Bachelor of Science in Biology, Secondary Education Minor
Saint Joseph’s biology program gives students a comprehensive understanding of the realm of living beings, as well as a strong foundation for graduate study, professional service, and career advancement.
Scientists' most important tools are their ability to integrate new knowledge—whether gained through research or study—with pre-existing knowledge, observation, and self-discipline. Combined, these tools help scientists to better understand the truth. The biology curriculum instills in students a deeper respect for all life forms, an understanding of the connection between all forms of life, the similarities between all life at the biochemical level, and the relationships between organisms in the evolution of life on Earth.
At a Glance
- Faculty members teach lectures and lab, not teaching assistants.
- Students have the opportunity to engage in faculty-led research.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science major in Biology combined with a minor in Secondary Education is the basis for a career as a middle school or high school biology teacher. Students who aspire to teach middle school or high school biology also take a series of education courses in the secondary education minor with regular observations in biology classrooms in area middle schools or high schools during their sophomore and junior years and then successful completion of a semester of senior student teaching.
This course of study has been approved by the State of Maine Department of Education and allows students to apply for certification as middle school or high school teachers.
Students earn a full bachelor’s degree in Biology. The Secondary Education Minor courses are as follows:
Freshman Year: Foundations of Education
Sophomore Year: Curriculum Design Practicum – Secondary Education
Junior Year: Educational Psychology, Exceptionality, and Teaching Methods in the Secondary School
Senior Year: Student Teaching and Measurement & Evaluation
Transfer Students
Read our transfer agreement with Southern Maine Community College.
Growing future STEM teachers in Maine program
Are you interested in teaching STEM in middle or high school? Then apply for our GFSTM Noyce Scholarship and save money on tuition! You’ll get to participate in special activities like the Teaching Experience Short Course that Sophia talks about below.
“Even though I had participated in a STEM Short Course two years ago, I was excited to have the opportunity to do it again and experience a whole new teaching environment. Being able to talk to teachers in all different stages of their careers, and hearing about the ways they got into teaching is incredibly valuable to me. It settles my nerves and shows me that not everyone takes the same path into this career, and that's what makes every teaching so unique.” — Sophia Viger ’24, Biology and secondary education minor
Some of our faculty
BS, Sacred Heart University
BS, University of Maine at Farmington
MS, Pace University
BA, University of Rochester
Career moves
Explore career opportunities in education.