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Applied Biological Sciences (Secondary Education in Biology) ,BS

Applied Biological Sciences (Secondary Education in Biology), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Applied Biological Sciences (Secondary Education in Biology)

approved for STEM-OPT extension

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for other similar program options.


Do you have a passion for teaching and an interest in building a strong foundation in applied biology? This program offers a blend of classroom instruction and professional experiences, preparing you to ask the right questions, navigate uncertainty and make a difference.
Program description ▲

The Bachelor of Science program in applied biological sciences with a concentration in secondary education in biology is designed for students who want to teach biology at the middle school and high school levels.

In addition to the standard curriculum, students receive hands-on experience in laboratory instruction. The goal of the program is to prepare students to become teachers who excel in biology and related sciences.

Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:

  • case studies
  • faculty-guided research
  • service-learning projects
  • secondary education clinical experience

Students who enroll in this concentration should also contact the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College for information on teacher preparation coursework.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
    or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Curriculum ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options ▲

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

Those who wish to pursue a future in education must understand how classrooms are shaped by students' diverse experiences, backgrounds and cultures. Global Education programs offer students firsthand experiences in many cultures and communities, which can enhance a degree program. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while they stay on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. Programs can be found in a variety of countries around the world.

Career opportunities▲

Graduates of this concentration program are prepared to teach biology in high schools or pursue numerous entry-level careers in biology, and they can find employment opportunities in the private and public sectors. Graduates of the general program in applied biological sciences are also prepared to succeed in graduate or professional schools in disciplines such as:

  • animal health
  • dentistry
  • medicine
  • nonprofit education
  • physical therapy
  • teaching
Professional licensure▲

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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