We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Science in Education: Biology
Prepare to teach biological sciences while building laboratory, research, and instructional expertise for secondary education settings.
Centenary University offers teacher certification for tomorrow’s teachers in Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Social Studies, K-6 Elementary School, Preschool – Grade 3, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Special Education). Centenary University is known for its innovative approach to teaching special education methodologies to tomorrow’s teachers. We were one of the first institutions with education programs in New Jersey to provide a dual certification program for general education and special education candidates.
K – 12 or 5-12 Secondary Education Certification
The State of New Jersey requires that all secondary teachers be highly qualified in one of the State’s core disciplines or in their certification area in order to be licensed. This certificate allows candidate to teach in either a high school or middle school classroom. Each candidate for secondary teaching certification is required to complete a minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field of licensure. A coherent sequence includes at least 12 credits the advanced level of study (junior, senior or graduate level). Courses in pedagogy/education are not accepted towards the subject matter preparation. The final determination as to which courses will be counted towards the subject matter is based on professional and content standards found in the NJ Licensing Code. All credits must appear on a regionally accredited 2 or 4‐ year college/university transcript. At Centenary University, the discipline emphasis choices available are: Biology, English, Mathematics (Post Baccalaureate only), or History/Social Studies. For transfer and post baccalaureate candidates, an analysis of all transcripts will allow an advisor to inform the candidate if any credits remain to be satisfied in this category.
Clinical Classroom
The clinical classroom housed in Littell 102 is a teaching laboratory that is designed to mimic a K-8 general education classroom setting that is aligned to support research-based best teaching practices.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include Graduate study in biology, biotechnology, forensic science, environmental science, public health, PA/medical/dental/veterinary prerequisites, or laboratory certification.
Career Pathways:
Biology Teacher, Science Education Specialist, Curriculum Developer
Industry Outlook:
Consistent demand for biology teachers, with a growing need for STEM educators in underserved areas.
Regional employers include
Merck; Johnson & Johnson; Bristol Myers Squibb; Becton Dickinson; Quest Diagnostics; Labcorp; Rutgers; NJ Department of Environmental Protection; environmental consulting firms; hospital laboratories.
Salary Outlook:
$45,000 – $70,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BS in Education: Biology, a reasonable starting range is approximately $45,000–$65,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $78,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $100,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data