{"id":70850,"date":"2023-08-13T21:39:20","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T01:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=70850"},"modified":"2026-09-24T11:15:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T15:15:54","slug":"biology-education-graduate-certificate","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/degree-program\/science-education\/biology-education-graduate-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Biology Education Graduate Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"has-dark-color has-text-color\">Bring Science to Life in the Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the graduate certificate in Biology Education, you&#8217;ll gain the skills you need to become a more effective teacher of middle or high school biology (grades 8\u201312). 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The certificate in teaching biology is available as both a full- and part-time program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-dark-color has-text-color\">Program Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>Support the Development of Scientific Thinking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With the Biology Education certificate, you&#8217;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&#8217;ll also be able to create a learning environment that supports student understanding of biological concepts and their growth as science learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Licensure Pathway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students who complete the graduate certificate in biology education can receive an endorsement for Massachusetts initial teaching licensure in biology, grades 8\u201312, including preparation for DESE requirements and MTEL examinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Gain Meaningful Field Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A structured pre-practicum and practicum will allow you to apply what you learn in real educational settings. Working alongside experienced educators, you&#8217;ll build confidence, refine your teaching skills, and graduate prepared to lead your own secondary biology classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-dark-color has-text-color\">Career Outcomes for a Biology Education Certificate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u201312. You&#8217;ll be prepared to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge to earn initial grade-level licensure in biology<\/li><li>Plan effective, evidence-based curricula for students of diverse backgrounds<\/li><li>Practice research-based teaching methods that promote scientific ways of thinking<\/li><li>Accurately assess student performance<\/li><li>Demonstrate classroom leadership<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group person-spotlight\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-tertiary-color has-text-color\">Featured Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Faculty in the Science Education program represent broad experiences in science education. They have expertise in a range of areas, including curriculum development, designing learning environments, and supporting pre- and in-service teachers.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<ul class=\"profile-listing profile-format-advanced\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<li class=\"profile-item profile-item-advanced has-title post-22132 profile type-profile status-publish hentry research-interest-science-education sed-affiliation-faculty department-teaching-learning program-science-education\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/profile\/peter-garik\/\" class=\"profile-link profile-link-advanced\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"profile-photo profile-photo-advanced\"><img width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2016\/07\/Peter-Garik_01_-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Peter Garik\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"profile-name profile-name-advanced\">Peter Garik<\/h6>\n\t\t<p class=\"profile-title profile-title-advanced\">Program Director, Science Education<br \/>\r\nClinical Associate Professor<\/p>\t<\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<li class=\"profile-item profile-item-advanced has-title post-79408 profile type-profile status-publish hentry research-interest-science-education research-interest-teaching-learning sed-affiliation-faculty department-teaching-learning program-science-education\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/profile\/ihsan-ghazal\/\" class=\"profile-link profile-link-advanced\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"profile-photo profile-photo-advanced\"><img width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/07\/Ghazal_Ihsan_348-_218-Retouched_Recropped-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot of Ihsan Ghazal\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"profile-name profile-name-advanced\">Ihsan Ghazal<\/h6>\n\t\t<p class=\"profile-title profile-title-advanced\">Lecturer<\/p>\t<\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<li class=\"profile-item profile-item-advanced has-title post-22134 profile type-profile status-publish hentry research-interest-elementary-education research-interest-science-education research-interest-stem-education research-interest-teaching-learning sed-affiliation-faculty department-teaching-learning program-science-education\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/profile\/eve-manz\/\" class=\"profile-link profile-link-advanced\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"profile-photo profile-photo-advanced\"><img width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2016\/07\/Eve_Manz_07_Square-scaled-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Eve Manz\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"profile-name profile-name-advanced\">Eve Manz<\/h6>\n\t\t<p class=\"profile-title profile-title-advanced\">Associate Professor<\/p>\t<\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<li class=\"profile-item profile-item-advanced has-title post-38487 profile type-profile status-publish hentry research-interest-ai-education research-interest-science-education research-interest-stem-education research-interest-teaching-learning research-interest-technology sed-affiliation-faculty department-teaching-learning program-science-education\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/profile\/thomas-mckenna\/\" class=\"profile-link profile-link-advanced\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"profile-photo profile-photo-advanced\"><img width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2018\/07\/TJ-McKenna_21_-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"TJ McKenna is a faculty member in the science education program at BU Wheelock and director of the AI and education program.\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"profile-name profile-name-advanced\">Thomas J. McKenna<\/h6>\n\t\t<p class=\"profile-title profile-title-advanced\">Program Director, AI &#038; Education<br \/>\r\nDirector, Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale<br \/>\r\nAssociate Director, Educator Engagement and Impact, AI &#038; Education Initiative <br \/>\r\nClinical Assistant Professor, Science Education<\/p>\t<\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-dark-color has-text-color\">Biology Education Certificate Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the certificate in teaching biology, you&#8217;ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary as a beginning teacher of biology for grades 8\u201312. You&#8217;ll take courses such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Foundations of Science Education<\/li><li>A Practical Approach to Classroom Management<\/li><li>Science Teaching Methods<\/li><li>Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wheelock\/programs\/science-education\/graduate-certificate-in-biology-education\/\">See Detailed Course List<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Related Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>Master of Education (EdM) in Science Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ll explore the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in science education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/degree-program\/science-education\/edm-in-science-education\/\">Learn About the EdM<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Science Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/degree-program\/science-education\/mat-in-science-education\/\">Learn About the MAT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-dark-color has-text-color\">Admissions &amp; Dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column date-deadline\">\n<h6>Fall &amp; Spring 2027<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h4>Aug 3, 2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Application Opens<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column date-deadline\">\n<h6>Spring 2027 Start<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h4>Dec 15, 2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Application Closes <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column date-deadline\">\n<h6>Fall 2027 Start<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h4>Jan 15, 2027<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Priority Deadline<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column date-deadline\">\n<h6>Fall 2027 Start<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h4>Aug 1, 2027<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Application Closes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Certificate in Biology Education (Grades 8\u201312). Learn about <strong>application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application <\/strong>today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/admissions-financial-aid\/graduate-admissions\/\">Admissions Info<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/grad.bu.edu\/register\/wheelock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/grad.bu.edu\/apply\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licensing Disclosure<\/strong><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/state-authorization\/wheelock-college-of-education-human-development-educator-preparation-programs\/\">BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure<\/a> 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 <a href=\"mailto:edlic@bu.edu\">edlic@bu.edu<\/a>&nbsp;with questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Background Checks<\/strong><br>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\u2019 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\u2019s degree program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prepares science educators for initial licensure as a secondary-level biology teacher. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18489,"featured_media":88783,"parent":68155,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[6501],"bu_progs_degree-option":[6537],"bu_progs_education-level":[7132],"bu_progs_area-of-study":[6682],"bu_progs_area-of-interest":[6642],"bu_progs_department-affiliation":[6638],"bu_progs_format":[6607],"bu_progs_availability":[7074],"bu_progs_location":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/70850"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-program-page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18489"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/70850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91232,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/70850\/revisions\/91232"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/68155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_area-of-study","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_area-of-study?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_area-of-interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_area-of-interest?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=70850"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=70850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}