Biology, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Student smiling talking with another student.

Bring Biology to Life for the Next Generation of Learners

Prepare to inspire the next generation of scientists with Westfield State University’s M.Ed. in Biology 8–12, Initial Licensure program. Designed for aspiring high school biology teachers, this graduate program combines advanced study in biology and education with hands-on, school-based experiences that prepare you to teach biology effectively in today’s diverse secondary classrooms.

Through 36–39 credits of graduate coursework, field experiences, and a supervised teaching practicum, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of biology while developing practical skills in curriculum design, instruction, assessment, special education, multicultural education, and supporting English learners. You’ll have opportunities to connect educational theory with classroom practice as you work toward becoming a confident and effective biology educator.

Upon successful completion of program and Massachusetts licensure requirements, you’ll earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and be prepared for initial licensure to teach Biology in grades 8–12 in Massachusetts. If you’re ready to turn your passion for biology into a meaningful teaching career, this program provides a pathway to the knowledge, classroom experience, and professional preparation you need to get started.

Program Highlights

  • Specialized biology teaching methods
  • Personalized graduate advising
  • Massachusetts Biology 8–12 licensure preparation
  • M.Ed. and initial licensure pathway

Ready to Make the Classroom Your Next Destination?

Gain the knowledge, experience, and credentials to help students discover the possibilities of science.

Build the Skills, Experience, and Expertise to Teach Biology

  • Two college students collaborating on an assignment using a laptop.

    Classroom Experience That Builds Confidence

    Develop practical skills through field placements and a supervised practicum in secondary school settings. Apply instructional strategies, work directly with students, and gain experience navigating the day-to-day responsibilities of a high school biology teacher.

  • Student studying on campus while working on a laptop.

    Strengthen Your Graduate-Level Biology Knowledge

    Expand your expertise through advanced graduate biology coursework selected in consultation with your advisor. Build a stronger foundation in the biological sciences while connecting your content knowledge to topics and concepts taught in grades 8–12 biology classrooms.

  • Student and faculty member working on a research project together in the Nettie Stevens Science Center.

    Build a Career Teaching Biology

    Turn your biology background into a career with purpose. The M.Ed. in Biology 8–12 provides the graduate preparation and licensure pathway needed to pursue opportunities as a middle or high school biology teacher in Massachusetts and make an impact through science education.

What Can You Do with an M.Ed. in Biology 8–12?

This graduate program provides the academic preparation, classroom experience, and teacher training needed to pursue Massachusetts Biology teacher licensure for grades 8–12 and teach biology and life sciences at the secondary level.

Graduates can apply their biology expertise and teaching skills in schools and other science education settings. Potential career paths include:

  • High School Biology Teacher
  • Secondary School Science Teacher
  • Biology and Life Science Educator
  • STEM Education Professional
  • Environmental and Community Science Educator
Student smiling at their internship at a local school.

Course Requirements

M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment to preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities, a vision grounded in our department's five foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Applicants for the M.Ed. initial licensure programs may be required to take additional courses and/or document professional experiences in the cognate area of the license, in addition to the courses required for the master's degree to ensure completion of the Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) expectations.

Students who satisfactorily complete program requirements leading to a teaching license are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program requirements include completion of all coursework and other requirements for a master's degree, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), a demonstrated ability to meet program dispositional standards, and successful completion of a practicum experience.

Advising for graduate students seeking an M.Ed. leading to an initial teaching license facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection.

Program Description

The M.Ed. in Biology 8-12, Initial, leads to a master's degree with initial licensure to teach high school biology. The program requires extensive school-based fieldwork in addition to a practicum.

Applicants to this 36-credit hour program must also pass the MTEL test in Communication and Literacy Skills as a requirement for admission to this program.

Admission Requirements

  • An application and non-refundable fee.
  • Three letters of recommendation from a professional or academic source.
  • A narrative statement.
  • Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited college or university.
  • A passing score on the Massachusetts test for Educators Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test.

For more details on the process and/or procedures, see the Admission page.

Program of Study

Prerequisite Coursework or Experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student's previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student's graduate advisor.

  • General Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology (preferred) or Moleular
  • Plant Biology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Evolution
  • History and Nature of Scientific Knowledge
  • General Chemistry I & II
  • Adolescent Development
  • Foundations of Education

Required Courses (36-39 Credits)

Additional Guidelines

  1. Required field placements must accommodate a range of characteristics including range of grade level and types of settings. Also, teacher candidates must complete either one 30-hour pre-practicum placement or student teaching with students from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
  3. Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests, have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and earn the recommendation of the student's advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee before beginning the student teaching practicum. 

Practicum placement requires completion of the following courses:

  1. BIOL 0590 - Methods of Teaching Secondary School Biology 
  2. EDUC 0540 - Foundations of Special Education 
  3. EDUC 0554 - Teaching Middle and High School Students 
  4. EDUC 0580 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education    

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or the Candidate Assessment of Performance to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master's program for those not seeking licensure. The Candidate Assessment of Performance is completed during practicum. 

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Full-time or part-time options

     

     

  • Attend in the fall, spring, or summer sessions

  • On-the-job experience through practicum

Faculty Expertise That Supports Your Teaching Career

Study with faculty who bring expertise in biology, secondary science education, and teacher preparation to your graduate experience. Through coursework, advising, and field-based learning, faculty help you connect advanced biology knowledge with effective approaches to teaching science in grades 8–12. You’ll also receive guidance as you navigate course selection, field experiences, practicum requirements, and the path toward Massachusetts Biology 8–12 teacher licensure, preparing you to enter the classroom with knowledge, experience, and confidence.

Faculty member giving a presentation in front of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements?

Prospective students should access the graduate application online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

The following material must be received for an application to be reviewed:

  • Completed graduate application and $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Three professional letters of recommendation. At least one academic recommendation is suggested
  • Narrative statement about your professional goals, academic experience, work experience, and other factors such as academic achievements not reflected in transcripts that support your application
How long will it take me to complete the master’s degree?

This varies, most students take two to three years to complete depending on how many courses are taken a semester.

When are the courses offered and is there flexibility?

Courses are offered in the late afternoon to early evening during fall, spring, and summer sessions. Education course modality may vary.

For the initial licensure program will I need to take any time off to complete the practica?

Working teachers can complete practica while maintaining their teaching positions. For students who are not working as teachers day-time availability is needed to complete this requirement.

Can I take a course without enrolling into the program?

Yes, students can take up to two courses (six credits) non-matriculated prior to matriculating into the program. Financial aid is not available for non-matriculated courses and cost can be found on our tuition and fees page. If you are interested in taking non-matriculated courses please contact the Registrar at registrar@westfield.ma.edu or 413-579-3200 for assistance.

For students interested in taking more than six credits non-matriculated and will not be applying the credits to a degree additional credits may be taken by completing the professional development waiver.

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year for graduate students. These opportunities are competitive and are awarded to students with excellent academic records who are enrolled in a graduate degree program.

This valuable opportunity can enhance your academic journey and provide valuable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this enriching program!

Learn more about graduate assistantships 

Is graduate housing available?

Welch Hall Apartments offer graduate students a comfortable, convenient place to live while staying connected to campus. Choose from four-person apartments with single or premium single bedrooms, with utilities and internet included. You can apply with friends or sign up individually and be matched with other graduate students.

Each fully furnished apartment includes a shared living room, a full kitchen with a breakfast bar, and comfortable bathroom facilities, giving you the space to study, relax, and feel at home.

Living at Welch Hall also means you'll have easy access to campus resources. Free on-campus laundry, affordable parking, the Ely Library, fitness centers, and other student services are all nearby.

Whether you enjoy cooking at home or prefer the convenience of a meal plan, you'll have plenty of dining options on campus, including grab-and-go and late-night selections. Welch Hall Apartments make it easy to balance graduate school with a comfortable campus lifestyle.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

Are scholarships available?

We offer a Supporting Our Schools Scholarship available to incoming students in licensure programs and a Teacher Incentive Discount throughout the program if MTEL requirements have been met.

Will I receive academic support?

Every student is paired with a dedicated advisor who guides you from choosing classes to planning your future. You’ll also have access to resources like the Banacos Center, Writing Center, and Career Center.

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Biology, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.