The Biology degree with a Minor in Education is intended for those students wishing to teach Biology in Grades 6-12. It also allows them to teach Life Science, Biology, Human Anatomy, and Physiology, Genetics, as well as Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Environmental Science.
The biology degree program at Athens State University provides a supportive and inclusive environment for incoming students who wish to expand their understanding of biology’s fundamental concepts, the process of science, and improve their discipline-specific professional skills. We expect our graduates to use the foundation they have built at Athens State University to further their careers, enhance their personal lives, and contribute to society via ethical research, science education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
In support of this mission, the Biology program provides:
a biology degree that can be personalized to prepare students for middle and high school teaching certification, medical & related health fields, graduate school, bioinformatics, and/or fields requiring a general preparation in biology such as field or research technician.
an Upper-Level University core curriculum that is intentionally cohesive through continuity of course material and prepares students to meet state and national Biology standards;
flexible, student-centered course delivery that supports core content understanding and encourages experiential learning;
small lecture and laboratory classes taught by expert faculty who also care about teaching; and
advising that recognizes our students’ individual goals and helps them obtain the knowledge and skills they need to meet their own definitions of success through research experiences, service learning projects, and real-world internships.
In 2023, Athens State University restructured and improved the secondary education program for the STEM disciplines of biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The Athens State TEACH program offers automatic financial support for initial education courses, tuition, and apprentice teaching amounting to more than $4,000 per participating student. Full information about this dynamic secondary STEM education program may be found at Athens State Teach, and new courses in the programs may be found at addendum-oct_23.pdf
ASSIST Scholarship Program
We are excited to announce a new scholarship program: Athens State Scholars in STEM (ASSIST). This is a National Science Foundation-funded scholarship available to students majoring in the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Mathematics. Students accepted into this program will receive yearly scholarship funds and access to additional support programs including faculty mentoring, peer support activities, online tutoring, and career development activities such as travel to professional conferences and/or research materials. The goal of this program is to help our STEM students efficiently complete their degrees and enter the workforce and/or graduate school.
