Biology - Secondary Education

Major: Biology with Secondary Education certificate
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts
Total credit hours: 57
Internship/Practicum opportunities: Field and Student Teaching experiences available.

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Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

About Biology – Secondary Education

Thiel College’s Secondary Education program is a cooperative program offered through the Department of Biology and the Department of Education. This joint venture includes a variety of courses in animal and plant systematics, animal and plant physiology, education foundations, mentoring, effective instructional practices and curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Biology - Secondary Education Objectives

At Thiel College, the bachelor’s degree courses in biology and secondary education prepare students to:

Complete field and student teaching experiences and complete the PRAXIS exam.
Understand biological principles and their implications including evolution; structure and function; Information flow, exchange, and storage; Pathways and transformation of energy and matter; and Biological Systems.
Study, analyze experimentally and interpret biological problems, including modeling and simulation, quantitative reasoning and generation of lab reports that reflect methodology.
Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written forms in the field.
Cultivate interpersonal skills and learn to be a valuable member of a team.
Network with distinguished Biology and Education alumni.

Biology - Secondary Education Curriculum

At Thiel, you’ll find a comprehensive curriculum, a dedicated and engaging faculty – and a background in critical thinking and writing that will serve you well whatever your goals. The combination of theory and practical application of best practices offers a complete spectrum of courses in Biology, as well as courses in education.

Review the Academic Catalog (2025-2026) for detailed course listings.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College offers scholarships to our undergraduate Biology and education students for reasons of academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more.

The scholarships available to Biology - Secondary Education majors are:

Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship at Thiel College
Dr. Florence West Tribute to Dr. Bly
Ruth and Sheridan Brown Allied Health Scholarship
The Dr. Judith A Crissman '64 Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Maenpa Family Biotechnology Endowed Scholarship Fund at Thiel College
Elizabeth McElhaney Scholarship
J. Scott Morrison Endowment for Science and Religion
Arthur E. Smith Scholarship Fund
TWC Amelia Earhart Scholarship
The Ethel Smith Vierheller Award Fund
Irene Wintersteen Memorial Science Scholarship
The Patti McKee Bock Scholarship Fund
Thelma Caruso '39 and Frank Caruso Scholarship
The John T. Egbert Jr. and June Smith Egbert Scholarship
The Rev. Dr. Luther E. and Ruth (Potts) Fackler Scholarship
Ellwood and Sara Hauser Scholarship
William Randolph Hearst Scholarship Endowment Fund
Louise Beil Maglisceau ’29 Endowed Scholarship
Ralston Memorial Scholarship for Education
The J. Fred Reinhardt Scholarships
Elijah G. Paraskos ’99 Biology Scholarship (Biology)
Kathryn E. Pearce Scholarship
Charles E. Rogers ’36 and Ruth G. Rogers Education Scholarship
Beverly Birkenmeier Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Dorothy E. Whitehill Endowment Fund

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

Clubs and Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus at Thiel; joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet fellow students and gain leadership experience.

A Biology – Secondary Education major might be interested in the following student organizations:

Environmental Club
Outdoor Recreation Club
Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honorary)
Kappa Delta Pi (International Education Honorary Society)
Chi Alpha Epsilon (National Honorary for Academic Achievement)
National Society of Leadership and Success

Explore a full list of Thiel student clubs and organizations.

Alumni and Careers

Biology – Secondary Education students are exceptionally successful in finding first-time jobs after graduation. Our faculty members work closely with students to assist them in developing the knowledge and skills they need, as well as mentoring them as they prepare for and pursue a range of professional opportunities. For example, the department hosts many networking events that allow students to speak with professionals from numerous institutions and companies in the area.

Potential career paths for graduates of the Biology – Secondary Education program include:

Biology Teacher
Academic Advisor
School Administrator
Educational Technologist

Thiel College has a strong and active alumni community that supports recent Thiel graduates as they begin their careers in education.

Learn More About Thiel’s Education Majors

At Thiel College, our Bachelor of Arts in Education degree programs combine a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities to provide students with a transformative education. The major’s courses build deep knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of fields.