Transform Your Passion for Science into a Teaching Career with Etown's Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program
Joining the Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program at Elizabethtown College is an excellent opportunity for those with a bachelor's degree in biology or a related science field to transition into a rewarding career in education. The program's comprehensive training coupled with a required internship or student teaching experience, hones skills essential for effective teaching in today's diverse classrooms. Candidates may complete a traditional student teaching experience or pursue a paid internship pathway, securing their own teaching placement while working under the mentorship of an experienced educator. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped for the diverse challenges of modern education.
Program Outcomes:
- Articulate established philosophical, socio-cultural, and psychological aspects of secondary education.
- Develop innovative curricula, instruction plans, and teaching approaches for diverse learners.
- Identify educational resources in diversified communities.
- Practice professional and ethical teaching standards within established state and local guidelines.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in planning, monitoring, assessing, and reporting learning progress and outcomes.
- Student teaching internship experience.
Online
Program Format
Launch Your Secondary Education Career
The Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program at Elizabethtown College equips graduates with the ability to embark on a fulfilling career as a biology teacher for grades 7-12. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to apply innovative educational strategies, manage classroom dynamics, and contribute positively to adolescent development through their specialized knowledge in biology and related sciences.
Understand Tuition Costs and Explore Scholarship Opportunities
SGPS Holiday Discount
Apply by Dec. 31 to receive 20% off your first Etown SGPS spring course beginning Jan. 12, 2026!
Apply Today
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SGPS Holiday Discount
Apply by Dec. 31 to receive 20% off your first Etown SGPS spring course beginning Jan. 12, 2026!
Apply TodayX
The Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program is priced at $525 per credit. Scholarships and financial aid are available to make your Etown SGPS education even more affordable. Below are just a few of the scholarships and programs available to students:
- Alumni Scholarship: 15% tuition discount, available to Elizabethtown College alumni.
- Affinity Partner Scholarship: 15% discount, offered to employees of organizations partnered with Etown SGPS.
- Jay Fellowship Referral Program: This is a referral program that benefits both current students/alumni and prospective students. When a student or alum refers a new student, both the referrer and the referred student receive a complimentary credit for their program of interest.
- Additional Scholarships for Adult Learners: Discover scholarship opportunities designed to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals. View more information on Scholarships for Adult Learners.
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Tuition & AidThe Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program
The Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program at Elizabethtown College aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Biology 7-12 requirements (Instructional Intern Certification Frequently Asked Questions). This program requires 30 credit hours of academic instruction for professionals who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in biology or a related field.
Showcase Your Achievement
Upon completing the program, you’ll receive a digital Credly badge — a verified credential that recognizes your accomplishment. Credly will email you with instructions on how to accept and share your badge. You can easily add it to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or any platform where you want to highlight your achievements.
For questions, contact the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Application Requirements & Process
Pennsylvania School Law requires that all applicants for employment in public and private schools, employees of independent contractors seeking business with public and private schools, and student teacher candidates undergo background checks if they will have direct contact with students. Elizabethtown College requires these backgrounds for provisional acceptance into the Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program. The following three background checks are required:
- Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
- Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
- Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
Additional requirements to be considered for provisional admission to the Biology (Grades 7-12) Experience-Based Certification Program:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher (waivers can be granted based on professional work experience).
- Two (2) letters of recommendation.
Upon formal acceptance, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Successfully complete all Education courses, including biology methods courses.
- Complete all field placements and maintain a professional portfolio.
- Demonstrate professional standards with satisfactory ratings.
- Pass the PRAXIS exam relative to specific certification (Biology #5236).
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, which is waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay addressing your motivation for pursuing the graduate certificate, a statement of professional goals, and goals for the application of the graduate certificate to your professional life.
- Applicants should also supply two letters of recommendation in support of your academic and professional abilities for success in the program.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- After successfully completing your Elizabethtown College graduate certificate, students may complete the Advance in Graduate Certificate or Degree form in the JayWeb student portal to apply to a future graduate certificate or graduate degree. Additional materials may be required, depending on the program of interest.
