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Biology major Kristen Bastug uses a smart phone to read a QR code (barcode) at a Plants, Food and Medicine class session in the John Roach Center for the Liberal Arts Greenhouse.

Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences Education (9-12)

Life Science (Grades 9-12) Education brings together scientific disciplines that study living things, including biology, botany, genetics, medical science, psychiatry and zoology. These disciplines help us understand how and why living things exist and interact. The program leads to a grades 9-12 teaching license, and you also can earn an endorsement in general science to teach in grades 5-8.

Why Study Life Sciences at St. Thomas?

Within four years, you will earn an initial licensure to teach life science in high school and a lot more. Expert faculty who are closely connected with the K-12 classroom help you become the inspiring teacher you want to be.

You’ll graduate with:

  • A degree in education as well as a license to teach 5-12 science
  • A license to teach in 9-12 life science education along with important leadership skills
  • The knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on students in the classroom
  • A supportive network of fellow students, alumni and faculty that will inspire and sustain you throughout your career
  • A deep understanding of the education system in Minnesota

Program Overview

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degree Awarded
  • Mentored Clinical Practice
  • Course Requirements

    Your coursework will combine education classes in curriculum and instruction, field experience, as well as broad ranging sciences classes from general biology and chemistry to genetics, ecology and astronomy.

    Four-Year Plan

    Our faculty are here to develop your four-year plan catered to your personal and professional goals.

    Degree Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences Education (9-12)

    Mentored Clinical Practice

    We support you as you develop your teaching skills. Throughout your student teaching, you’ll have regularly scheduled seminars with faculty and peers. The mentorship you receive will ensure your student teaching experience meets your needs and facilitates your growth, both personally and professionally.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Your coursework will combine education classes in curriculum and instruction, field experience, as well as broad ranging sciences classes from general biology and chemistry to genetics, ecology and astronomy.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Our faculty are here to develop your four-year plan catered to your personal and professional goals.

    Degree Awarded

    Degree Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences Education (9-12)

    Mentored Clinical Practice

    Mentored Clinical Practice

    We support you as you develop your teaching skills. Throughout your student teaching, you’ll have regularly scheduled seminars with faculty and peers. The mentorship you receive will ensure your student teaching experience meets your needs and facilitates your growth, both personally and professionally.

    A teacher conducting experiment in front of keen students.

    Career Paths

    • High School Life Science Teacher
    • Middle School Science Teacher
    • 5-12 Science Teacher

    Quick Facts

    95%

    of our elementary and secondary teacher candidates pass the Basic Skills and Pedagogy licensure exams on the first try.

    100%

    of our graduates pass the middle school science and reading content exams the first time.

    8

    Tommies have been named Minnesota Teacher of the year since 2000.

    A man speaks ahead of a group of students in a library.

    Student Teaching

    Your teaching experience begins as early as your first education course. By the time you graduate you’ll have completed one year of supervised student teaching.
    Students discussing as they conduct an experiment.

    Field Experience

    Diverse field experiences in public, private, parochial and charter schools where we have deep relationships help you gain confidence in your teaching.

    Take the Next Step​

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.