Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Concentration in Secondary Education

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

• READ: Interpret written materials flexibly: understand that although multiple meanings are possible, textual evidence needs to support individual interpretations of the literature being read as well as the implications drawn from it.
• WRITE: Write in a variety of forms (e.g. expository, argumentative, imaginative, business/technical) as appropriate to audience, purpose, and occasion, using evidence to support interpretations.
• RESEARCH: Use research skills that include understanding of methods, technology and conventions.
• REFLECT: Be reflective and lifelong learners.
• INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCE: Use software as appropriate to writing and research.
• GLOBAL AWARENESS: Engaging intellectually in the experiences and views of people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

The Master of Music is an applied professional degree designed to develop a high level of musicianship, creative development and research skills within the discipline. Admission requires expertise in the area of concentration equivalent to having earned a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization. Students are expected to have completed sufficient undergraduate courses to meet the requirements for admission.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, who have no formal teacher training and wish to enter the teaching profession. It is well suited to recent graduates and to those seeking to change careers.

Graduates of the MAT program are eligible for teacher certification in the general education tracks of early childhood, elementary and secondary education.

• Early childhood education prepares students to teach Pre-K through grade three.
• Elementary education prepares students to teach grades one through six.
• Secondary education prepares students to teach grades seven through 12 in biology, chemistry, earth-space science, English, mathematics, physics, or history/social studies. 
• World Languages prepares students to teach Pre-K through grade 12 in French or Spanish.

The program provides advanced study in the theory of writing, writing techniques and style, principles/techniques of editing, and the functions of written communication within the professional/occupational setting. Courses aim to develop the communication skills of people seeking to enter or to advance in occupations requiring extensive writing and/or the analysis and reporting of data. Students choose from tracks in writing for the public and private sectors, technical writing and information design, teaching writing, journalistic writing, scientific writing and creative writing.

The study of animal behavior has received an increasing amount of attention from the public because of the emphasis placed by zoological parks on behavioral biology and the large number of presentations in the media regarding animal behavior and sociobiology.

The Animal Behavior Concentration is designed to offer a solid foundation in the diverse approaches used to study behavioral biology. The program uses a carefully selected combination of courses in biology and psychology to achieve this goal. In addition, students are required to complete either an independent research project or an internship in order to apply their knowledge in an intensive research experience.

Students who complete the program may be qualified for positions at zoological parks, aquariums and nature centers. In addition, they will have the necessary technical knowledge to pursue a career in freelance writing about animal behavior. However, students who are considering attending graduate school will need to complete additional courses in either biology or psychology. Most of the students currently enrolled in the program are also majoring in either Biology or Psychology.

Students who are considering the Animal Behavior Concentration must meet with one of the program coordinators before declaring Interdisciplinary Studies as a major. Students who are also majoring or minoring in Psychology or Biology should contact the respective co-coordinator: Mark Bulmer (Biological Sciences), Paul Pistell (Psychology).

The Geology major contains a basis of the fundamental earth sciences supplemented by essential mathematics and physical sciences. The upper-level Geology classes are generally small, with both lecture and laboratory taught by faculty. Depending on their course selections, Geology majors are prepared to enter successful careers in a range of geoscience industries (e.g., environmental consulting, state or federal scientific or regulatory agencies, petroleum), to teach at the secondary level, or to attend graduate school. Students interested in the teaching certification in Earth and Space Sciences should investigate TU’s Earth-Space Sciences major.

The Mass Communication major consists of three tracks: Advertising, Journalism, and Strategic Public Relations. Students must complete one of the three tracks. Many students complete two of the three tracks and some complete all three.

Students who complete the Mass Communication major will have many career options, especially in the broadly defined fields of print, broadcast and online journalism, advertising, and strategic public relations. Majors are expected to learn how the various fields in mass communication are structured and function.

The Master of Education degree in Elementary Education is an advanced curriculum and instruction program that provides leadership skills needed for teachers to navigate an ever more complex school and social system. The program is designed for those involved in instructional and curricular decision-making in schools and districts and those committed to quality professional growth. Course, program goals and learner outcomes are based on the professional setting to ensure transfer of theory to practice. The program of study helps the student achieve the following goals:

• Develop advanced capabilities in cultural competency, design thinking, action inquiry, equity, creative curriculum design and innovative data-focused instruction.

• Understand the diverse nature of learners, society and the impact on learning.

• Assume specialty roles in areas identified as important to the school community and the changing educational landscape.

• Use technology and media to enhance teaching and learning.

• Understand and use appropriate assessment and evaluation within the teaching process.

• Engage in scholarly activities to promote student achievement as well as one’s own professional development.

• Think, reflect, and critically analyze the educational processes and professional practices.

The goals and objectives of the degree program are based on MSDE Professional Development Standards and the core propositions endorsed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The areas addressed by the standards are reflected in the required and elective courses.

The program is designed to prepare the degree candidate to:

• Provide specialized literacy instruction and assessment, in cooperation with other professionals, to students at all levels.
• Provide literacy services individually or in groups.
• Communicate with colleagues, parents and the community about literacy issues, including conducting professional development workshops on literacy topics.
• Coach and/or mentor colleagues.
• Advocate for literacy development among all populations.
• Read and interpret literacy research.
• Continue to grow professionally by reading professional journals and by participating in reading conferences and workshops.
• Master essential dispositions of educators (caring for all students, collaboration with stakeholders, and commitment to professional practice).