Secondary Education Biology BS / Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Advanced Track) MS

Major: Teacher Education, Secondary Biology; Teaching, Learning and Curriculum 
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 234.0
Co-op Options: One Co-op (Five years)

 

About the Program

The BS/MS in Teacher Education with Secondary Education and MS in Teaching Learning and Curriculum offers a flexible, innovative curriculum with a unique emphasis on creative problem solving and the application of the latest technologies to learning. This accelerated degree program allows candidates to pursue a BS in Education (Secondary/Biology) with Pennsylvania initial state teacher certification and continue for a fifth graduate year to complete the MS in Teaching Learning and Curriculum (Advanced Track).

The BS/MS in Teacher Education and Teaching Learning and Curriculum Advanced track prepares students academically and practically for careers in PK–12 teaching or other educational settings, including capabilities to:

  • Demonstrate professional ethics and independent and creative academic best practices that exhibit outstanding leadership, organizational, cross cultural, inter-personal and advocacy skills including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external groups.
  • Understand the changing role of teachers in increasingly diverse societies
  • Demonstrate a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet PDE requirements including literacy, language and STEM areas
  • Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain a positive and democratic classroom climate for students
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of child development in their ability to develop and implement learning opportunities that are unique to every child
  • Develop creative academic leadership skills with a global perspective on current educational issues, knowledge of best pedagogical practices, tools to effectively integrate technology in curriculum, assessment and instruction, and a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet PDE content requirements.
  • Develop competencies to become reflective practitioners who are lifelong learners, who base their practice on theory, research, and developmentally appropriate pedagogy by analyzing, implementing, and evaluating existing and new instructional strategies and practices in a variety of educational institutions/organizations.
  • Demonstrate advanced teaching knowledge and skills well beyond that required for initial Pennsylvania certification
  • Develop advanced skills to function in a variety of roles as instructors, instructional leaders or researchers in local, state, national and international organizations, foundations, associations, corporations and private educational institutions.
  • Have in-depth knowledge of both public and private (non-profit and for-profit) institutions as well as small and large institutions.

The BS program requires that candidates have a B average (3.0 GPA) in content courses needed for teacher certification in addition to the grade of B or better in each EDEX, EDLT, EDPO, and EDUC courses throughout their time in the program. These requirements must be satisfied for Drexel to recommend the candidates for teacher certification upon graduation and/or be considered to have completed the program. Clearances and field placement applications must be submitted before participating in coursework with classroom-based field components. 

Additional Information

More information is available at the School of Education's website.

Admission Requirements

Same as BS in Elementary Education, BSMS application must be submitted during Sophomore year before 120 credits have been completed with cumulative 3.0 GPA to gain acceptance into BS/MS program. Continuation as a BS/MS student in Teaching Learning and Curriculum (Advanced Track) requires maintaining minimum term and cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
HIST 289History of Science: Enlightenment to Modernity4.0
MATH 121Calculus I4.0
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 123Calculus III4.0
PHIL 251Ethics3.0
PSY 101General Psychology I3.0
PSY 320Educational Psychology3.0
UNIV T101The Drexel Experience1.0
Science Requirements
BIO 131
BIO 134
Cells and Biomolecules
and Cells and Biomolecules Lab
5.0
BIO 132
BIO 135
Genetics and Evolution
and Genetics and Evolution Lab
5.0
BIO 133
BIO 136
Physiology and Ecology
and Anatomy and Ecology Lab
5.0
BIO 201Human Physiology I4.0
BIO 214Principles of Cell Biology4.0
BIO 215Techniques in Cell Biology3.0
BIO 218Principles of Molecular Biology4.0
BIO 219Techniques in Molecular Biology0.0,3.0
BIO 228Evolutionary Biology & Human Health3.0
BIO 306Biochemistry Laboratory2.0
BIO 373Developmental Biology3.0
BIO 374Developmental Biology Lab2.0
BIO 404Structure and Function of Biomolecules4.0
CHEM 101General Chemistry I3.5
CHEM 102General Chemistry II4.5
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry I4.0
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4.0
CHEM 244Organic Chemistry Laboratory I3.0
CHEM 245Organic Chemistry Laboratory II3.0
ENVS 230General Ecology3.0
ENVS 284Physiological and Population Ecology3.0
PHYS 152Introductory Physics I4.0
PHYS 153Introductory Physics II4.0
Pedagogy Requirements
EDEX 142Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment3.0
EDEX 344Inclusive Practices3.0
EDEX 368Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-123.0
EDLT 325Design for Learning with Digital Media3.0
EDLT 326Technology Applications for Learning3.0
EDPO 312Educational Policy, Law & Advocacy3.0
EDUC 101Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective3.0
EDUC 106First Year Seminar: A Case of Schools and Cities1.0
EDUC 107First Year Seminar: Exploring Pedagogies1.0
EDUC 108First Year Seminar: Designing Learning Spaces 1.0
EDUC 123Adolescent Development3.0
EDUC 205Sophomore Pedagogy Seminar1.0
EDUC 216Diversity and Today's Teacher3.0
EDUC 305Junior Pedagogy Seminar1.0
EDUC 308Creating a Positive Classroom Climate3.0
EDUC 315Secondary Science Teaching Methods3.0
EDUC 316Teaching in Urban Contexts3.0
EDUC 322Evaluation of Instruction3.0
EDUC 324Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction3.0
EDUC 365Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners3.0
EDUC 405Senior Pedagogy Seminar1.0
Student Teaching Experience
EDUC 409Teaching Practicum9.0
EDUC 410Student Teaching9.0
MS in TLC Core15.0
Instructional and Curriculum Leadership (Take EDLS 550 if pursuing Reading Specialist Concentration)
Theories of Reading and Writing
Learning Engineering
Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction (Take EDLS 575 if pursing Reading Specialist Concentration)
Responding to Children's and Young Adult Literature
Advanced Techniques in Instruction & Assessment
Language & Culture in Education (Take EDLS 555 if pursing Reading Specialist Concentration)
Understanding Literacy through Sociocultural Perspectives
Policy, Law & Organization Courses (Choose 2)6.0
Select two courses in Education Policy, Law & Organization. Reading Specialist Concentration students enroll in EDLS 570 and EDLS 650.
School Law and Politics
Evidence-Based Evaluation
Literacy and Evaluation
Designing a Literacy Program
Foundations of Education Policy
MS in TLC Capstone Sequence
EDU 780Capstone Research3.0
EDU 781Masters Capstone I3.0
EDUP 781Practitioner Capstone Course II3.0
MS Professional or Concentration Elective **
Candidates may select any combination of the following for 15.0 credits: EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, ENTP or ESTM (500-799 level), or candidates select a formal concentration. Formal concentration option include:15.0
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Characteristics & Methods: Autism
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Human Resource Development
Foundations of Human Resources Development
Coaching and Mentoring for Sustainable Learning
Organization Development and Change
Strategic Human Resource Development
Principles of Adult Learning
Creativity and Innovation
Foundations in Creativity
Tools and Techniques in Creativity
Creativity in the Workplace
Research Methods and Assessment of Creative and Innovative Thinking
Global Perspectives on Creativity
Educational Policy
Foundations of Education Policy
The Shaping of American Education Policy: Global Forces, Interest Groups, and Politics
American Educational Policy and U.S. Competitiveness
Ethics in Educational Policy Making
Access & Equity in Educational Policy Making
Higher Education
Comparative Higher Education Systems
Foundations of Higher Education and Governance
Legal Issues & Ethics in Higher Education
Critical Issues & Risk Management in Student Affairs
Principles of Adult Learning
Learning Technologies
The Learning Sciences
Learning Engineering
Play & Learning in a Participatory Culture
Learning Analytics: Lenses on students, teaching, and curriculum enactment
Instructional Design Methods
Teaching and Learning Issues in E-Learning
Multisensory Reading Instruction Level 1
Applied Methods in Multisensory Reading Instruction
Multisensory Reading Instruction
Basic Word Study I
Basic Word Study II
Multisensory Practicum I
Multisensory Practicum II
Multisensory Practicum III
Professional Elective (minimum 3.0 credits) ***
Reading Specialist Certification
Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (7-12)
Constructing Meaning through Reading and Writing
Applied Methods in Multisensory Reading Instruction
Basic Word Study I
Basic Word Study II
Multisensory Practicum I
Multisensory Practicum II
Multisensory Practicum III
Teaching English as a Second Language Certification
Language Learning & Teaching
Structure and Sound System of English
Design and Assessment
The Intercultural Learner
Professional Elective (minimum 3 credits) ***
Social Emotional Behavioral Wellness
Social Emotional Wellness and Evidence-Based Preventative School Practices
Understanding Social Emotional Disorders
Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care
Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotion Wellness
Professional Elective (minimum 3 credits) ***
Total Credits231.0-234.0
*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

Candidates may opt for a formal concentration or a Customized Concentration which may include coursework from other Drexel academic departments in consultation with an academic advisor. Sample customized concentrations might include:

  • Educational Administration
  • Evaluation & Assessment
  • Instructional Design
  • Leadership in Educational Settings
  • Special Education Law and Process
  • Special Education Leadership
  • Urban Education
***

Complete 3.0 graduate elective credits (500-799) in EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, EDHE, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, ENTP or ESTM. 

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

4+1, 1 co-op (Accelerated program completed in 5 years)*

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
BIO 131
BIO 134
Cells and Biomolecules
and Cells and Biomolecules Lab
5.0
EDUC 101 Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective 3.0
EDUC 106 First Year Seminar: A Case of Schools and Cities 1.0
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 0.0,4.0
UNIV T101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
 Credits13-17
Winter
BIO 132
BIO 135
Genetics and Evolution
and Genetics and Evolution Lab
5.0
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
EDUC 107 First Year Seminar: Exploring Pedagogies 1.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
 Credits14
Spring
BIO 133
BIO 136
Physiology and Ecology
and Anatomy and Ecology Lab
5.0
EDEX 142 Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment 3.0
EDUC 108 First Year Seminar: Designing Learning Spaces 1.0
EDUC 123 Adolescent Development 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 123 Calculus III 4.0
 Credits19
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
BIO 201 Human Physiology I 0.0,4.0
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 0.0,3.5
COOP 101 Career Management and Professional Development ** 1.0
EDEX 344 Inclusive Practices 3.0
EDUC 205 Sophomore Pedagogy Seminar 1.0
EDUC 365 Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners 3.0
 Credits8-15.5
Winter
BIO 215 Techniques in Cell Biology 0.0,3.0
CHEM 102 General Chemistry II 0.0,4.5
EDUC 216 Diversity and Today's Teacher 3.0
PSY 101 General Psychology I 3.0
 Credits6-13.5
Spring
BIO 214 Principles of Cell Biology 0.0,4.0
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry I 4.0
EDEX 368 Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 3.0
EDUC 305 Junior Pedagogy Seminar 1.0
EDUC 308 Creating a Positive Classroom Climate 3.0
PHYS 152 Introductory Physics I 0.0,4.0
 Credits11-19
Summer
BIO 218 Principles of Molecular Biology 0.0,4.0
CHEM 242 Organic Chemistry II 4.0
EDLT 325 Design for Learning with Digital Media 3.0
EDUC 322 Evaluation of Instruction 3.0
PHYS 153 Introductory Physics II 0.0,4.0
 Credits10-18
Third Year
Fall
COOP EXPERIENCE  
EDUC 315 Secondary Science Teaching Methods 0.0,3.0
 Credits0-3
Winter
COOP EXPERIENCE  
CHEM 244 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 3.0
 Credits3
Spring
BIO 219 Techniques in Molecular Biology 0.0,3.0
BIO 373 Developmental Biology 3.0
BIO 374 Developmental Biology Lab 2.0
EDLT 326 Technology Applications for Learning 3.0
EDUC 316 Teaching in Urban Contexts 3.0
EDAM 714 Instructional and Curriculum Leadership 3.0
 Credits14-17
Summer
BIO 228 Evolutionary Biology & Human Health 3.0
BIO 306 Biochemistry Laboratory 2.0
EDPO 312 Educational Policy, Law & Advocacy 3.0
EDUC 324 Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction 3.0
ENVS 230 General Ecology 3.0
(GR) MS Elective 3.0
 Credits17
Fourth Year
Fall
BIO 404 Structure and Function of Biomolecules 0.0,4.0
EDUC 409 Teaching Practicum 0.0,9.0
 Credits0-13
Winter
EDUC 410 Student Teaching 0.0,9.0
ENVS 284 Physiological and Population Ecology 3.0
 Credits3-12
Spring
CHEM 245 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 3.0
EDUC 405 Senior Pedagogy Seminar 1.0
HIST 289 History of Science: Enlightenment to Modernity 4.0
PHIL 251 Ethics 3.0
PSY 320 Educational Psychology 3.0
(GR) MS Elective 3.0
 Credits17
Summer
Student classified as Graduate Student  
EDPO 622 Foundations of Education Policy 3.0
EDUC 524 Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction 3.0
EDUC 530 Advanced Techniques in Instruction & Assessment 3.0
(GR) MS Elective 3.0
 Credits12
Fifth Year
Fall
EDAM 705 School Law and Politics 3.0
EDU 780 Capstone Research 3.0
EDUC 609 Language & Culture in Education 3.0
 Credits9
Winter
EDLT 504 Learning Engineering 3.0
EDU 781 Masters Capstone I 3.0
(GR) MS Elective 3.0
 Credits9
Spring
EDUP 781 Practitioner Capstone Course II 3.0
(GR) MS Elective 3.0
 Credits6
 Total Credits171-234
*

Students must receive Department permission to pursue the NCOP option. Students will work directly with their advisor to establish a unique plan of study.

**
Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 
 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.