Secondary Education
Secondary Education Degree
Become the teacher who turns lesson plans into learning adventures
OFFERED AS:
Major, Minor
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
Major 120, Minor 18
Make the most of your Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education by choosing one of the most affordable and well-known state schools for education in Pennsylvania.
As a secondary education major at Kutztown University, you are guaranteed:
- A secondary education degree
- Real teaching experience
- Direct supervision and feedback during your fieldwork
- Guidance from caring and experienced professors
- The opportunity for dual certification
Whether you’re from the greater Lehigh, Berks, or Northampton area, or beyond, Kutztown University is the best place to start your career as a middle or high school teacher.
Explore Teaching Specializations in the Secondary Education Major
What makes our degree in secondary education unique and highly valuable is that you can get a dual certification in special education, with more than half of our teaching specializations below.
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Biology*
This program focuses on investigations, laboratory, and field studies. Kutztown’s beautiful campus and surrounding areas will be home to some of the in-depth and diverse observations that students will take part of in order to study this natural science.
Secondary Education Program Guides
Special Education Program Guides
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Chemistry
Specific science courses must be taken to ensure that students are fully prepared to teach this multi-faceted natural science. These courses include Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Analytical Chemistry, and Physics.
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Computer Science
We offer one of the first computer science teacher preparation programs in PA. As the number of secondary schools that offer computer science coursework grows, it is imperative that teachers in those classrooms possess the unique content knowledge and pedagogical skills required to effectively engage students in learning computer science content and developing computational thinking.
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Computer Science & Mathematics
As the number of secondary schools that offer computer science coursework grows, it is imperative that teachers in those classrooms possess the unique content knowledge and pedagogical skills required to effectively engage students in learning computer science content and developing computational thinking. This program includes the opportunity to earn a dual certificate in Mathematics as well.
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Earth and Space Science*
Classes such as Astronomy, Meteorology, and Historical Geology are taken to ensure that Earth & Space Science teachers are well-versed in their subject matter and ready to pass this knowledge on to their students at a professional level.
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English*
This program requires students to examine areas of language and composition in preparation to teach this vital subject area. Classes include experience in British, American, and world literature; linguistics; and teaching writing.
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General Science*
Biology, Zoology, and Physical Geology are part of a list of required courses that students concentrating in General Science will take. These students will experience a wide variety of courses in scientific areas to improve their understanding of a specific subject matter.
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Mathematics*
Computer science, geometry, probability, and calculus courses, among many others, will be explored by those choosing this program. Mathematics courses are both theory and application-based in order to provide students with a rich understanding of this intricate subject.
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Physics & Mathematics
As a dual certificate program, Physics & Mathematics majors experience courses in both areas to prepare them for teaching. These include classes such as Modern Physics I, Calculus II, and Abstract Algebra I.
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Physics
Students partake in a range of courses in physics with strong supporting courses in mathematics. As faculty-led research is provided at a great level, Physics students will receive exceptional preparation for becoming a physics teacher.
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Social Studies*
This program consists of courses in History, Geography, Civics & Government, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, and Psychology. Graduates will be certified to teach all of these subjects in grades 7-12.
Top 5 Reasons Students Love Our Secondary Education Degree
What do current students like most about our secondary education major and Kutztown University?
- The opportunity to learn from and work with caring professors who have secondary education teaching experience
- The immediate access to fieldwork starting their first year
- The rigorous classroom preparation for grades 7-12 in your specialized area
- The affordability and financial aid options to help pay for school
- The beautiful campus layout of being able to live on one side of campus while studying on the other
Student Learning Outcomes
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Teacher Certification Programs (B.S.Ed)
(includes Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education programs)
All initial teacher certification programs use the ten InTASC standards (required by CAEP accreditation) as their Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). The ten InTASC standards are organized in 4 domains (The Learner and Learning, Content Knowledge, Instructional Practice, and Professional Responsibility).
- Learner Development - The teacher candidate will understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
- Learning Differences - The teacher candidate will be able to use understandings of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
- Learning Environments - The teacher candidate will be able to work with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Content Knowledge - The teacher candidate will be able to understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
- Application of Content - The teacher candidate will be able to understand how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Assessment - The teacher candidate will be able to understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher candidate's and learner's decision making.
- Planning for Instruction - The teacher candidate will be able to plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- Instructional Strategies - The teacher candidate will be able to understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop
deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. - Professional Learning and Ethical Practice - The teacher candidate will be able to engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- Leadership and Collaboration - The teacher candidate will be able to seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
Secondary Education Degree Frequently Asked Questions
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What can I do with a degree in secondary education?
While a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education will prepare you to become a middle or high school teacher, there are multiple career paths to choose from.
Here is a list of job titles and average salaries for these roles in Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):
- High School Teacher: $56,700
- Middle School Teacher: $71,140
- School Counselor: $64,300
- Principal: $93,546
- Private Tutor: $58,071
- Special Assistance Resource Teacher: $63,820
- Librarian: $50,070
- Education Coordinator: $57,675
- Substitute Teacher: $39,641
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What is the best minor for a secondary education major?
If you would like to add a minor to your secondary education degree, here are our recommendations:
- English as a Second Language minor
- Coaching and Sport Administration minor
- Psychology minor
- Music minor
- Women and Gender Studies minor
Need help deciding? Send us an email here: wolfmeyer@kutztown.edu.
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What teacher preparation courses will I take as a secondary education major?
The following classes are teacher preparation courses you will take while obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education:
- EDU 100- Perspectives on American Education - 3 credits
- SPU 201- Cognitive Development of Diverse Learners in a Standards Aligned System - 3 credits
- SPU 314- Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities - 3 credits
- SEU 312 & 313- Principles of Learning - 6 credits
- SEU 342 & 343- Principles of Teaching - 6 credits
- Instructional Methods course- 3 credits
- SEU 410 - Science Instructional Methods
- SEU 422 - World Language Instructional Methods
- SEU 425 - English Instructional Methods
- SEU 426 - Social Studies Instructional Methods
- SEU 430 - Math Instructional Methods
- SEU 390 & 391- Clinical Experience & Practicum - 12 credits
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What subjects can I teach with a secondary education degree?
If you know that you want to become a middle or high school teacher, but you’re unsure of what specialization to choose, that’s OK.
Here are a few tips on deciding your teaching specialization:
- Biology: You want to inspire young people to learn about life and how organisms survive, thrive, and change
- Chemistry: You love understanding how substances interact and want to foster a similar passion in students
- Computer Science: You want to instill a love for technology by providing computational skills for the future
- Computer Science & Math Dual Certificate: You want a dual certification to help effectively engage students in learning computer science content and computational thinking
- Earth and Space Science: You want to help students understand the Earth’s systems and how they are connected to the world
- English: You love reading, writing, and literature, and want to share your passion with students
- General Science: You want to inspire students to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or math
- Mathematics: You want to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while sharing the beauty and purpose of math
- Math and Physics: You have a deep passion for math and physics, and want a dual certification
- Physics: You want an intellectual yet fun teaching experience while teaching students the art of numerical reasoning and problem-solving
- Social Studies: You want to help students understand the world around them while teaching them how to make decisions for the greater good of humanity