Bachelor of Science In Biology Teacher Education
Train the next generation of scientists, doctors, nurses, and other medical and research professionals with a biology teaching degree. At Governors State University, you can receive the training, knowledge, and certification you need to become a biology teacher. Explore the laboratory experience, classroom discussions, and faculty mentorships you’ll receive as a student at GSU.
Why Study Biology Teacher Education?
Biology and other science teachers help encourage another generation of scientists and researchers. Promote excitement about STEM fields in middle and high school classrooms. If you love teaching young minds and wish to work with older, more experienced students, receive a master’s degree to teach biology to future college students. Continuing your education is a great way to keep up with current research and provide your students with even more resources in the sciences.
The United States Department of Education, for the last six years, has pointed out a national shortage of science teachers, including biology teachers. Source: "Designated Teacher Shortage Areas," Illinois State Board of Education
Don’t let this shortage limit children's’ access to a quality education in the sciences. Work with passionate educators in Chicago’s Southland to gain the tools and knowledge necessary to work with students. Some students may be hesitant to learn more about biology, but you can help them fall in love with this crucial field.
Create an environment of learning in any classroom setting. Work with students who are reluctant learners, shy learners, or bright pupils to pass on your knowledge of and excitement about the sciences. Some biology teachers can focus on a specific subdiscipline, while others are hired as generalists to teach the basics of biology, chemistry, and physics in high school classes.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Job Opportunity Potential at Governors State University (GSU)
Chicago Proximity – Located near Chicago, a major hub for business, technology, healthcare, and logistics.
STEM & Business Careers – Strong demand for graduates in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Business (MBA, Accounting, Finance).
Healthcare Pathways – GSU is well-known for Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Health Administration, with excellent placement in hospitals and clinics.
Internships & Co-ops – Access to internships with Fortune 500 companies and Chicago-based firms in finance, consulting, tech, and manufacturing.
OPT & STEM OPT – Eligible programs provide up to 3 years of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation.
Teaching & Counseling – Education, Social Work, and Counseling programs prepare students for careers in schools, universities, and community organizations.
Government & Non-profit Careers – Public Administration and Leadership graduates often find roles in policy, community development, and NGOs.
Entrepreneurship Support – GSU’s Small Business Development Center helps students start and grow businesses.
Networking – Strong alumni network and career fairs connect students with employers in Illinois and nationwide.
On-Campus Jobs – Opportunities to work up to 20 hours per week while studying.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Official high school transcripts.
Minimum unweighted high school GPA ~ 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
ACT or SAT are optional; only taken if you want them considered.
If you studied in a non-English speaking country, you need credential evaluation by a NACES-member agency.
English / IELTS & Other Language Proficiency Requirements
- If your previous education was in a country where English is not the foundational language, you must show English proficiency using one of these: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test.
- Minimum IELTS (Academic) score generally required is 6.0 for both undergrad and graduate admissions.
- For TOEFL, minimum overall score for graduate applicants is 80 (internet-based).
- For undergraduates, a lower TOEFL minimum is possible (e.g. 68 IBT) or similar, depending on program.
- If you don’t meet the required English test scores, GSU offers an Intensive ESL Program as conditional admission / to improve your English before you start academic classes.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
89520 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 25 USD
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