Biological Sciences Education (BS)

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)

• Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the BS requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Breadth Areas. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

General Education Requirement (28+ Credits)

See General Education  for course options.

• Core Course Requirements (12+ Credits)
• Breadth Area Requirements (16+ Credits)

Biological Sciences Education Curriculum (69 Credits)

Additional Coursework

Additional coursework in computer science, geology, and physics selected in consultation with the departmental advisor.

• Secondary Teaching Certification requires specific professional education courses. Consult the department of teacher education for additional advisement.
• This degree does not include the requisite number of upper-division hours. Students completing this degree will fill the upper-division requirements while completing course work for the Secondary Teaching Certificate.

Free Electives and University Requirements

Students’ total free elective credit is determined by their General Education courses taken, degree type selected (if applicable), additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Some students and/or programs may not have any free electives.

For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn

• A minimum of 120 total credits;
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in both SUU coursework and combined transfer/SUU coursework;
• 40 upper-division credits , 20 of which are earned from SUU (students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum 40); and
• 30 credits completed  through SUU.

Total Credits, BS Degree: 120

Professional Education Requirements for Secondary Licensure (36-37 Credits)*

To qualify for a teaching license, students must also complete the sequence of professional education courses listed by the Department of Teacher Education . Please see the degree requirements for Secondary Education Licensure . Some classes required for the licensure cannot be taken until the teacher candidate has been admitted to the College of Education and Human Development. Please consult your Student Success Advisor or the Department of Teacher Education for further instruction.

* Students who complete their teaching methods course(s) and student teaching as part of their major requirements will earn fewer than 36 credits. Those course credits are counted only once in the degree total.

Total Credits, BS Degree with Licensure: 128

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure/certification and was designed to meet such qualifications for the state of Utah. Students who are or may be planning to pursue licensure/certification in any other US state or territory may need to meet additional education requirements. This is not a reflection of SUU’s accreditation or quality, as each state and territory regulates their own education requirements for occupational licensure.

Students enrolled in a teacher preparation program may potentially be able to use a Utah educator license to obtain licensure through reciprocity. Additional information may be found through the Department of Teacher Education’s reciprocity table.

Program Learning Outcomes

• All students will demonstrate an understanding of the following core concepts:

1. evolution
2. structure and function
3. information flow, exchange, and storage
4. pathways and transformations of energy and matter
5. systems

• Students will demonstrate understanding and ability to apply methodologies of science:

1. scientific methodology
2. reading, understanding, and critiquing peer-reviewed literature
3. integrate and apply concepts from different within and beyond the sciences

• Students will demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats.
• Students will use appropriate tools to carry out investigations in their intended fields, including:

1. demonstrating competency in use of appropriate field and/or laboratory equipment
2. successful completion of an SUU-approved experiential learning activity
3. acquiring sufficient knowledge and training to successfully enter graduate or professional school or the workforce.
4. completion of an independent research project.
5. use appropriate mathematical, modeling, and simulation tools to address scientific questions

• Students will develop an understanding of the social responsibility that is incumbent on all who obtain a degree in biological sciences, including:

1. engagement in public and political conversations to promote learning based on scientific principles and rational thought
2. knowledge of ethics in research, communications and reporting
3. understanding the importance of environmental stewardship