Secondary educators will always be needed. In every state, town, and city, there are kids who need to learn. Middle and high school teachers have a huge impact on their students.
From helping them find their niche to encouraging them to follow their dreams, educators are more than test and homework-givers. If you’re passionate about spreading knowledge and helping others, a degree in secondary education may be perfect for you.
What kind of Secondary Education degree should you get?
Once you decide to pursue a career in Secondary Education, it can be difficult to decide what type of degree to get. Should you attend online? Or on-campus? Should you choose a concentration or area of expertise?
Those with a bachelor’s degree in the field won’t have as many opportunities as those with a more advanced degree, but all educators need to start somewhere! Now that you’ve made the decision to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, plenty of other decisions will follow. Luckily, we’re here to help!
How much money do people make with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education?
High school teachers make, on average, upwards of $58,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, your salary will be contingent based on the town you work in and whether you work in a public or private school.
High school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license. Jobs in this field are expected to grow 8 percent by 2026.
What are the best Bachelor’s in Secondary Education degrees?
If you’ve already started looking around, you’ll have noticed that there are a lot of Secondary Education programs out there. Not only that, but there are a plethora of different areas of specialization as well! We hope this College Choice ranking helps you find your perfect Secondary Education program to suit your career goals!
Looking forward to educating today’s high school students? College Choice has taken the stress out of finding the perfect program. In fact, we’ve ranked the Best Bachelor’s in Secondary Education Degrees for your convenience. Check them out below!
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Arizona State University-Tempe
Overview
Arizona State University (ASU), located in Tempe, Arizona, has been ranked first in the U.S. for innovation. ASU prides itself on dedication to both excellence and accessibility. Almost as notable is the school’s commitment to sustainable energy, with more solar power used on the ASU campus than on any other college or university campus in the country. Arizona State offers a variety of bachelor’s degree options in secondary education which cover specific subject matter teaching.
Program Features
If you want to teach English, ASU has a great program for you. Students can pursue BA degrees in English with concentrations in:
- Creative Writing
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Secondary Education and Writing
- Rhetorics
- Literacies
ASU also has numerous other specializations in Secondary Education. From Spanish and Political Science, to Physics, History, and Earth Science, you’re sure to find your teaching niche here.
Notables
In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked this university as one of the Best National Universities, and noted it as a Best Value School and Best College for Veterans as well. It offers more than 600 degree programs at all levels, with 15 schools and colleges comprising ASU. Nearly 400 of these programs, including majors, minors, and certificate programs, are available to undergraduate students. Those interested in distance learning will appreciate the school’s affordability and flexibility, which earned it the #4 rank nationwide for online undergraduate degree programs.
2
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Overview
This a public university is located in Platteville, Wisconsin. Home to mascot Pioneer Pete and nearly 8,000 students, this rural campus is a great place to pursue your studies. Interested in becoming a teacher? Luckily, this university offers an excellent program. Check out the Bachelor of Arts or Science in Early Adolescence degree program.
Program Features
Offered through the School of Education, students in this program will be prepared to teach students in the age range of ten to twenty-one. Available majors include:
- English
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Broad Field Science
- Social Science Comprehensive/History Emphasis
All undergraduate students must complete at least 120 credits to earn their degree. Licensure concentrations include: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology.
Notables
Not only will you have the chance to learn tons in the classroom, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers plenty of opportunities to get involved on-campus as well. From Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, to the Platteville Early Childhood Association (PECA) and the Student Wisconsin Education Association, you’ll meet peers with similar interests and have a great time.
3
Appalachian State University
Overview
Appalachian State is a public university located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, North Carolina. Home to just over 18,000 students, The Princeton Review named Appalachian State among the Best Schools in the Southeast. Known for its value and affordability, the university was also included in a list of the nation’s top “Green Colleges.” Now, students can earn a Mathematics B.S. Secondary Education degree.
Program Features
This program prepares students for licensure to teach mathematics in North Carolina. Students take 27 hours in teacher preparation courses, including:
- Intro to Real Analysis
- Instructional Assistance
- Introduction to Geometry
- Survey in the History of Mathematics
- Statistical Concepts and Applications II with Probability Modeling
Appalachian State also offers several other comprehensive degrees in Secondary Education. Students can pursue concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, English, Geology, and Physics. Students preparing to become math teachers can get involved outside of the classroom as well. Appalachian State is home to the Prospective Teachers of Mathematics Association, Math Club, Pi Mu Epsilon, and the Appalachian State Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics.
Notables
Appalachian offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors and holds an acceptance rate of over 60 percent. With an average class size of just 27 students, you can expect to get the hands-on experience and knowledge you’ll need to succeed outside of the classroom. The professors here are dedicated to research and student mentorship; they’re truly invested in discovering and sharing new strategies and technologies with the leaders of tomorrow.
4
Great Basin College
Overview
With a population of just over 20,000 folks, Elko, Nevada is a small city that straddles the Humboldt River. It’s also home to Great Basin College where the mascot is Bighorn Sheep and the class sizes are small. Founded in 1967, Great Basin offers a variety of interesting programs. Looking to teach middle school or high school students? Check out Great Basin’s Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education.
Program Features
Graduates of this program will be prepared for certification by the Nevada State Board of Education. Career and technical education endorsements offered include:
- Biological Science
- Business Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
Special Education and Teaching English as a Second Language are also endorsement options.
Notables
The Teacher Education Program at Great Basin College is designed to help students to develop competence, values, skills, and the knowledge they need to promote lifelong learning. With just over 3,000 students throughout the entire college, students in every program are guaranteed to get quality, hands-on experience to ensure success upon graduating.
5
Clemson University
Overview
Ranked as the 23rd Best National Public University by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson University was founded in 1889 and stands strong in Clemson, South Carolina. Named after its founder, Thomas Green Clemson, this university aims to serve its community through teaching, research and acts of service. Now, students interested in teaching can pursue a B.A. in Secondary Education. In fact, Clemson has the largest secondary education program in South Carolina.
Program Features
This program will prepare you to teach English, math, or history to students in grades 9-12. Required courses may include:
- World Literature
- Teaching Secondary Science
- Principles of American Education
- Foundations of Adolescent Literacy
- Adolescent Growth and Development
The secondary education degree program at Clemson is specially designed for students to obtain a double major in secondary education and their chosen content area — English, history, or math and science.
Notables
With over 400 student clubs and organizations, and more than 50 club sports, there’s never a dull moment at Clemson. From Chronicle Magazine, a student-run art and literary publication, to the Clemson Dancers club and more, you’ll definitely find your niche at this school. There’s also the 275,000-square-foot Fike Recreation Center that includes everything from racquetball courts to fitness studios– there’s even a sauna and steam room for students to enjoy!
6
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Overview
Founded in February of 1869, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is home to mascots Lil’ Red and Herbie Husker. UNL is also home to students who thrive on discovering and researching new things. In fact, the university’s research expenditures totaled more than $280 million in 2015. Now, students interested in teaching can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at UNL.
Program Features
Students in this program will be prepared to teach grades 7-12. There are six endorsement areas for undergraduates to choose from in this degree program, including:
- Business, Marketing, and Information Education
- English / Language Arts
- Foreign Languages
- Social Sciences
- Mathematics
- Science
If you’re interested in becoming a middle or high school teacher, community-based youth educator, business or corporate youth educator, or a youth coach, this program will prepare you for all that and more!
Notables
The University of Nebraska has been ranked in or near the top third of all national universities, including both public and private institutions. Its hallmark features include educational value, accessibility, and graduation rate, and online learners gain access to the same high-quality services as campus students. Those looking for local organizations to partner with for internships and other field learning opportunities will be well-served by Lincoln’s education, government, technology, healthcare, and banking fields.
7
Fort Hays State University
Overview
Home to mascot Fort Hays State Tiger and located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University specializes in affordable online education; in fact, a sizable number of their student body (~6000) is comprised of online students. Interested in pursuing a teaching career? FHSU now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education.
Program Features
Students in this program who wish to become licensed middle or high school teachers will pursue a double major. One major in secondary education and the other in a chosen field of study. Requirements for the secondary education degree include:
- English Composition
- Intro to Computer Info Systems
- Fundamentals of Oral Communication
- Diversity in the United States
- College Algebra
- Elements of Statistics
All undergraduates must also complete at least 12 credit hours of student teaching. Specific fields of study in which you can double major include: agriculture, biology, journalism, German, Spanish, music, and many more. No matter what you’d like to teach, chances are that Fort Hays has the perfect program for you.
Notables
Looking to get involved outside of the classroom and meet peers with similar interests? Check out some of the best clubs and organizations at Fort Hays. From the Kansas National Education Association to Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, there are plenty of ways to learn more and have fun.
8
Union Institute & University
Overview
Located in Hollywood, Florida, Union Institute & University is a non-profit university that was founded in 1964. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in Ohio, Florida, and California. Interested in pursuing a career as an educator? Union has tailored a Secondary Education program specifically for individuals seeking to teach in the state of Florida.
Program Features
Whether you’re looking to be a middle school teacher, a high school teacher, a special education teacher, or a technical school teacher, the education program at Union is a great start. Core courses may include:
- Psychological and Sociological Foundations of Education
- Foundations and Practices in Teaching Reading
- Effective Instructional Practices
- Classroom Management
- Educational Assessment
All undergraduate students must also complete a graduation capstone. Students may also choose from one of the following concentration areas: Secondary English, Secondary Science, Secondary Mathematics, and Secondary Social Science.
Notables
Graduates of the Secondary Education program will be qualified to teach students in grades six through 12. Plus, Union Institute & University makes learning easy! With full-time & part-time options and classes that start every eight weeks, anyone can get started on a successful career path here. Plus, the university will take up to 90 semester hours in transfer credits.
9
University of Mississippi
Overview
Located in Oxford, Mississippi, Ole Miss is more than the university to be recognized from the 2009 film, The Blind Side. Founded in 1848, the school is now home to over 23,000 students and a new mascot, Landshark. The largest university in Mississippi, Ole Miss houses a major medical school and more than 120 areas of study for students to explore. Interested in teaching? Check out the BAE in Social Studies Education at Ole Miss.
Program Features
Within the School of Education at Ole Miss, students can pursue Secondary Education degrees in the following subject areas:
- English
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
Each degree program is approved for grades 7-12 licensure in the specified area of study. All teacher education candidates are required to observe and teach in selected classrooms, where they will work directly with practitioners and school students at varying grade and developmental levels. Candidates must take additional Praxis exams to qualify for licensure in Mississippi.
Notables
Ole Miss is also home to 20 research centers, including the National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law, the National Center for Physical Acoustics, and the National Center for Natural Products Research. With a student-faculty ratio of just 18:1 and several classes with 20 students or less, folks here are sure to get hands-on experience and the knowledge they need to succeed.
10
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Overview
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, this research university is home to mascot Charger Blue and nearly 8,000 students. For a smaller school, there’s still plenty of ways to get involved. In fact, the University of Alabama in Huntsville offers more than 200 registered student organizations, as well as an active Fraternity and Sorority community, sports and other recreational programs. Interested in teaching? Check out the university’s Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (6-12).
Program Features
The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education offers undergraduates the following fields of study:
- Biology
- History
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- English Language Arts
- History and Social Sciences
- Biology and General Sciences
- Additional Collaborative Certification (6-12)
- Foreign Language (Spanish, French, or German)
For those who pursue the Additional Collaborative Certification, you’ll complete a split internship between General Education (High School) and Collaborative Education (Middle School). UAH also offers teacher certification in Music Education (Choral or Instrumental).
Notables
Teacher education programs at UAH are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. The Alabama State Department of Education requires that all teacher candidates complete a minimum of 200 hours of field experiences in diverse settings as well.