Biology - Integrated Science Biology Education, BS

Program Description

The B.S. Biology Secondary Education with Integrated Science emphasis is designed for students seeking a career in secondary education.  Successful completion of this degree, the secondary education program and the required PRAXIS exams, allows students to obtain the Biological Sciences and the Mid-Level Science endorsement. This certifies the student to teach high school biology and 7^th & 8^th grade science.

Professional Licensure/Certification (PLC) Requirements

The curriculum for programs at Dixie State University customarily leading to licensure have been designed to meet the educational licensure/certification requirements in Utah as well as to prepare students to apply for licensure exams in the State of Utah. The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Requirement may vary state to state and may change at any time. Students who intend to use their DSU degree to secure licensure in any state other than Utah will need to review the professional licensure disclosures in that state pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board.  For more information, visit the State Authorization and Professional Licensure web page and select your program, or speak to the director of your program.

Program Curriculum

135-139 credits

DSU General Education Requirements

All DSU General Education requirements must be fulfilled. A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to DSU’s minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.

Secondary Education Program Admission

To be admitted to the Secondary Education Program and enroll in professional courses:

• USBE R277-504-3 A(3) “requires candidates to maintain a cumulative university GPA of 3.0, and receive a C or better in all education related courses and major required content courses"

and students must pass the appropriate PRAXIS II content area subject test(s). In addition, one of the following must be completed:

• Students with BA/BS degrees in progress must have completed at least 95% of major coursework and have approval of major academic content area department advisor
• Students with completed BA/BS or higher degrees must have their transcripts reviewed by content area department advisor

Secondary Education Program Professional Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 135 college-level credits (1000 and above).
2. Complete at least 40 upper-division credits (3000 and above).
3. Complete at least 30 upper-division credits at DSU for institutional residency.
4. Cumulative university GPA 3.0 or higher.
5. Grade C or higher (not C-) in each Biology Program Requirement, Core Discipline Requirement, and Biology Elective course.
6. USBE R277-504-3 A(3) “requires candidates to maintain a cumulative university GPA of 3.0, and receive a C or better in all education related courses and major required content courses"
7. 3.0 GPA in program prerequisite and professional courses.

Graduation Plan - 5 years

Graduation Plan - 4 year

Biology with Integrated Science Program Learning Outcomes

At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Outline the foundational concepts of biology including cellular, organismic, ecological, and evolutionary biology.
2. Evaluate hypotheses, design research, test hypotheses, conduct data analysis, and draw conclusions on biology related problems.
3. Integrate knowledge of scientific literacy in oral and written assignments when communicating biological topics.
4. Develop an understanding of why science is an integral activity for addressing social and environmental problems.
5. Analyze evidence to continually reflect on and adapt practices to meet the needs of K-12 learners.