Are you considering a career in secondary education? Accredited colleges and universities offer degree and certification programs to prepare you for teaching in middle or high schools.
Read on to learn about the best accredited online and campus secondary education degrees, specialization areas, best value schools, and the requirements for state certification.
With this information, you can make an informed decision about your education and career path.
Overview of Secondary Education Degree Programs
Secondary Education Degree Programs offer a wide range of options for prospective teachers, including specialized areas, teaching credentials, and online degrees. Bachelor’s and master’s programs are available, and many require teaching credentials. There are 689 colleges and universities offering secondary education programs, with 35 offering a certificate in secondary education.
ESL/Bilingual Education, Gifted and Talented Education, Middle Grades, Special Education, and STEM are some specialization areas. Non-profit colleges and universities have the best value programs, with high graduation rates and low net prices. State certification is required for public school teachers, and additional endorsements can make graduates more marketable.
Quick Facts About Secondary Education Programs
With nearly equal numbers of bachelor’s and master’s programs in secondary education, 689 colleges and universities offer a range of options for prospective teachers. Degrees typically prepare teachers for high school or middle school teaching, with many programs including teacher certification.
35 schools provide a certificate in secondary education, 85 offer an associate’s degree, 326 offer a bachelor’s degree, and 398 offer a master’s or advanced degree. Teaching credentials are offered in most degree programs, and graduates can pursue teaching careers in middle or high schools, though state certification is required for public schools.
Specialization areas such as ESL/Bilingual Education and Special Education make graduates more marketable, and online degrees offer flexibility for students. For those looking for the best value schools, non-profit colleges and universities offering secondary education programs are best, with criteria including graduation rate and net price.
Benefits of Earning a Secondary Education Degree
What benefits does an individual gain from earning a Secondary Education Degree?
Earning a degree in secondary education gives individuals the qualifications and credentials necessary to become a teacher in middle and high schools. With a degree in secondary education, individuals will gain the skills needed to plan, design, and deliver appropriate curriculum for their students.
Additionally, a degree in secondary education provides a broad educational foundation, allowing teachers to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter that they teach. Furthermore, many degree programs also offer teaching credentials, which are essential for teaching in public schools.
With a degree in secondary education, individuals will also gain the necessary knowledge and skills to work with a range of students, from gifted and talented learners to students with disabilities.
Ultimately, a degree in secondary education prepares teachers to make a real impact in the lives of their students.
Specialization Areas in Secondary Education
| Although secondary education degrees provide a broad educational foundation, many degree programs also offer specializations that allow teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter they teach. Specialization areas include ESL/Bilingual Education, Gifted and Talented Education, Middle Grades, Special Education, and STEM. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area | Description | Focuses On | |
| ESL/Bilingual Education | Prepares graduates to teach English as a second language | Language | |
| Gifted and Talented Education | Prepares graduates to teach gifted learners | Learning Styles | |
| Middle Grades | Focuses on teaching at the middle school level | Age Group | |
| Special Education | Prepares teachers to work with learners with disabilities | Special Needs | |
| STEM | Focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics | Subject Matter |
Requirements for State Certification
In order to become a certified teacher in a public school, prospective teachers must meet all of the requirements for state certification. This includes passing the relevant state exams for the content area in which they plan to teach.
Some states may also require a certain number of college credits, such as a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and/or a certain amount of student teaching experience.
Additionally, certain subject areas may require additional endorsements, such as ESL/Bilingual Education or Gifted and Talented Education.
Once all of the requirements are met, teachers can apply for a state teaching certification and begin their career in the classroom.
Qualities of a Successful Secondary Education Teacher
Successful secondary education teachers possess a passion for teaching and a deep knowledge of the subject matter they are teaching. They must be able to capture the attention of students and inspire them to learn.
Strong communication skills are essential for a successful secondary education teacher, allowing them to explain difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Additionally, secondary education teachers must be able to differentiate instruction for students of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Patience and creativity are also key qualities, as teachers must be able to adjust their teaching styles when needed. Furthermore, secondary education teachers must be able to establish a positive learning environment and maintain order in the classroom.
Lastly, successful secondary education teachers must be able to engage in meaningful dialogue with students and provide constructive feedback.
Finding Best Value Schools for Secondary Education
For those looking for a quality education at an affordable price, finding the best value schools for secondary education is essential.
Many non-profit colleges and universities offer secondary education programs, including certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.
To ensure quality and affordability, students should research schools based on graduation rates, net prices, and in-state cost per credit hour.
The best value schools should also offer online degrees and provide information on faculty tenure, related degrees, and rankings.
With these criteria in mind, prospective students should be able to find the best secondary education program for their needs.
Campus Programs Vs. Online Programs
When it comes to secondary education, prospective students must decide between a campus program or an online program. Campus programs offer a traditional college experience and allow students to connect with their peers and professors in person. Online programs, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can be completed from anywhere in the world.
| Campus Programs | Online Programs |
|---|---|
| Traditional college experience | Flexible |
| Connect with peers and professors in person | Complete from anywhere in the world |
| Attend classes at a physical location | Access course materials online |
| Fewer distractions | More distractions |
| Costly | Cheaper |
Application Requirements for Secondary Education Programs
Regularly, prospective students must research application requirements for secondary education programs in order to determine the best fit for their educational goals.
These requirements may include:
- Submission of a personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Standardized test scores (e.g. ACT, SAT, GRE)
Financing a Secondary Education Degree Program
| In order to finance a secondary education degree program, it is important to understand the various financing options available. Students can access grants, scholarships, student loans, and other sources of financial assistance to fund their education. | Source | Amount | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships | Varies | GPA, special talents, etc. | Submit application | |
| Grants | Varies | Financial need | Submit FAFSA | |
| Student loans | Varies | Financial need | Submit FAFSA | |
| Work-study | Varies | Financial need | Submit FAFSA |
Researching and understanding the different types of financial aid is key to affording a secondary education degree program.
Conclusion
Secondary education degree programs provide students with the opportunity to pursue teaching careers in middle and high schools. With a range of degree and certification programs available, students can specialize in a variety of areas. Requirements for state certification vary, and students should research best value schools and application requirements for their chosen program.
Campus and online programs offer different options, and potential students should consider tuition and faculty when selecting a school. With this information, students can make an informed decision about their educational and career path.
