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 320 [WI] Educational 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 219 [WI] Techniques in Molecular Biology3.0
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 368 [WI] Literacy 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 305 [WI] Junior Pedagogy Seminar1.0
EDUC 308Creating a Positive Classroom Climate3.0
EDUC 315Secondary Science Teaching Methods3.0
EDUC 316Teaching in Urban Contexts 3.0
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 409 [WI] Teaching Practicum9.0
EDUC 410 [WI] Student 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
Education Policy: Concepts, Issues, and Applications
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
Global & international Education
Comparative Higher Education Systems
Culture, Society & Education in Comparative Perspective
Education for Global Citizenship, Sustainability, and Social Justice
Measuring the World: Education and National Development
Gender, Education, and International Organizations
Higher Education
Comparative Higher Education Systems
Foundations of Higher Education and Governance
Legal Issues & Ethics in Higher Education
Critical Issues 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 Credits234.0
*

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
  • Instructional Technology
  • Leadership in Educational Settings
  • Learning in Game-Based Environments
  • 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.

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BIO 131
BIO 134
5.0BIO 132
BIO 135
5.0BIO 133
BIO 136
5.0VACATION
EDUC 1013.0CIVC 1011.0EDEX 1423.0 
EDUC 1061.0EDUC 1071.0EDUC 1081.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0EDUC 1233.0 
MATH 1214.0MATH 1224.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV T1011.0 MATH 1234.0 
 17 14 19 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BIO 2014.0BIO 2153.0BIO 2144.0BIO 2184.0
CHEM 1013.5CHEM 1024.5CHEM 2414.0CHEM 2424.0
COOP 101**1.0EDUC 2163.0EDEX 3683.0EDLT 3253.0
EDEX 3443.0PSY 1013.0EDUC 3051.0EDUC 3223.0
EDUC 2051.0 EDUC 3083.0PHYS 1534.0
EDUC 3653.0 PHYS 1524.0 
 15.5 13.5 19 18
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEBIO 2193.0BIO 2283.0
EDUC 3153.0CHEM 2443.0BIO 3733.0BIO 3062.0
  BIO 3742.0EDPO 3123.0
  EDLT 3263.0EDUC 3243.0
  EDUC 3163.0ENVS 2303.0
  EDAM 7143.0(GR) MS Elective3.0
 3 3 17 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BIO 4044.0EDUC 4109.0CHEM 2453.0Student classified as Graduate Student
EDUC 4099.0ENVS 2843.0EDUC 4051.0EDPO 6203.0
  HIST 2894.0EDUC 5243.0
  PHIL 2513.0EDUC 5303.0
  PSY 3203.0(GR) MS Elective3.0
  (GR) MS Elective3.0 
 13 12 17 12
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
EDAM 7053.0EDLT 5043.0EDUP 7813.0 
EDU 7803.0EDU 7813.0(GR) MS Elective3.0 
EDUC 6093.0(GR) MS Elective3.0  
 9 9 6 
Total Credits 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.