About

There is a high demand for science teachers across the country and especially in North Carolina.  Students in Appalachian State University’s Biology (BS) - Secondary Education degree program are motivated by their desire to make a difference and often graduate with 3 to 5 job offers each.

Graduates of this degree meet the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements to teach biology full-time in grades 9-12 and will be eligible for a North Carolina Secondary General Science teaching license. Students are taught by faculty in the renowned Reich College of Education and the Department of Biology, giving them a chance to learn from experts in both aspects of their curriculum. Students complete a methods course where they learn how to apply their learning experience to their classrooms once they begin student teaching.

After Graduation

Employment: With a high-demand for biology teachers, a large majority of students go on immediately to work in North Carolina public schools.

Graduate school: Because their field does not demand a graduate degree, students do not typically pursue an advanced degree right away.

Career Exploration website

People

• Faculty Profile: Dr. Jennifer Geib

  “Many biology students don’t consider teaching as their first option. Getting some education ‘credentials’ can only help you in the job market later, and many people don’t realize they have a calling to teach until they try it.”

  – Dr. Jennifer Geib, ecologist and science teacher educator

  Meet more faculty

• 

  Alumna Profile: Anna Densmore ’14

  Anna Densmore teaches biology at Washington High School in Washington, North Carolina. She chose Appalachian after researching several schools for their teaching and science programs, she said.

Related Programs

• Biology (BA)
• Biology (BS) - Cellular/Molecular Biology
• Biology (BS) - Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology

Minors

A minor is optional. Students do not typically choose a minor because their career requirements are satisfied through the degree program/

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society - TriBeta was established to recognize academic achievement and promote research in the biological sciences. Membership is by invitation.

Highlands Biology Club - a student club that works to advance knowledge, inspire the community, as well as open doors of opportunity for members through events involving Biology while having fun.

Appalachian Educators Club - a student club open to all education majors. The club meets every other Wednesday evening. The club promotes teacher education, service, social and professional development.

Kappa Delta Pi - National Honorary Education Fraternity that works to promote a closer bond among students of education and to form a more intimate fellowship with those dedicated to teaching. For more information, email polingll@appstate.edu.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Department of Biology faculty members have led short-term study abroad programs to Zambia, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.