Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Education: Life Science 9-12, you’ll study biology and the life sciences and gain the skills to become licensed as a high school life science teacher. In a supportive community, you’ll learn how to guide students through meaningful questions about living organisms, ecosystems, and the natural world. With classroom experience and personal faculty support, you’ll be ready to lead your own classroom and help students see the wonder and relevance of life science.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
By majoring in life science education, you’ll build the life science knowledge, skills, and classroom experience to be a teacher who helps school students see the relevance of life science in the world around them.
Chemistry teaching methods
Learn to design standards-based science lessons that help students grow in understanding.
Life science content knowledge
Build a strong foundation in biology and the sciences as you prepare to teach topics like living systems, ecosystems, and scientific inquiry.
Real classroom experience
Apply your learning in science classrooms through field experience and student teaching.
Safe and effective lab learning
Learn how to create a safe environment for hands-on discovery with scientific specimens, data, chemicals, and equipment.
Faith-informed science education
Explore current topics in science education through a Christian and ethical perspective as you consider how your faith shapes the way you teach and serve.
Skills for any career
Develop transferable strengths that will serve you well in education, graduate school, and many professional settings.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Student teaching and classroom experience
From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. You’ll complete a 14-week full-time student teaching placement in a local classroom, and our school partnerships will help you find the best fit for your goals.
Clubs and activities
You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events that bolster your future as an educator and connect you with your fellow education majors.
Networking and connections
You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, develop your job interviewing skills, and interact directly with potential employers. These include the Principal and New Teacher Panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a life science education major?
With a life science education degree, you’ll be ready to earn your license as a high school life science teacher who helps students understand the natural world.
Teaching
Teach life science to students in a variety of school settings. Through field experience and student teaching, you’ll gain practical preparation to lead your own classroom after graduation.
A high-need teaching field
Schools need licensed science teachers who can help students engage with science. You’ll prepare for a career where dedicated educators can make a lasting impact.
Graduate school and continued preparation
You’ll be prepared to pursue graduate study in education, science education, chemistry, educational leadership, or related fields.
Additional science pathways
You can shape your preparation around your goals. Students may add biological studies coursework to build deeper content expertise and broaden future opportunities.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
A path with promise
Clear price. Clear outcomes.
Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently asked questions
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Bethel’s elementary education major prepares you to teach grades K-6 in Minnesota schools. You may also pursue optional middle-level endorsements in grades 5-8 content areas such as mathematics, communication arts and literature, or social studies. These options allow you to expand your impact as an educator across additional grade levels and subject areas.
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Hands-on classroom experience begins in your first year at Bethel. As part of Bethel’s elementary teacher preparation program, you will observe and assist in real K-6 classrooms during introductory education courses. These early placements continue throughout the program and are designed to build confidence and practical teaching skills over time.
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The elementary teaching program at Bethel is approved to prepare you for Minnesota teacher licensure. You will receive guidance throughout the licensure process, including preparation for required assessments such as the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE), basic skills exams, and the edTPA performance assessment. Completion of the program leads to Tier 4 elementary teacher licensure in Minnesota. The program is intentionally designed to exceed Minnesota’s required preparation and practicum standards, helping ensure you graduate well prepared to lead your own classroom.
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The elementary education degree at Bethel is structured to exceed Minnesota’s required classroom experience standards. You will complete multiple field placements and spend your final semester in a 14-week, full-time student teaching experience, supported by Bethel faculty and classroom teachers in local partner schools.
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Yes. Bethel offers pathways to add middle-level endorsements in grades 5-8 or pursue the Blended Elementary and Special Education major. This integrated option prepares you for both K-6 elementary licensure and K-12 special education licensure, expanding your ability to serve students with diverse learning needs.
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As part of the elementary teacher preparation program, you will have the potential to complete placements in a variety of partner schools, including public, private, and charter settings. You may also gain experience in specialized environments such as STEM, immersion, and international baccalaureate (IB) schools, offering exposure to diverse learning communities in a variety of areas.
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With a B.A. in Elementary Education, you will be prepared for roles beyond classroom teaching. Graduates pursue careers in curriculum development, instructional design, educational publishing, community education, youth ministry, and public policy. The skills developed through the program support leadership and service across education and nonprofit settings.
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Bethel’s elementary education program is grounded in a Christian worldview. Faculty model how to integrate faith and professional practice, equipping you to teach with compassion, humility, and integrity. Courses invite you to explore your calling and consider how faith shapes your leadership and service in schools.
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You begin by applying to Bethel University. After enrolling, you will apply to Bethel’s Department of Education upon completing EDU 200 and EDU 201 with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The application process includes a written statement, references, and an interview.