Biology Education Graduate Certificate

Bring Science to Life in the Classroom

With the graduate certificate in Biology Education, you’ll gain the skills you need to become a more effective teacher of middle or high school biology (grades 8–12). Prepare for initial licensure as a secondary-level biology teacher and learn to help your students understand scientific concepts, view themselves as active learners of science, and appreciate scientific practices and cross-cutting concepts.

The certificate in teaching biology is available as both a full- and part-time program.

Program Features

Support the Development of Scientific Thinking

With the Biology Education certificate, you’ll learn to design and implement biology instruction that goes beyond memorization of facts, and instead engages students in authentic scientific inquiry, crosscutting concepts, and core disciplinary ideas. You’ll also be able to create a learning environment that supports student understanding of biological concepts and their growth as science learners.

Licensure Pathway

Students who complete the graduate certificate in biology education can receive an endorsement for Massachusetts initial teaching licensure in biology, grades 8–12, including preparation for DESE requirements and MTEL examinations.

Gain Meaningful Field Experience

A structured pre-practicum and practicum will allow you to apply what you learn in real educational settings. Working alongside experienced educators, you’ll build confidence, refine your teaching skills, and graduate prepared to lead your own secondary biology classroom.

Career Outcomes for a Biology Education Certificate

Students who are successful in completing the certificate in biology education will develop the knowledge and skills necessary as a teacher of biology for grades 8–12. You’ll be prepared to:

• Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge to earn initial grade-level licensure in biology
• Plan effective, evidence-based curricula for students of diverse backgrounds
• Practice research-based teaching methods that promote scientific ways of thinking
• Accurately assess student performance
• Demonstrate classroom leadership

Biology Education Certificate Courses

With the certificate in teaching biology, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary as a beginning teacher of biology for grades 8–12. You’ll take courses such as:

• Foundations of Science Education
• A Practical Approach to Classroom Management
• Science Teaching Methods
• Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction

Related Programs

Master of Education (EdM) in Science Education

For educators who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills, and who already have an initial license or do not wish to obtain one. You’ll explore the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in science education.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Science Education

Prepare as an effective science educator through coursework and field-based experiences. If you seek an initial teacher license in the science content area in which you completed an undergraduate major, the MAT in Science Education offers a pathway.

Admissions & Dates

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Certificate in Biology Education (Grades 8–12). Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.

Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.

Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.