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 BOR GIVES APPROVAL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY (Cochran, GA) – The Board of Regents has approved Middle Georgia College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an option for a Certification in Secondary Education at the Board of Regents meeting March 8. President of Middle Georgia College Dr. Michael Stoy said, “It is exciting to offer this new program. It is great for fulfilling the educational needs of the area.” Students in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program can choose between two tracks: biology and biology education. The biology degree can be used as a pre-professional degree in the medical and veterinary fields, or it can be used to prepare for a master’s degree in the biological sciences. “It’s an historic moment for our division, said Dr. Deepa Arora, the division chair for math and sciences. “We are really excited for the program, and are looking forward to offering the new classes.” MGC worked with Heart of Georgia’s Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) to develop the biology degree with the certification in secondary education because the area, including 11 counties, needs science teachers. “When students graduate, they often come back and practice where they originate from,” said Dr. Stoy. Since the biology degree requires two years of core classes, such as chemistry and physics, it gives students, along with the secondary education degree, the skills they need to pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) and teach high school science. “The biology degree will allow students to teach chemistry and physics as well as biology,” said Dr. Stoy. “There is a higher demand for core classes and one person who can do it all.” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mary Ellen Wilson said, “Securing BOR approval for our Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program is an exciting day for the college. This will be our first baccalaureate program in the sciences.” “I think it’s excellent,” said Dr. Brenda Shuman-Riley, the chair of the teacher education department. “It marks another milestone for MGC and the education program.” The MGC education department is currently in the developmental stage for accreditation, and will be undergoing accreditation review by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Board of Regents in April, with an official notification in the fall. Junior level classes in the biology and biology education program will begin in fall 2012, while senior level classes will begin in fall 2013. Graduation for the first Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with the option of a Certificate in Secondary Education will be spring 2014. |