Science Education, Biology – Master's Skip to content Skip to Chat Master's Programs Science Education, Secondary Biology Apply Now OVERVIEW Become a Biology Teacher with a Master's Degree Biology is the study of life. Understanding and appreciating it are key to healthy, sustainable lives. As a biology teacher, you can inspire your students to marvel at how the world’s many life forms and ecosystems are all connected to each other. The two online master’s degree programs at WGU can prepare you to teach science courses at the junior high and high school levels. The programs help ensure your proficiency in natural sciences, general chemistry, biology, and evolution. You will also learn the skills necessary to teach this content to students in junior high, middle school, or high school*. If you have a bachelor's degree but do NOT have a teaching license, you'll choose the Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Biology program. If you are currently a licensed teacher looking to add to your license, you'll choose the Master of Arts, Secondary Biology program. Both of these programs will help you progress toward your goal of becoming a biology teacher! *The specific grade levels you will be qualified or endorsed to teach will depend on your state. Please note: The Master of Arts in Mathematics Education and the Master of Arts in Science Education programs are designed for P–12 teachers. The content and coursework in these programs do not meet the qualifications required to teach college-level courses, including dual enrollment or dual credit courses. Two Programs to Choose From Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Biology: This version of our biology education program is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but are NOT licensed teachers. This program helps you get your teaching license and proceed with licensure in secondary biology. Master of Arts, Secondary Biology: This version of our biology education program is for individuals who are already licensed teachers and are looking to add secondary biology to their licensure. This program helps you be prepared to add a secondary biology certification to your existing license. Education COMPARE Science Education (Secondary Biology) — Master of Arts in Teaching VIEW DEGREE An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a... An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and prepare to teach biology at the junior high or high school level MORE DETAILS APPLY NOW Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months. Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term. Courses: 20 total courses in this program. This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn their teaching license and become eligible to teach biology in their state. Concepts included in this program: Human Anatomy and Physiology Molecular and Cellular Biology Heredity and Genetics Zoology Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree. Education COMPARE Science Education (Secondary Biology) – M.A. VIEW DEGREE An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in... An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students. MORE DETAILS APPLY NOW Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months. Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term. Courses: 13 total courses in this program. This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license. Skills for your résumé included in this program: Human Anatomy and Physiology Molecular and Cellular Biology Heredity and Genetics Zoology Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree. Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License? If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals. Learn About Teaching Licenses Tuition per six-month term is $4,125 Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less! Cost & Time Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Next Start Date: {{startdate}} Start Dates the 1st of Every Month Apply Today COURSES Biological Science Education Courses Curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need as a biology teacher. At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. MAT Program Guide MA Program Guide The online Master's of Biology Education degree programs provides the essential skills, knowledge, and experience you need to teach biology courses to students in junior high, middle school, or high school. The WGU M.A. Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)  and WGU MAT Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) programs were designed (and are regularly updated) with input from the experts. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be an outstanding biology teacher. The programs also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits. The programs are made up of the following biology courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan.  For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program. Biology Courses Taken in Either Program Secondary Biology Curriculum Secondary Science Teaching Methods Science Education Science, Technology, and Society Science, Technology, and Society explores the ways in which science influences and is influenced by society and technology. A humanistic and social endeavor, science serves the needs of ever-changing societies by providing methods for observing, questioning, discovering, and communicating information about the physical and natural world. This course prepares educators to explain the nature and history of science, the various applications of science, and the scientific and engineering processes used to conduct investigations, make decisions, and solve problems. There are no prerequisites for this course. Science Methods—Secondary Biology Science Methods—Secondary Biology focuses on teaching methods specific to science for graduate students seeking an endorsement in secondary biology. This course focuses on the design and teaching of standards-based lessons using the three dimensions of science (science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas) and the appropriate integration of technology into those lessons. Students in this course work within their content areas to evaluate, enhance, and plan appropriate science instruction. This course includes laboratory safety training and certification, which includes safe laboratory practices and procedures for science classrooms and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Previous coursework in curriculum, instruction, and assessment is a prerequisite for this course. Science Concepts in Science Concepts in Science for graduates provides already-licensed teachers seeking an additional license or endorsement in science education with an introduction to essential science themes present within and across all science disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, and the geosciences. These themes include comprehending the magnitude of the physical and natural world, analyzing and converting measurements, understanding the basic nature and behavior of matter and energy, examining atomic structure, identifying and naming basic types of chemical bonds, and analyzing and interpreting scientific data. Concepts in Science provides a solid foundation for future, in-depth, scientific studies and should be taken prior to any other science content course. There are no prerequisites for this course. “Best decision I made. I managed to do my master's in one term and it saved me so much money. I didn't think a master's degree to further my career would be financially or physically possible due to working full time. WGU made it to where it could happen. I highly recommend WGU if you're considering going back to school. It's not easy if you're not dedicated, self disciplined, and goal oriented, but they have mentors who help keep you on track.” —Kristina Gomez M.A. Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) WGU vs. Traditional Universities: Compare the Difference Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years Apply Now Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour TUITION STRUCTURE Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors SUPPORT Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time EXAMS Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place SCHEDULE Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options TIME TO FINISH As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years Apply Now Why WGU? You Aren't On Your Own WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU. HOW WE DO IT Flexibility You Need Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you. A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Strong Alumni Network When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 19,000 students graduated from the School of Education in 2024 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States. WHY THIS MATTERS Accredited, Respected, Recognized™ One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized. COST & TIME When We Say Affordable We Mean It By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree. Apply FREE Tuition Calculator Pay less by completing your program faster TOTAL COST: YEARS Cost Breakdown Tuition 4,125 E-Books and Resources Fee 200 TOTAL (per 6-month term) 6-month terms Total Cost A Master's Degree Is Within Reach There is help available to make paying for school possible for you: The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average. Responsible Borrowing Initiative Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. Financial Aid Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. Scholarships WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022). FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged. You'll put in hours of hard work. And you'll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able. WGU's biology education master's degree program is for licensed teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology. REQUEST MORE INFO "The WGU model of competency-based learning fits the working person's ability to complete coursework. Taking my previous knowledge and experience into account allowed me to complete my Master's in Biology Secondary Education in less than 4 months. I would recommend WGU to anyone who is looking to get continued education. Thank you WGU for an amazing experience.” —Elliott Dungan M.A. Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) CAREER OUTLOOK A Master's in Biology Education Paves the Way for Current Teachers to Take to the Next Step If you're looking to teach because you have a passion for the living world and how it works, you are ready to advance in your career by specializing in middle school or high school biology. School districts in the United States consistently rank the sciences among their areas of highest need. Obtaining a master's degree in science education degree will you for secondary certification to teach kids biology. Already-certified teachers, or those who pursue this program in order to get licensed, who earn a master’s degree in biology education qualify to teach high school biology as well as teach in junior high and middle schools, depending on grade-level requirements in your state. MORE ABOUT CAREERS Return on Your Investment Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates. Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017. 5% High school teaching positions are expected to increase by at least 5% from 2021–2031. With the crisis-level shortage of STEM teachers in America, that increase could be substantially higher for science teachers. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country Graduates of WGU's School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at: Inclusive K–12 classrooms Middle/junior high schools High schools Private and charter schools Impressive Class of Graduates Graduates of the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including: Gates Millennium Scholars Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award ADMISSIONS Online Master of Arts in Biology Program Admission Requirements Master of Arts, Secondary Biology Education The Master of Arts, Secondary Biology Education is for currently licensed teachers only. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide: A copy of a valid teaching license. Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university. An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program. Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Biology Education The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Biology Education program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree but are not currently licensed teachers. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following: Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major. Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission. This program requires a 2.5 minimum GPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your bachelor's program. Applicants with a GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE).  An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Transfer Credits WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program. You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service. TRANSFER INFORMATION Get Your Enrollment Checklist Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment. VIEW CHECKLIST Get Your Questions Answered Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor. CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR Compare Biology Education Master's Programs Average Time to Completion Tuition Per 6 Months Average Salary Increase Career Opportunities Average salary increase two years post-graduation, provided by Equifax. Average time for graduate completion calculated internally by WGU. Ready to Start? 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