BS/BA in Biology Teaching

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Utah

Program Overview

The Biology Teaching BA/BS at the University of Utah is designed for students who want to combine a strong foundation in biological sciences with professional preparation for teaching, including coursework in pedagogy, science communication, adolescent psychology, and multicultural education. The program fulfills Utah State Board of Education requirements for teaching endorsements in Biology and Chemistry, with additional options related to Environmental Science and English as a Second Language.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their foundation in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and education. Courses include BIOL 1610 – Fundamental Principles of Biology I, EDU 1010 – Introduction to Teaching, and MATH 1080 – Precalculus, combining scientific fundamentals with an early introduction to teaching.

Year 2: Students progress into core biological sciences and supporting science subjects while beginning more focused preparation for secondary education. BIOL 2020 – Principles of Cell Biology, BIOL 2030 – Principles of Genetics, and EDPS 3721 – Adolescent Psychology develop knowledge of biological systems alongside an understanding of the learners they will teach.

Year 3: The curriculum moves toward upper-division biology and applied teaching preparation, allowing students to deepen their understanding of biology while developing classroom and communication skills. Courses such as ECS 2150 – Introduction to Multicultural Education and advanced biology electives connect scientific knowledge with diverse educational environments and teaching practice.

Year 4: Students consolidate their subject expertise and teacher preparation through advanced science and education coursework. EDU 5170 – Secondary Science Methods provides focused preparation for teaching science at the secondary level, while ECS 5709 – Building Family Partnerships includes 32 field hours, giving students direct experience relevant to professional teaching.

Focus areas: Biology, chemistry, science education, pedagogy, science communication, adolescent psychology, multicultural education, secondary science methods, with optional Environmental Science and ESL endorsement pathways.

Learning outcomes: Develop extensive experience in pedagogy and science communication; build broad scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; understand adolescent development and multicultural experiences; and meet Utah State Board of Education requirements for relevant K–12 science teaching endorsements.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Biology Teaching BA/BS is externally accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is structured to fulfill Utah State Board of Education requirements for Biology and Chemistry teaching endorsements.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Utah's official program information identifies teaching in K–12 schools as the direct professional pathway for this degree; a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking was not stated on the official University of Utah sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Utah’s Biology Teaching BA/BS combines substantial biology coursework with teacher-preparation experiences, so students develop both scientific knowledge and practical skills in communicating science. The program includes laboratory-based biology, science-methods coursework, and field experiences connected with teacher licensure; students can also participate in faculty-led research through the School of Biological Sciences.

Students can build practical teaching, laboratory, research, and science-communication skills through these opportunities:

Teaching field experience: EDU 1010 Introduction to Education includes 20 field hours, ECS 2150 Introduction to Multicultural Education includes 15 field hours, ECS 5709 Family Partnerships includes 32 field hours, and EDU 5170 Science Methods includes 10 field hours, giving students direct exposure to educational settings.
Biology teaching laboratories: The degree requires students to complete two biology laboratory courses at the University of Utah, providing hands-on scientific experience alongside the teaching curriculum.
Group-directed projects: BIOL 3325 Comparative Physiology Laboratory is a hands-on course featuring experimental physiology exercises followed by a group-directed project, allowing students to practice collaboration and experimental problem-solving.
Independent research: Students can complete BIOL 4955 Individual Research for academic and/or laboratory credit while working in a bioscience laboratory at the University of Utah. Independent research can also count toward biology electives and laboratory requirements.
Research laboratories: The School of Biological Sciences has approximately 50 research groups, spanning areas from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and field-based research, giving Biology Teaching students opportunities to explore research beyond the classroom.
Field-based biology: Research and educational opportunities extend into ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and other field-oriented areas, supported by the School's research facilities and field stations.
DNA sequencing tools: The School's DNA Sequencing Facility includes an Illumina MiSeq high-throughput DNA sequencing system and an Agilent Tapestation for sequencing-library quality control, providing access to modern molecular biology infrastructure.
Environmental research facility: The Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for Environmental Research (SIRFER) provides H, C, N, O, and S stable-isotope analysis and supports undergraduate training, coursework, and outreach.
Greenhouse facility: The School's approximately 6,400-square-foot Biology Greenhouses provide desert-to-tropical growing environments and are used for both research and teaching.
Science-education technology: Students pursuing the related combined Biology BS/MEd pathway can study Educational Applications of Technology, while teacher preparation also includes science methods, instructional assessment, and teacher-research coursework.
Advanced teaching practice: The combined pathway includes EDU 6490 Field Practicum and a 12-week full-time student teaching experience, providing an intensive transition from university coursework to classroom teaching.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Utah’s Biology Teaching BA/BS is designed for students who want to combine a strong biology foundation with professional preparation for teaching. The degree fulfills Utah State Board of Education requirements for Biology and Chemistry teaching endorsements and prepares graduates for secondary-school teaching and other education-related pathways.

Career roles: Secondary Biology Teacher, Secondary Science Teacher, Biology Educator, Science Education Professional:

Career support: U Career Success provides Biology Teaching students with a dedicated career coach who supports career exploration, resumes, internships, interviews, and job-search preparation.
Employment outcomes: The University of Utah’s 2023–2024 teacher-education data report a 96% placement rate for secondary education graduates (n=26). The same report records a 100% secondary-education licensure rate for the 2023–2024 cohort.
Salary information: University of Utah’s UGuide lists secondary school teachers at approximately $64,000 median annual earnings in 2025, with 80% earning between $47,000 and $105,000 nationally. These figures cover the occupation rather than Biology Teaching graduates specifically.
University–school partnerships: The Utah Collaborative for Equitable STEM Teaching partners with Salt Lake Community College, Granite School District, and Salt Lake City School District to prepare science teachers to create accessible learning environments.
Professional support after graduation: UITE Connect provides University of Utah teacher-education alumni with a support network for up to three years after graduation, helping new teachers during their early years in the profession.
Licensure and placement: For the 2024–2025 initial and second licensure cohorts, University of Utah graduates were placed in 133 Utah classrooms across 29% of Utah school districts, covering 12 districts including Alpine, Canyons, Davis, Granite, Jordan, Murray, Salt Lake City, and Weber.
Long-term accreditation value: The Biology Teaching program carries Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation. The University of Utah states that its Teacher Licensure Program has full CAEP accreditation for initial licensure programs in Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education, providing nationally recognized accreditation for educator preparation.
Institutional recognition: The University of Utah has maintained NWCCU institutional accreditation continuously since 1933, with the accreditation process requiring ongoing evaluation of educational quality and effectiveness.

Further Academic Progression: After the BS, students can continue into the University of Utah’s Biology Teaching Combined BS/M.Ed. pathway, which integrates the bachelor's degree with a Master of Education and additional preparation for teacher licensure. The university also offers graduate study in education and related fields, allowing graduates to develop expertise in areas such as educational research, curriculum, leadership, or specialized teaching practice.