Bachelor of Science in Science Education / Secondary Biological Science
Western Governors University

Program Details

To help meet the urgent nationwide need for middle and high school STEM teachers, WGU offers an affordable, accredited, online Bachelor of Science degree program in Science Education (Secondary Biological Science). This program prepares students with knowledge of cellular biology, heredity, evolution, diversity of life, interdependence of life, and ecology, and provides both theoretical and practical application of teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. The Bachelor of Science, Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) includes hands-on labs and a 12–20 week in-classroom teaching experience. This program leads to initial teacher licensure in any of the 50 states. WGU’s School of Education is CAEP-accredited.

WGU holds the same accreditation as many state universities. We offer low, flat-rate tuition that’s about half what students pay at other online universities. With our unparalleled online flexibility, students can complete most of their coursework whenever and wherever works best for their schedule. Students also benefit from our competency-based learning model, which lets them pass most courses as quickly as they prove mastery of the material, making it possible to accelerate their progress and potentially graduate faster. Faculty Mentors work one-on-one with WGU students, providing dedicated coaching, guidance, and support from enrollment through graduation. 

% Online

100% Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

School Accreditation & Licensing

Western Governors University is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s “home” accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges.

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

High School or Equivalent

Application Requirements

Interview, Official High School Transcript/GED Score

Additional Info

  • The program includes a student teaching component.

The WGU School of Education is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Additionally, the teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU School of Education have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.

Restricted States

California