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Life Sciences:
Biology >
Program:
Biological Science Education
MS

Biological Science Education

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Jan 15

    • Contact Information

    4102 LSB, Provo, UT 84602-5181
    801-422-7137
    biogradmanager@byu.edu
    Website
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    Admission Requirements
    Required Tests
    Additional Requirements
    • Find an advisor: Prior to applying, applicants must identify and contact individual faculty member(s) whose research aligns with the applicant’s long-term goals. Applicants that have not previously consulted with a faculty member before applying to our program will not be considered. Click here for recommended steps to select and contact a potential advisor.
    • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent
    • Unofficial transcripts
    • Indicate in the application your desired research area and your desired advisor(s).
    • 3 letters of recommendation: These letters should be from mentors, research advisors, faculty, associates, etc., who have an understanding of the applicant’s abilities in relationship to the requirements of the graduate program. Preference will be given to letters that are written by those with a scientific background and/or those with advanced degrees with whom the applicant has worked closely.
    • Statement of intent: Write a carefully constructed statement of your background and academic preparation, field of interest and experience in it, faculty member(s) you’d like to work with and why, and academic and long-term career goals, including how graduate work fits into those goals. Also answer the following questions:

      1. What motivates you to apply to our program?
      2. Share an example that demonstrates your approach to dealing with difficult academic or personal problems with determination and maturity.
      3. Share 1 to 2 examples that capture your approach to working in collaborative teams and in mentor/mentored environments.
      4. Using an academic or personal example, describe how you exhibit independence, curiosity, and an ability to solve problems.
      5. We welcome and value the contributions of graduate students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. However, BYU's Aims, Mission, and Honor Code differ from other universities. Please describe your perceptions of how you will thrive in and contribute to this unique environment.
    Program Requirements
    The MS degree in biological science education is designed to prepare students with advanced skills and knowledge for teaching in high schools and colleges. Students opting for this degree pursue original research and present results in formal thesis format. Since all research for this degree is expected to be of publication quality, theses are usually prepared in a form suitable for immediate submission for review by an appropriate scholarly journal. This degree is not an alternative teacher certification program.

    Requirements for MS Degree Program in Biological Science Education:

    • Credit hours (30): Minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours; 20 hours must be in the 500-level series and above (can include Bio 691R, 699R, etc.).
    • Required courses: Bio 503 (Graduate Orientation, 1.0 credit) or equivalent; Bio 691R (Graduate Seminar, 1.0 credit, 2 semesters).  Additional courses as determined by student's advisory committee and approved by department graduate coordinator.
    • Annual progress reviews by advisory committee and graduate committee.
    • Presentation of research prospectus to advisory committee.
    • Thesis: Standard university thesis or journal publication format.
    • Examinations: (A) Comprehensive oral examination, (B) oral defense of research, and (C) oral defense of thesis.
    Program Outcomes
    Advanced Biology and Education Fundamentals
    Students will interpret, analyze, and solve educational problems within the framework of biology using advanced concepts, grounded in the foundational biological, educational, and cognitive theories. (BYU AIMS 1, 2, 3)

    Research Tools and Skills
    Students will be able to conduct educational research within the framework of biology education. (BYU AIMS 2, 4)

    Teaching Skills
    Students will be able to teach in the biological sciences by demonstrating an expert understanding of basic biological concepts, foundational theories, and key relationships from the molecular to ecosystem level as well as an expert understanding of learning theories, cognitive theories, and modern pedagogy. (BYU AIMS 4)
    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 2.0
    Female 2.0
    LDS 2.0
    BYU Undergraduate 1.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 1.2
    Admitted Per Year 0.6
    Percent Admitted 50.0
    Average GPA 3.61
    Courses and Faculty

    Department Courses Department Faculty