Program Coordinator/Contact
Volker Brözel, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141
E-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/biomicro
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The curriculum in the Biology Secondary Education specialization is designed to provide students with the background needed for a successful career teaching biology in middle and high schools. Students complete a broad distribution of courses that include all the major areas in Biology as well as coursework in pedagogical and professional development. For secondary education majors that may teach in a rural school or apply to graduate school, speak to an advisor about taking additional chemistry, physics, and math classes.
Academic Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the PRAXIS II content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.
Course Delivery Format
Program coursework is on-campus, in classrooms and laboratories, as well as field-based settings. Additional coursework is available at off-campus attendance centers. Limited coursework is available online.
