Basic Features

• It is a 36 (minimum) credit program for certified secondary teachers. Course work in biological sciences and science education is required.
• While the program may be completed in 3-4 quarters of full-time study, full-time attendance is not required. A student has six years to complete this degree and may attend part-time or during summers.
• There is a requirement for a graduate research project (6-9 credits) in an area of biological research and a written report.
• A final presentation followed by an oral master's examination by the student's advisory committee during which the student presents the results of his or her research project is required.
• There is no foreign language requirement.

Course Work

The M.S. in Biology for Teachers is a very flexible program for biology teachers who wish to expand their understanding of biology. The minimum requirement for the degree is 36 credits; 18 of which must be graduate level and 18 must be graded. These categories are not mutually exclusive. Each student plans a program to meet his or her own educational objectives selecting coursework in 5 out of 6 areas of biological sciences (biochemistry/cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, biodiversity/natural history, physiology) plus at least one course from science education. Courses in Biology, Biomedical History, Fisheries, Forest Resources, Medicine, Genome Sciences, Environmental Health, etc. may be appropriate for the student's interests and should be noted while the program is being planned. The Graduate Program Adviser assists the student in this planning. All course work must be at or above the 400 levels.

The Project

The project represents an opportunity for the biology teacher to become a practicing scientist and develop a depth of understanding of the methods and significant questions in research. Under the guidance of a sponsoring professor the student carries out an intensive field or laboratory study. In general, the topic should have direct relevance to the student's primary concern with teaching. The study takes approximately one quarter and concludes with a written report, prepared as if for publication. This serves as the background for assessment at the final oral examination by the student's advisory committee. Check out some of the past projects.

Requirements for Admission

• As a special requirement for admission to the MS in Biology for Teachers Program, the applicant should hold a secondary teaching certificate. However, educators who do not hold a teaching certificate but are employed in private schools, community colleges, or enagaged in informal science education programs are also admitted. In such cases, applicants must provide evidence of professional involvement in teaching.
• Additionally, all applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology or closely related field. Students in related fields must have adequate preparation in science for the course work required by the program.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the last 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester) is normally required.
• Graduate Records Examination Test scores. (GRE request from information: U.S. school code 4854, Dept. Code R-Bio T, GRE score code 5199.)
• Two or three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of professional experience and objectives.

Official transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of professional experience and objectives, and GRE scores should be sent along with the application form to:

M.S. in Biology for Teachers
Program Coordinator
Biology Programs for Teachers
222 Hitchcock Hall, Box 355320
University of Washington,
Seattle, WA 98195-5320

For further information, you may write to Helen Buttemer, Graduate Program Advisor at:
helenb@u.washington.edu or telephone: (206) 543-1689
For an on-line application:
https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss

Students are admitted to the M.S. in Biology for Teachers program each quarter. Completed applications must be received by the Graduate School by: July I for Autumn Quarter admission, November I for Winter Quarter admission, February I for Spring Quarter admission, May 15 for Summer Quarter admission. Early application is advised.

Location

Situated beside Lake Washington, the 680 acre University of Washington campus located in a residential section of the port of Seattle, is widely considered the most beautifully landscaped in the United States. The area bound by the Cascade Mountains on the east and Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula on the west, is a wonderfully rich and diverse region for biological study. The Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island for marine study, the Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum, the Health Sciences complex (one of the top medical research institutions), extensive computer facilities and one of the nation's largest library collections are among the many resources available to the graduate student at the University of Washington. The largest single-campus institution of higher education in the West, it is recognized for the excellence of its life sciences and medical programs, faculty, research contributions, and public service.

Please Note
The M.S. in Biology for Teachers does not lead to teacher certification. For information on teacher certification at the University of Washington, contact:

College of Education
Student Services Box 353600
University of Washington
Seattle WA 98105
edinfo@u.washington.edu

or go to:

College of Education: Teacher Education Program - Master in Teaching