Part of the Graduate School of Education
Biology Education
Our advanced certificate and master's programs in biology education focuses on preparing you to teach biology at the adolescence level. You will join a dynamic community of science education teachers, educators and researchers that engage and question 21st century critical issues in science education.
Why Biology Education at UB?
The features of our program include:
- addressing critical issues in biology education
- applying innovative teaching and learning approaches in the biology education classroom
- designing and conducting research related to assessment, equity, inclusion, inquiry and technology
- developing and administering assessment methods appropriate for biology education contexts
- understanding the environmental, psychological and social conditions of biology education teaching and learning
Prerequisite
To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 30 credit hours in BIOLOGY.
In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science, 3 credits in physics.
Biology Education Programs
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) |
|---|---|
| Certification option | Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS Initial Certification in Biology Education |
| Grade levels | 7 to 12 |
| Credits required for completion | 33 |
| Time to completion | 2 full-time semesters |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Career opportunities |
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| Experiential contact hours |
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| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Fall/Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling |
Program Coursework
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Application Requirements
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Test scores: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) (including verbal, quantitative and writing sections) for applicants pursuing any of the tracks (initial, initial/professional, professional) of the teacher education program. Please use Institution Code 2925 and Department Code 3101. For NYS-certified teachers and educational leaders who already hold a graduate degree, the GRE is not required.
- Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Applicants to the Master's degree program (Professional Certification) must have applied for, or received New York State initial teacher certification in the matching certification area. If application for teacher certification is in process, proof of such application must be submitted. If already certified, a copy of proof of teacher certification is required.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Dignity for All Students Act Requirement
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires that all students applying for certification as of December 31, 2013 have 6 hours of coursework or training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination. As mandated by NYSED six clock hours of training in harassment, bullying, and discrimination prevention and intervention. This workshop is available through the University at Buffalo as well as other NYSED-approved providers. If you have already completed a workshop through a NYSED-approved provider, you must submit proof of completion when you apply.
Students with Disabilities Requirement
The New York State Education Department requires three semester hours of study in the area of students with disabilities for those who are entering the teacher education programs. If you have not yet fulfilled this requirement, you may take our students with disabilities course (LAI 574).
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation by an NACES member organization
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
- TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 96 for the Internet based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall with no individual sub-score below 6.5
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall with no individual sub-score below 50
- Financial documentation — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Learn More
University Computing Standards
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.
