional sequence in the summer after graduation. Students will return in the fall to complete a full-time student-teaching internship and continue with full-time graduate study, including a field-based research project in the spring.
After the master's degree is awarded, the GSE will make a recommendation to the New Jersey State Department of Education on behalf of the graduate to receive their Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) as a teacher.
For more information about this program, download the
program guide (includes course list and application requirements) or contact the program coordinator, Dr.
Ravit Golan Duncan.
