Why study Biology Education at Washburn?

At Washburn, your career goals matter and our programs make them possible. You can earn a bachelor of science, or a bachelor of education in preparation for teaching exams that will qualify you to teach grades 6-12 in Kansas. Because Washburn University’s Biology and teacher preparation programs are well respected in the state and region, our graduates find rewarding employment at many grade-levels and schools.
Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary High school: $55,170 in Kansas Middle school: $58,010 in Kansason campus
A professor wearing a lab coat explains something to a student at a microscope.

What sets Washburn Biology apart?

  • You’ll train as a scientist and an educator. Every Washburn Biology graduate conducts research for at least one semester with a faculty mentor. Every Washburn Education graduate completes a semester of student-teaching and multiple field experiences.
  • You’ll learn from professors, not graduate students.
  • You’ll be eligible for scholarships and free tutoring (and you can get paid to tutor others, too.)
  • Active student organizations help you find your people.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Biology department scholarships

You're eligible for a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. Available for incoming freshmen, current and transfer students. Applications are due early in the spring semester for the following year.

1
Apply to Washburn by filling out the undergraduate admissions application and enroll to pursue Biology Secondary Education.

2
It is common to declare a major in biology at enrollment and then determine your specific interest. In your second year you'll need to apply to the Professional Teacher Education Program. Admission to the program allows you to begin your teaching blocks.

3
Plan to take the Praxis exams in your final semester.

4
You’ll participate in Education Interview Day before graduation. Many students graduate with a job lined up. About half of biology education graduates continue to a graduate program.

To satisfy Kansas State Department of Education requirements for teaching certification in Biology (grades 6-12), the state-approved program of the Biology Department at Washburn University requires that candidates fulfill the following requirements:

  • University and general education requirements
  • 38 credit hours in biology
    • 20 credit hours of biology core requirements
    • 18 credit hours of supporting biology courses
  • Required 30-hour natural science concentration: 20 credit hours in one discipline

Both the BS in Biology Secondary Education and the BEd in Biology Secondary Education meet this requirement.

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

A. Biology, Secondary Education Specialization (BiED) Core Courses:

BI 102

General Cellular Biology

 5

BI 103

General Organismal Biology

 5

BI 301

General Microbiology

 4

BI 333

General Genetics

 4

BI 390

Biology Seminar

 1

BI 395

Biology Research

 1

Total Core BI Hours for BiEd Majors

20

B. Required Supporting Courses for BiED Majors:

Students must complete the following courses to satisfy Kansas teaching standards. Indicated courses may be substituted by course listed under Course Substitutions.

BI 155

Sexually Transmitted Diseases*

1

BI 202

Biology of Behavior

3

BI 250

Introduction to Human Anatomy**

3

BI 255

Human Physiology †

4

BI 310

Ecology ‡

4

BI 340

Evolutionary Biology

3

Total Supporting BI Hours

18
Course Substitutions

BI 275

Human Anatomy** (substitute for BI 250)

4

BI 325

Microbiology of Human Disease* (substitute for BI 155)*

5

BI 300

Field Biology ‡ (substitute for BI 310)

3

BI 330

Animal Physiology † (substitute for BI 255)

4
Total BI Hours for BiEd Majors 38

C. Required Chemistry, Math and Physics Courses for BiEd Majors:

CH 151/152

Fundamentals of Chemistry (1 year with lab)

10

CH 340/342

Organic Chemistry I (with lab)

5

MA 140
  or MA 151

Statistics 
  or Calculus & Analytical Geometry I

3
  or 5

PS 261-262
  or PS 281/282

College Physics (1 year with lab)
  or General Physics (1 year with lab)

10

D. Courses that may be used to fulfill the 30-hour NS Concentration (CH emphasis)

CH 341/343

Organic Chemistry II (with lab)

5

  or

5 cr hr of upper division CH
Total CH, MA, PS Hours 33-35

F. Professional Education Requirements (See BiEd advisor)

39
Bill smiles while sitting in a biology lab

Meet alumnus Bill Dohrman

Bill Dohrman was working in retail management when he realized what he enjoyed most about the job was teaching new employees. That led to a career change to his true passion: Becoming a Biology teacher.

Dorhman, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology, needed to attend a school that not only gave him the tools he needed to teach, but also allowed him to take care of his family at the same time. Washburn proved to be the best fit.

“They’re understanding and flexible for whatever situation you’re in,” Dohrman said of the faculty in Education. “They know that I have kids, so I have other responsibilities than just their class. So, they can work with you on things, or if you need more help, they’re willing to take their personal time to help you that way.”

Dohrman also received a number of scholarships that made balancing family, education and work manageable.

“I was able to secure a substantial enough amount that I won’t have to work while student teaching,” he said.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook
Employment of middle and high school teachers is predicted to grow about 4 percent from 2019 to 2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate is as fast as average for all occupations.

Student/Faculty ratio

9:1 Education
16:1 Biology

Qualities for success

Inquisitive
Persistent
Patient
Proactive

Washburn Biology provides

Well-respected program
Community
Meaningful experiences: research and classroom
Resources: Financial and academic support

Courses

Browse courses offered by the biology department.
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Scholarships

Apply for biology department scholarships - available for incoming freshmen, current and transfer students.
Read More

Student Orgs

Explore several biology student organizations
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Biology

Department of Biology
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 202
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785-670-2077
biology@washburn.edu

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