ID
youth visitors in the greenhouse

Teaching - Science, Biology Emphasis

Make a positive impact on our environment and the next generation.

Available as
Major
Description

Instill a Love of Science in the Next Generation

Built on a foundation of research and exploration, the teaching - science, biology emphasis program includes opportunities to test ideas, make discoveries, and gain professional teaching experience. Pursuing this degree will certify you to teach any science course, especially biology, in grades 4-12.

Through projects, labs and fieldwork, you'll gain the tools and skills needed to develop successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style, and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.

As a UW-Eau Claire teaching - science, biology emphasis major, you'll quickly find that you earn so much more than just a degree. You'll use your knowledge and passion of the sciences to inspire future biologists. Your lessons might motivate students to find cures and vaccines for life-threatening diseases, discover new drought-resistant crops to fight hunger, or reestablish a plant or animal species. The possibilities and opportunities are endless with a degree from UW-Eau Claire! 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
In-person or online
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on

Licensure Information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Hallmarks
student teacher in elementary classroom
Real-World Experience and Preparation

Our program will help you feel prepared to lead a classroom full of young and passionate students. In your sophomore year, you will assist teachers in elementary, middle, and secondary school learning environments to become acquainted with the responsibilities of teaching as well as gain a better understanding of how schools are organized. As a senior, you will apply your knowledge through a full semester of student teaching or interning.

Martin Kocher, COB, in Indonesia elementary school
Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Many education majors choose to enhance their education by engaging in cultural immersions. You may student teach in Kenai, Alaska or participate in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. These experiences often lead to new ways of thinking and a better understanding of the students in your future classrooms.

Joel Newman, Spanish and TESOL students
Connection to Local Employers

To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

young students in a classroom learning about earthworms
Alternative Career Paths

Earning a teaching - science, biology emphasis degree from UW-Eau Claire offers job possibilities you may not have even thought of. Whether you pursue a career in teaching, developing curriculum or educating at a museum, you'll have the tools you need for a fulfilling career instilling a love of life and biology in others.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Outcomes Image
High fives for Dean Manning from male COEHS grad
What can I do

Where can the teaching - science, biology emphasis program lead me after graduation?

Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any science course in grades 4-12 in a regular education setting, including physics, chemistry, earth/space science and general science — with special expertise and in-depth knowledge of biology specifically.

Example Careers

  • Science teacher
  • Curriculum developer
  • School administrator
  • Biological technician
  • Museum educator

Recent Graduates

Executive Director
Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary
Wisconsin

Science Teacher
Lake Holcombe School District
Wisconsin

Science Teacher
Altoona School District
Wisconsin

Science Teacher
Manitowoc Public School District
Wisconsin

Science Teacher
Mounds View Public Schools
Minnesota

Courses information
SampleCourses

UW-Eau Claire sets you up for success through experiential, interactive learning, and real-world experience. Courses include opportunities to learn in our exceptional biology facilities and conduct cutting-edge research alongside expert faculty.

Here are a few courses in Teaching - Science, Biology Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

BIOL 221

Foundations of Biology I

Introduction to cell biology, genetics, evolution, and microbiology.

BIOL 308

Evolution

An introduction to evolution, including: origin and impact of the theory of evolution, origin of life, genetics and natural selection, molecular evolution, speciation, adaptation, systematics, fossil record, biogeography, species interactions, and human evolution.

BIOL 318

Plant Form and Function

Study of the classification, structure, function, development, and behavior of plants in an evolutionary and experimental context.

Get More Info

Get More Info

Sign up to receive additional information about our campus.

Loading...
What's Next

What's Next?

student walking with athletics flag at a track meet
Request More Information
Learn more about UW-Eau Claire. Connect with admissions and get additional information about our programs and Blugold life sent to you.
Wide angle drone view of all campus and neighborhood
Schedule a Visit
See the most beautiful campus in Wisconsin for yourself. Get a campus tour, learn about our programs, and meet the friendly people of UWEC.
Blu the mascot high-fives a member of Blugold Marching Band
Start Your Application
Learn the steps to apply and check out admission requirements.