The Secondary Teacher Certification Program in Biology at NIU requires a BS Degree in Biological Sciences (from an accredited institution) which includes 47 hrs of biological sciences, 14 hrs of chemistry, 8 hrs of physics, and 7 hrs of math (including calculus and statistics). Additional course work in professional education is required as well. Individuals, who do not have a BS Degree in Biological Science, will be expected to earn one before their potential candidacy to pursue certification will be considered.
Students may pursue certification as an undergraduate, post-graduate, student-at-large, or graduate student. Which strategy to follow depends on personal goals and academic background. The teacher certification program in biology is not a degree program in secondary education. Teacher certification in biology at NIU is an "entitlement program." This means you are recommended to the ISBE for certification to teach in the Illinois Public Schools. This recommendation is based on satisfactory completion of all program requirements and demonstrating competency in all applicable standards as mandated by the ISBE for the professional preparation of science teachers.
The necessary course work and other program requirements are clearly identified on this web page. Additional ISBE requirements include taking and passing the Illinois Teacher Certification Tests (ICTS). The certification program requires potential candidates to have passed the basic-skills test before candidacy to pursue certification will be considered and the biology subject area test prior to student teaching.
Also, individuals with BS degrees awarded prior to 2000 must demonstrate currency in the field of biological sciences before their potential candidacy will be considered. This may be accomplished by passing the ICTS biology subject area test and completing BIOS 494 with a grade of B or better prior to applying to the program.
Professor Jon. S. Miller
Office: MO 452
Phone: (815) 753-7828
Email: biologycert@niu.edu