95%
of our elementary and secondary teacher candidates pass the Basic Skills and Pedagogy licensure exams on the first try.
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
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.
Faculty with Real Experience
Associate Professor Gaston Small
Associate Professor Gaston “Chip” Small would like to make his research so accessible a child can understand it. That’s because his research on sustainable urban agriculture could have broad implications. He and his environmental science students are working with a local artist to create a children’s book that explains how nutrients in the soil impact the health of our gardens. It turns out much of the compost we’re working into our garden soils - with all the best intentions - contains excessive phosphorus, which can end up escaping from our gardens and contributing to water pollution.
Career Paths
- High School Life Science Teacher
- Middle School Science Teacher
- 5-12 Science Teacher
Quick Facts
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.
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.
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​
There 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.