Biology: Instructional Grade 7-12 Certification

Are you interested in the study of living things? Would you like to share this knowledge with others?

The Biology Secondary Education program at Marywood provides a strong background in biology and the physical sciences. You'll learn basic concepts in biology, chemistry, math, and physics, as well as more advanced concepts in areas such as molecular biology, anatomy, microbiology, and ecology.

Lab work is a vital element of the Biology Secondary Education degree because we believe that the teachers of tomorrow are also the scientists of tomorrow.

Prepares biology and/or general science teachers (grades 7-12)

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Study living forms and of modern advances

Certification Information:

Teacher certification requires completion of an approved program and qualifying scores on state tests.

On the undergraduate level, students must earn their bachelor's degree in their specialty area and in education.

On the graduate level, students can pursue the certification only or the certification and the MAT degree.

Program Highlights

Get Involved

Check out Marywood's Graduate Student Council to get involved on campus!

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Pay Your Way

Graduate Assistantships help students pay their way through graduate school while giving them the experience they need for success after graduation.

Ranked Among the Best

Marywood is ranked #14 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings for 2026, making Marywood a great, centrally located option for students in Northeastern Pennsylvania who want to stay closer to home.

About the Special Education Program

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
“B” average during undergraduate study or demonstrated potential for graduate work
Completed application
Official, sealed transcripts

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Facilities & Technology

The School of Education is located in the The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues. This facility contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space.

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons changes minds about what a library is, how it works, and what it's supposed to do. By seamlessly navigating the ever-changing learning landscape, The Learning Commons in effect removes previous barriers to knowledge creation. Since it is far more than a repository for information, the facility instantly became a place where people collaborate and create knowledge, using the latest technology and the energy that is borne of intellectual exchange and inspirational spaces.

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McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. The Marywood Market is also located here.

The McGowan Center is home to the School of Education and the School of Business and Global Innovation. The Counseling/Student Development Center is also located here.

The building has modern classrooms, computer labs, and controlled lab settings for the Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders programs. Students from the School of Education may utilize the Curriculum Lab, which houses hundreds of school textbooks, teacher manuals, and other teaching materials.

Market Marywood is a convenience store located on the first floor of the McGowan Center. It features favorite beverages, snacks, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, on-the-go sandwiches, fruit, and salads.

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Curriculum Lab Library

The Curriculum Lab and Library, located in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, is a curriculum materials resource area, designed to support the specialized needs of teacher education students.

Lecturer

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Courses & Curriculum

The general professional education requirements for secondary or PK-12 certification are:

EDUC 00_		0
EDUC 005D	Practicum IV Secondary/K-12	0
EDUC 102	Dgtl Tech/Comm in Education	3

PSYC 251	Developmental Psychology	3
	Or
PSYC 252	Psychology of Adolescence	3

EDUC 311	Educational Psychology	3
EDUC 411A	Effective Instructn Secondary/PK-12 Ed K-12 Education	3
Various	Curriculum methods and materials in the major discipline
SPED 100	Characteristics of Students With Mild Disabilities	3
SPED 367	Behavior and Classroom Management	3
EDUC 414	Social Foundations of Education	3
SPED 420	Evidence Based Practices	3
EDUC 461	Meth Assessment/ESL	3
EDUC 442	Student Teaching Elementary and Secondary	9
EDUC 441	SeminarUndrgrd Stdnt Teacher Candidates	3

PSYC 251: taken by PK-12 candidates

PSYC 252: taken by 7-12 candidates

EDUC 311, EDUC 411A, SPED 367, EDUC 414, EDUC 461 and EDUC 442: Upper-level course: requires successful completion of upper level screening

Students may elect to enroll in a dual certification program with special education PK-12 and would take the following additional courses:

SPED 362	Secondary Programming and Career Education	3
SPED 400	The Law and Special Education	3

Various: variable in title, number, and credit, taken in major department

Program requirements for the concentration areas are listed in the Undergraduate Teacher Education Handbook.

Current Student Resources

From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way. For currently enrolled students visit the School of Education Student Resources Website for academic tips, forms, and more to guide you on your academic journey.

Centers of Excellence

Marywood University hosts three academic Centers of Excellence on campus; The Center for Law, Justice and Policy, The Center for Urban Studies, and The Mother Theresa Maxis, IHM Center. Each center provides students with the tools and resources to excel in their academic endeavors, fostering a dynamic environment where they can engage deeply with their respective fields of study and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Accreditation

Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000

Marywood University School of Education Certification Programs are designed to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education program competencies. Upon successful completion of one of our certification programs, students may apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the area they studied.

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Biology: Instructional Grade 7-12 Certification