Biology, Secondary Education
What Can I Do With My Major?
Overview
There is a high demand for science teachers across the country and especially in North Carolina. Students in Appalachian State University’s Biology (BS) - Secondary Education degree program are motivated by their desire to make a difference and often graduate with 3 to 5 job offers each.
Graduates of this degree meet the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements to teach biology full-time in grades 9-12 and will be eligible for a North Carolina Secondary General Science teaching license. Students are taught by faculty in the renowned Reich College of Education and the Department of Biology, giving them a chance to learn from experts in both aspects of their curriculum. Students complete a methods course where they learn how to apply their learning experience to their classrooms once they begin student teaching.
Related Careers
The following list contains job titles for Biology, Secondary Education majors. Use this as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education or experience beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Biology teacher, 9-12
Adult Education Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator/Specialist *
Educational Administrator*
Environmental Educator
Grant Writer*
Instructor, College/University *
Park Naturalist
Sales Representative, scientific/medical products
Science Writer*
Tutor
Biology Educational Researcher*
*additional experience or advanced degree required
Employers of Education Majors
Various private/public local, regional and international schools
Various colleges/universities
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals
NC Department of Public Instruction
Mercy Corps
RTI International
YMCA
Related Major Skills
Ability to teach students with different learning levels
Computer skills
Creativity
Dealing with parents or guardians
Decision making
Explaining ideas clearly Flexibility
Lesson planning
Organization
Planning
Summarizing ideas
Team player
Writing and presenting information
Preparing for Your Career
• Develop excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations
• Look for internships and jobs in to gain knowledge and experience
• Participation in internships and summer jobs in a relevant setting
How can I know if a Biology, Secondary Education degree is right for me?
• Complete a self-assessment inventory at the Career Exploration Office in the Student Union to see how your interests, values, and personality match this major and related career fields.
• Schedule an appointment with a career counselor on careers.appstate.edu/Handshake
• Obtain direct experience by doing a job shadow
• Conduct an informational interview with a professional in the field
For more information on careers & job outlook: onetonline.org