NOTE: Biology (BA) MUST be a double-major with Secondary Education. Benedictine College does not offer a "stand-alone" Biology (BA) major. If a student wants to drop the Secondary Education major, s/he must change their other major from Biology (BA) to Biology (BS) or Molecular and Cell Biology (BS) (or another major of their choice).

Program Mission

The mission of the Biology Program is to prepare majors to appreciate and understand biological diversity across levels of organization and apply biological principles and the scientific method to think critically and solve problems in an evidence-based manner. Majors will engage in collaborative and creative experimental- and literature-driven research, which involves measuring data, generating questions, using statistical tools, and drawing evidence-based inferences. Graduates will effectively communicate their work in both written and oral form. They will be prepared to enter graduate and professional schools, to teach at the secondary-school level, or to enter the work force.

Program Outcomes

1. Majors will demonstrate above-average comprehension (relative to their peers at other institutions) of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, population biology, evolution, and ecology.
2. Majors will be able to use good scientific practices to ask research questions and collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data.
3. Majors will demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication of scientific information.
4. Biology Education students will demonstrate knowledge of biology and the ability to teach it.
5. Majors will be able to present biological information to diverse audiences in relevant ways, taking into account differences in background and experience.

Students must also complete a Major in Secondary Education in order to pursue a BA Biology. This double-major permits the student to be certified to teach.

Program Requirements

Students must complete all the requirements for a double major in Secondary Education (B.A.).

Secondary Education Major Requirements

A grade of 'D' will not be accepted in Education courses, major content courses, or the General Education courses that are specifically required for the Secondary Education major. 

Changes in Kansas State Department Licensure requirements will preclude requirements established by Benedictine’s School of Education.
Students will complete the College’s general education requirements in addition to the following courses.

Suggested Sequence of Courses for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and Secondary Education