Emphasis - Biology

• B.A.Ed. in Science Education
• Emphasis - Biology
• Degree Requirements

B.A.Ed. in Science Education

Description

The B.A.E. degree with a major in science education can be completed with an emphasis in biology, chemistry, or physics. The degree prepares graduates to be eligible for certification in Mississippi to teach one of these science subjects in grades 7-12. Graduates may also teach other subjects by gaining supplemental endorsements. (See an advisor for more information.)

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 122

General Education Requirements

The core/general education requirements for the B.A.E. degree are as follows: 6 hours of English composition (Writ 100 or Writ 101, and Writ 102 or Liba 102); 6 hours of American or English literature; Math 121 or higher; a 3-4 hour biological science course with laboratory; a 3-4 hour physics, astronomy, or physical science II course with laboratory; a 3-4 hour course in geology, chemistry, or physical science I; one additional 3-hour course in mathematics or science; a 3-hour course in fine arts (appreciation or history of); one additional 3-hour course in fine arts; 6 hours of history; 3 hours of humanities (from among classics, modern languages, philosophy, religion, literature, history, Southern studies, gender studies, linguistics, or African American studies); Psy 201.

Note: The Core Requirements are subject to change due to mandates from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) and the Mississippi Department of Education. Therefore, it is important for all students to meet with School of Education advisers in the dean’s office for the most recent information on the Core.

Course Requirements

The requirements for the B.A.E. in science education are the professional education courses (29 hours), shown below, plus the content courses and related areas courses to satisfy an emphasis in biology, chemistry, or physics.

Professional Education Courses (29 hours) - Edsp 308, Edci 352, Edci 353*, Edse 400*, Edse 446*, Edle 486*, and Edci 419* (*Admission to Phase II of the Teacher Education Program is required before taking these courses.)

Content area, related area, and elective courses to satisfy one of the three emphases.

Other Academic Requirements

Admission to Phase II: Professional Education Core

Students who wish to enter a teacher education degree program must submit a formal application for admission to Phase II to the Office of the Dean of the School of Education. Requirements for admission to teacher education are as follows:

1. Completion of 45 semester hours. Students are responsible for submitting grades to the Office of the Dean for courses taken at other institutions.

2. A grade-point average of 2.75 or above on the 45 semester hours described above. Those who meet the test requirement (see below) and have at least a 2.50 but less than the 2.75 on the core may appeal to the Admissions Committee by submitting a portfolio that should include an essay and examples of successful experiences working with children. Information regarding the details for appeal is available for qualifying students. An on-site writing test is required in the appeal process.

3. Appropriate scores on the Praxis 1: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) or SAT or ACT scores (see below):

- PPST scores required: Reading-170; Writing-172; Math-169. - Students who provide proof of an SAT composite score of at least 860 or an ACT score of at least 21 with no subtest score below 18 may be admitted to the teacher education program without PPST scores. ACT or SAT scores must be from tests taken prior to admission to a college or university.

4. A formal application for admission to Phase II must be filed in the Office of the Dean by the deadline date announced.

5. Approval by the Teacher Education Committee. Criteria for acceptance include requirements 1-4.

Admission to Phase III: Student Teaching

Applications are available on the advising link of the School of Education's Web site https://www.olemiss.edu/depts/educ_school2. Fall student teaching (music only) applications are due the spring semester prior to fall student teaching.

To be admitted to student teaching, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Admission to Phase II: Professional Education Core.
2. A minimum grade of C in professional education courses. If this minimum of C is not met, the course(s) must be retaken before enrolling in the next level of professional education courses.
3. Completion of all but two courses in the teaching field (not including electives) with a minimum grade of C. Candidates missing more than the maximum of two courses with the minimum grade of C can submit a letter of appeal to the director of field experiences. A committee will convene to consider the appeal.
4. Completion of 15 hours in residency at The University of Mississippi (includes Tupelo and DeSoto campus centers).
5. Completion of courses taken by correspondence for admission to student teaching.
6. Evidence of professional liability insurance.

Emphasis - Biology

Description

Graduates in science education with an emphasis in biology are eligible for certification in Mississippi to teach in grades 7-12. Graduates may also teach other subjects by gaining supplemental endorsements. (See an advisor for more information.)

Course Requirements

The B.A.E. in science education with an emphasis in biology requires the professional education courses (32 hours) plus the following content area, related areas, and electives.

Content Area Courses (32 hours) - Bisc 160/161; 162/163; 322; one course from among 330, 516, or 545; 331, 333, 336, 440, and 498

Related Areas (18 hours) - Astr 101/Geol 101 (3 hours) - Phys 213/223 (4 hours) - Chem 105/115 and 106/116 (8 hours) - Math 123, 125, or 261 (3 hours)

Degree Requirements

The academic regulations for this degree program, as entered in the University of Mississippi Catalog, are in effect for the current or selected academic year and semester. The University of Mississippi reserves the right to 1) change or withdraw courses; 2) change rules for registration, instruction, and graduation; and 3) change other regulations affecting the student body at any time.