Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Secondary Biology [MAT]


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The Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Biology Concentration is a 37-38 credit hour program, which leads to initial teaching certification in high school biology and an endorsement to science in grades 6-12. The program is intended for students with a BA or BS in biology or a biology-related field who wish to earn teacher certification with the State of Michigan.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Hold a 2.75 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate work or 3.3 GPA in 12 hours or more of work at the graduate level 
  • Furnish an analysis of professional goals written by the candidate. This analysis should include a description of how the chosen degree program will help meet the selected goals and how the candidate’s life experiences, accomplishments, and interests will contribute to their success in the program;
  • Request and have submitted two letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s professional commitment, experience, and potential.
  • Freedom from civil/criminal convictions, academic probation, or administrative probation; ICHAT Criminal Background Check and Statement of Civil/Criminal Convictions; For any civil/criminal conviction, provide a copy of Judgment of Sentence, Registrar of Actions, or Certificate of Conviction and a written explanation of the offense; Applications of students with civil/criminal convictions will be carefully reviewed and may take longer to process.
  • An undergraduate degree in biology or a biology-related field from an accredited college or university;
  • Undergraduate coursework that includes, Biology (28 credit hour minimum, must include course work in Genetics, Physiology, Botany, and Zoology), Two semesters of Introductory Chemistry, One semester of Organic Chemistry, One semester of Biochemistry (or the second semester of Organic Chemistry), Two semesters of Introductory Physics, One semester of Calculus or Statistics
  • Students may be required to have the equivalent of a teachable minor to earn a teaching certificate from the State of Michigan. See College of Education advisor.

The transcripts, analysis of goals, and letters of recommendation should give evidence of potential for graduate-level scholarship.

Department Information


Teacher Education | Wendy Burke, Ph.D., Department Head | 313 Porter, 734.487.3260, wburke1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Molly Thornbladh, 206 Porter, 734.487.1416, mthornbl@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 37-38 hours


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