Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 [Archived Catalog]

Life Science Major (B.S.Ed.)


Major code BS6314

Patton College of Education
Department of Teacher Education
Patton Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4400
www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed

Dr. Danielle Dani, contact person
dani@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Integrated Science Major prepares students to become secondary (grades 7-12) life science teachers with licensure in the state of Ohio. To receive a teaching license students must complete the following program and earn passing scores on the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams and a Teacher Performance Assessment. The program is aligned with national standards and prepares future teachers who help adolescents and young adults develop conceptual understanding and fluency in science as well as the skills and competencies necessary for active and informed citizenship.

Admissions Information

Students enrolled in teacher education programs (known as teacher candidates) must meet additional requirements to continue in the program (see below for additional details):

  • Admission to Teacher Candidacy (typically at the end of the first year)
  • Admission to Advanced Standing (typically at the end of the second year)
  • Admission to the Professional Internship (typically at the end of the third year)

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond university admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare a teacher education program must have a 3.0 Ohio University GPA before changing majors.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond university admission requirements.

Admission to Teacher Candidacy

Candidates must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy before taking any education courses numbered 2000 and above. (Exception  EDCT 2030 ).

Generally, candidates apply for admission to Teacher Candidacy during the second semester of the first year. 

Requirements:

  1. Completion of 30 credit hours with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  2. Completion of the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course:
         a.   Fulfillment of the Foundations: Quantitative Reasoning general education
               requirement with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
         b.   Completion of the Pre-Teacher Candidacy coursework listed below.
  3. Submission of test scores on one of the following assessments. Students only need to take and submit scores for one of the following tests, not all three.
         a.   PRAXIS CORE (Academic Skills for Educators) Test.
         b.   ACT
         c.   SAT
  4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.
  5. New Transfer Students: Transfer CUM GPA may be considered towards Teacher Candidacy.

Admission to Advanced Standing

Candidates must be admitted to Advanced Standing before taking any education courses numbered 3000 or above. Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, as well as a 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is sought to continue to take education courses numbered 3000 or above. Methods courses can be taken no more than twice. Failure to obtain a satisfactory grade can result in dismissal from the program.

Generally, candidates apply for Advanced Standing in Teacher Candidacy at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year.

Requirements:

  1. Completion of 60 semester hours of credit with an overall GPA of 2.75.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 in each teaching field for which a licensure is sought.
  3. Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each:
        a.     EDTE 2000 - Learning and Human Development
        b.    EDTE 2010 - Characteristics of Learners with Exceptionalities
        c.    EDTE 2020 - Field Experience in Education
        d.    EDCS 2010 - Education and Cultural Diversity
  4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.

Admission to Professional Internship

During candidates’ final year in the program, they will complete a Professional Internship of intensive field experiences in a grades 7-12 classroom. The following requirements must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Internship.

  1. Complete the Professional Internship Application. Candidates must have a current BCI & FBI Background check and been recommended for the internship by a representative appointed by faculty.
  2. Earn at least 90 hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  3. Earn at least 2 semesters (30 hours) of residence at OU.
  4. Complete all Educational Core coursework (exception: Science Methods Courses) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a C (2.0) or higher in each course.
  5. Have completed at least 75% of the Science Coursework with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduate are eligible to apply for teacher licensure in the state of Ohio and will have the skills needed for employment in public, private, charter and magnet schools. Graduates may also go on to work in educational consulting, the community and social services fields, business development or higher education. With additional education graduates may be eligible for educational leadership positions.

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – Universitywide  page.

Pre-Teacher Candidacy


Complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each:

Educational Core


Complete courses in four areas with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher across all courses and a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course.

  • Educational Foundations
  • General Methods
  • AYA Reading Requirement
  • Science Methods Courses

Educational Foundations


These courses are typically taken during the sophomore year. Complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each. These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for the Educational Core.

General Methods


These courses are typically taken during the junior year. Complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each. These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for the Educational Core.

Reading Requirement


Complete the following course with a grade of C (2.0) or better. This course is included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for the Educational Core.

Science Methods Courses


Complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each. These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for the Educational Core.

Professional Internship in Teaching


Complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in EDPL 4650. These courses are typically taken in the senior year.

Life Science Coursework


Complete the following courses with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Biology


These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.

Chemistry


This course is included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.

Geology


These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.

Mathematics


These courses are included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.

Philosophy of Science


This course is included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.

Physics


This course is included in the 2.75 overall GPA requirement for Life Science Coursework.