Biological Sciences Graduate Certificate for Educators
The Department of Biology at the University of Akron is offering a new pathway for AYA science teachers, either with a Master’s Degree or in the process of earning a Master’s Degree, seeking the necessary credentials to become eligible to teach CCP Biology courses at their high schools.
- Classes taught by full-time Biology faculty with expertise in their fields and experience working with education experts and high school teachers.
- Flexible delivery with online synchronous and asynchronous courses that offer interactive discussions.
- Courses designed to prepare teachers to teach introductory Biology courses at their high schools.
Contact Dr. Jordan Renna with questions at jrenna@uakron.edu.
Apply Now
Apply Now for our 2025/2026 cohort that starts June 9th and runs for one year. Space is limited to the first 25 students.
You can earn a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in conjunction with the Biological Sciences Graduate Certificate for Educators, and all courses are online.
How to Apply
To apply for free, please visit https://admissions.uakron.edu/apply/.
When you reach the GR Enrollment Data section of the application, you will select the following underlined options:
Which degree do you intend to pursue: Non-Degree
Non-Degree Program: Non-Degree
Are you interested in one of the following non-degree credential tracks: Graduate CCP Credentials in Biology for Educators
Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts (UG and Graduate) to expedite the review process for the CCP program. For admission, send official copies of your transcripts.
Graduate Courses (18 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits | Timeline |
| BIOL:695 |
Special Topics Foundations in Biological Concepts Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Summer II June - August |
| BIOL:573 |
Comparative Animal Physiology Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Summer II June - August |
| BIOL:528 |
Biology of Behavior Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Fall August - December |
| BIOL:695 |
Special Topics Human Anatomy and Physiology Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Spring January - May |
| BIOL:601 |
Evolutionary Ecology Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Summer I May - June |
| BIOL:695 |
Special Topics Ecosystems and Climate Change Format: Asynchronous online with occasional live online flexible meeting times |
3 Credits |
Summer I May - June |
For specific dates, please refer to the University of Akron Academic Calendar (https://www.uakron.edu/registrar/dates/acadcal.dot).
Tuition & fee information can be found here; Estimate cost for books: $480.
Credentials to Teach Classes
After completing the CCP Certificate Program, teachers would have the credentials to teach the following University of Akron courses:
- BIOL:103 Natural Science: Biology (4 Credits)
- BIOL:106 Exploring Biology (3 Credits)
- BIOL:200 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 Credits)
- BIOL:201 Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory I (1 Credit)
- BIOL:202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 Credits)
- BIOL:203 Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory II (1 Credit)