Biology with Teaching Major

Graduate with the knowledge to teach secondary school biology with the Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teaching in Temple’s College of Science and Technology. Intended to prepare Biology Majors for a career in STEM education, the 124-credit-hour Biology with Teaching degree is available through Temple’s interdisciplinary TUteach program. Study the principles that regulate living organisms, from molecules and cells to individuals and ecosystems. Gain the expertise to teach these principles to secondary school students.

Biology with Teaching

The Biology with Teaching degree prepares you to teach secondary school biology with firsthand experience in the classroom through student-teaching apprenticeships in Philadelphia district schools. TUteach coursework helps you create inquiry-based lesson plans, develop impactful teaching skills, manage a classroom, and prepare to work in underrepresented and diverse communities.

Because TUteach includes classes in both the College of Science and Technology and the College of Education and Human Development, you’ll graduate with a solid grounding in STEM education. Coursework focuses on

  • designing activities and evaluating their outcomes,
  • participating in field work specific to STEM, and
  • understanding how students learn and retain information.

The curriculum provides the basis for expertise across disciplines such as cell biology, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and neurobiology. Study life and living organisms, including their chemical composition and development, in the Biology Department’s state-of-the-art labs. You’ll learn to critically evaluate experimental data, become familiar with laboratory procedures and have opportunities to participate in research.

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to use this background in biology to help students in different grade levels and with a variety of learning styles form an understanding of, and an interest in, biology. You’ll become an integral part of their STEM education experience, helping foster their long-term interest in the sciences.

Since the state of Pennsylvania has specific candidacy requirements, TUteach advisors will counsel you on how to successfully submit the documents necessary to become a candidate for the Pennsylvania Department of Education PRAXIS certification exam. The required PRAXIS exam assesses the skills and knowledge of all individuals preparing to become teachers for kindergarten through grade 12. The PRAXIS exam you take depends on the state in which you want to become licensed and the discipline you want to teach.

Temple TUteach

TUteach is a collaboration between the College of Science and Technology and the College of Education and Human Development. TUteach integrates a secondary school (grades 7 through 12) mathematics or science teaching track so you can become eligible to take the Praxis certification exam upon graduation.

Learn more about the TUteach program degrees.

The TUteach coursework also incorporates the fundamentals of biology. Students will learn the biological functions of molecules; important concepts related to biology, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics; and research methods used in biology. Graduates can pursue careers teaching biology in private and public schools, teach abroad or enter graduate degree programs in STEM, or go on to work in curriculum development and research.

Biology student in a lab examining a spider and holding a brush

Classes & Curriculum

As a student in the Biology program, you will broaden your knowledge with a combination of required and elective courses. The curriculum for the Biology with Teaching BS includes

  • 6 required Biology courses;
  • 7 required College of Education and Human Development courses;
  • 11 Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses; and
  • 2 writing-intensive courses.

Learn more about required and elective courses in the Biology with Teaching Major.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

* College of Education and Human Development

TUteach offers degrees in all natural sciences. In addition to the Biology with Teaching Major, majors are

Learn more about each major's academic programs.

Accelerated Programs

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $22,224.00 per year
Out-of-state: $36,624.00 per year

ST-BITC-BS

Additional Program Information