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Degrees

PG/MT in Biology Education

This program allows you to earn a Master of Teaching (MT) degree with licensure and endorsement in Biology Education, grades 6-12.  You may add a second area of endorsement (e.g., ESOL, Special Education) to your program of studies.  If interested in this option, seek permission from your advisor and the Office of Teacher Education.  Completing two endorsements requires careful planning.

For detailed information about policies and procedures, view the advising handbook Teacher Education Student Handbook.
 

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet several requirements. 

1. Possess a B.A. or B.S. degree in biology or a minimum of 32 semester hours of biology coursework covering: zoology, genetics, botany (typically offered at UVA in fall only, so good idea to take this in advance), ecology, evolution, physiology, microbiology, cell biology/biochemistry.

2. Have 23 hours of supporting coursework with at least one course in each of the following:  physics, chemistry, earth/space science, and mathematics (through differential equations).  Ideally, science courses should include labs.

3. Meet general studies requirements: 12 hours mathematics and science, 6 hours in English/composition/literature, 6 hours of historical studies across American history and world history or western civilization, as well as courses representing the humanities and the social sciences.

4. Complete the online application for admission and submit supporting materials, including official transcripts and test scores by February 15.  (NOTE: applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with applications, but will need to provide official transcripts before they can matriculate.) Test scores include GREs that meet targets--at or above 450/150 (verbal), 530/145 (quantitative), 4.0 (analytical writing).  Applicants must also submit  test scores on ONE of the following:

  • SATs taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1000, with at least 450 verbal and 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 530 verbal, 530 math, OR
  • ACTs: taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 450 verbal, 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—composite score of 24, with at least 22 math, 46 English Plus Reading score, OR
  • PRAXIS I: 178 math, 178 reading, 175 writing or 532 composite score, OR
  • VCLA: Reading and Writing as an optional assessment for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests-- writing subtest of 235, reading subtest of 235, composite score of 470--in combination with qualifying math scores from SATs and ACTs.

 

 

Application Due Date

February 1

Degree Requirements

All Master of Teaching students are required to complete 5 credits in the Curry Participant Pool in each year of their program.

Students must complete coursework, practica, and assessments required for licensure by the dates listed in the Course Outline below.

Prospective biology teachers must also complete:

  • a B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, with courses at the 2000 level or higher in Botany, Cell Biology/biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology;
  • 20 semester hours to include one course each in Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Mathematics (working knowledge of Calculus, Physics);
  • at least one History of Science course (HIEU 3322 recommended) if not part of one's undergraduate curriculum;
  • labs if offered in conjunction with science courses in which you enroll;
  • at least 30 credits at the 5000 level or above, which do not include Teaching Associate credits. Recommended courses are:  EDIS 7850, EDLF 5050, EDLF 5450, EDLF 5640, EDLF 5860, EDLF 5500, EDLF 7280.  If desired, substitute EDLF 5050 for EDLF 3450 to meet the 30-credit rule.

Funding Opportunities

In addition to federal loans, grants, scholarships and work study, possible sources of funding include Curry Foundation Scholarships.  Foundation awards are made mid-year; several are earmarked for TED students. Check with the Office of Financial Aid for other funding sources, including the federal TEACH grant.

Typical Length of Study

2 Years.  If you wish to accelerate your program of studies, meet with your adviser to determine the feasibility of doing so.

Semester of Entry:

Fall

Full or Part Time:

Full-time.

Course Overview

Use the sample course outline below to map your coursework in Curry and to determine which semesters you can enroll in Arts and Sciences courses required for your major and licensure.

First Year

Fall Semester:

___EDLF 5011: Adolescent Learning & Development (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3882: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5020: Instruction & Assessment (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3450: Teaching with Technology (2 cr.) math/science section--fall or spring semester
___EDIS 4885: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5050: Teaching Science in Secondary Schools I (3 cr.)
___EDIS 5710: Content Area Reading (3 cr.)--fall or spring semester
___By December 1, submit the Teaching Associateship Application (a form on which you request a student teaching placement) to the Office of Teacher Education.

Spring Semester:

___EDIS 5000: Exceptional Learner (3 cr.)--spring or summer session
___EDIS 5030: Curriculum & Management (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3882: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 4885: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5051: Teaching Science in Secondary School II (3 cr.)
___Complete the online module Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting, and Responding for Educators.  Print out the certificate of completion and make one copy for the Office of Teacher Education.  Keep the original for your personal records.
___By April 15, complete 5 credits in the Curry Participant Pool.
___By May 1, take and pass the reading and writing portions of the Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment (VCLA).  Print a copy of your scores for your personal records.  You will need this document when you apply for licensure at the end of the program.

Summer Session (if accelerating the program)

___Register for coursework on the Summer Session website.
___EDIS 7991: Field Project (3 cr.)--a portion of the course will be completed in the fall.
___EDIS 7100: Contemporary Issues (3 cr.)


Second Year

Fall Semester (No coursework other than courses listed below may be taken during student teaching.)

___By August 1, take and pass the PRAXIS II Content Exam offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).  Print a copy of test results for your personal records.
___If graduating in December, apply for graduation no later than October 1.  On the Curry form, be sure to list primary and secondary endorsements (if relevant).  Take your application to Curry's Office of Admission (106 Bavaro Hall). Use a paperclip to attach copies of required licensure materials (e.g., test scores, College Verification Form, Request for Initial Licensure).  Licensure documents can be found in on the VDOE website under "Application for a Virginia License".  Make sure the address you list on licensure materials is the one where you will be receiving mail between December and February.
___If planning to enroll as a part-time (fewer than 12 cr.) during the spring, complete a Change of Status form and submit it to the Teacher Education Office by October 15.
___EDIS 5875: Seminar: Teaching Associateship – Science (3 cr.)
___EDIS 5885: Teaching Associateship – Science (12 cr.)
 

Spring Semester:

___If graduating in May, apply for graduation no later than February 1.  On the Curry form, be sure to list primary and secondary endorsements (if relevant).  Take your application to Curry's Office of Admission (106 Bavaro Hall). Use a paperclip to attach copies of required licensure materials (e.g., test scores, College Verification Form, Request for Initial Licensure).  Licensure documents can be found on the VDOE website under "Application for a Virginia License".  Make sure the address you list on licensure materials is the one where you will be receiving mail between May and August.
___By April 15, complete 5 credits (3 credits if graduating in December) in the Curry Participant Pool.
___EDIS 7991: Field Project (3 cr.)
___EDIS 7100: Contemporary Educational Issues (3 cr.)
___Other coursework needed for degree/licensure

 

 

Sample Jobs After Graduation

Secondary (grades 6-12) Biology Teacher

Contacts

Jenn Maeng

jlc7d@virginia.edu

244 Ruffner Hall

434-924-0837


Associated Faculty

  • Glen L. Bull
  • Robert Q. Berry, III
  • Jennifer Chiu
  • Joe Garofalo
  • Mable B. Kinzie
  • Robert H. Tai

Associated Researchers

  • Jennifer L Maeng


This degree is offered through
Teacher Education: Secondary Education.

Areas of Study

  • Science Education

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