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major in secondary education

Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education

B.A./B.S. in Education (Secondary) Program Overview

Are you passionate about teaching and shaping the minds of tomorrow? Consider pursuing a degree in secondary education at Freed-Hardeman University, where you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of content areas and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a certified secondary-level teacher in Tennessee.

Degree Type:

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Department:

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Department chair name:

Amy Downey
Ed.D.

Learning at FHU

Why study secondary education at FHU?

Our secondary education program offers a variety of content areas, ranging from Art and Theatre to Chemistry and Mathematics. With integrated practicum experiences and an entire semester of student teaching in public school settings, you will gain valuable hands-on experience in your future field. At FHU, we are committed to providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in their careers, and our degree in Secondary Education program is no exception.

With a secondary education major, secondary education graduates can become middle school and high school teachers.

Program Highlights:

  • Gain valuable hands-on experience
  • Practicum experiences and student teaching
  • Experienced professors with vast knowledge in their areas of expertise
  • Flexible curriculum tailored to fit your career goals
  • Benefit from strong partnerships with local K-12 schools
  • Internships and job opportunities
Secondary education programs prepare students to be secondary education teachers.

Careers for Secondary Education Majors

Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career with a degree in Secondary Education? With a variety of disciplines to choose from, the possibilities are endless! At Freed-Hardeman University, we offer programs for Art, Theatre, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, History, Chemistry, English, Biology, Mathematics, Psychology, Business Education and Speech Communication. By pursuing licensure in a content area, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students’ lives.

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • School Administrator
  • Teacher Mentor/Coach
  • Education Technology
  • Special Education Specialist
  • Teacher Educational Consultant
  • Educational Researcher/Writer

Secondary Education Degree Requirements

Are you passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of young learners? Consider earning a degree in Secondary Education from Freed-Hardeman University! While it’s only available as a second major, students who complete the program will focus not only on their content area but also on the necessary professional education core outlined by the Department of Education. Completing the required examinations will make graduates eligible for Tennessee certification to teach at the secondary level.

I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements are met by the content major
II. Second Major Requirements

EDU 130

Introduction to Education (W)

3

EDU 250 

Professional Reflective Seminar I 

2

EDU 320

Technology in the Classroom

3

EDU 327

Tests and Measurement

3

EDU 350*

Professional Reflective Seminar II 

EDU 428*

Classroom Management

2

EDU 431A*

Teaching Methods and Literacy – Secondary English OR

3

EDU 431B* 

Teaching Methods and Literacy – Secondary Mathematics OR

(3) 

EDU 431C* 

Teaching Methods and Literacy – Secondary Social Studies OR

(3)  

EDU 431D* 

Teaching Methods and Literacy – Secondary Science OR

(3)  

EDU 431E* 

Teaching Methods and Literacy – K-12 Content Areas

(3) 

EDU 447

Student Teaching, Secondary  OR

12

EDU 448

Student Teaching, K-12

(12) 

EDU 450

Professional Reflective Seminar III

1

PSY 306

Educational Psychology (W)

3

RDG 321

Teaching Secondary School Literacy

3

SPE 240

Special Education Foundations (W)

3

*These courses must be taken the semester prior to student teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at FHU

Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Secondary Education. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact admissions@fhu.edu and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.

What is a degree in Secondary Education at FHU?

A degree in Secondary Education at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) is a program designed for individuals interested in becoming licensed teachers in grades 7-12. This program is available as a second major only, meaning that students must choose another major and complete its requirements in addition to those of the Secondary Education program.

To be eligible for this program, students must complete at least 60 credit hours of coursework in their primary major, including general education requirements and major-specific courses. They then complete an additional 36 credit hours of coursework in Secondary Education, including courses in educational psychology, classroom management, curriculum design, and more.

In addition to coursework, students in the Secondary Education program at FHU complete several hands-on learning experiences, including practicum experiences and student teaching. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable experience working with middle and high school students.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for licensure to teach in grades 7-12 in Tennessee. They are also well-prepared for careers in education, with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective teachers and leaders in their schools and communities.

The Secondary Education program at FHU allows students to become licensed teachers in grades 7-12 while completing a second major in another field. With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and licensure eligibility, this program prepares graduates for successful careers in education.

What are the benefits of majoring in Secondary Education at FHU?

Majoring in Secondary Education at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers several benefits to students interested in pursuing a career in education. Here are some of the key benefits of majoring in Secondary Education at FHU:

  1. Licensure eligibility: The Secondary Education program at FHU is designed to prepare students for licensure to teach in grades 7-12 in Tennessee. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take the necessary exams and meet the requirements for licensure.
  2. Hands-on learning experiences: The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences with practicum experiences and student teaching opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Students can work with middle and high school students, gaining valuable experience and developing their teaching skills.
  3. Comprehensive curriculum: The Secondary Education program at FHU provides students with a comprehensive education in educational psychology, classroom management, curriculum design, and more. The program prepares students to be effective teachers and leaders in their schools and communities.
  4. Flexibility: The program is available as a second major only, meaning students can choose another major that aligns with their interests and career goals. This allows students to tailor their education to their individual needs and aspirations.
  5. Career opportunities: Graduates of the Secondary Education program at FHU are well-prepared for careers in education, with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective teachers and leaders in their schools and communities. They can pursue careers as classroom teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches.

Majoring in Secondary Education at FHU allows students to become licensed teachers in grades 7-12 while completing a second major in another field. With licensure eligibility, hands-on learning experiences, a comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, and career opportunities, this program prepares graduates for successful careers in education.

What will I learn while completing a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education at FHU?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective classroom teachers in grades 7-12. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure to teach in the state of Tennessee and focuses on the following key areas:

  1. Educational Psychology: Students will learn about the principles of human development, learning theory, and motivation, as well as how to apply these principles in the classroom to meet the needs of diverse learners.
  2. Curriculum Design: Students will learn how to design effective lesson plans and units that align with state and national standards, focusing on using assessment data to inform instruction and promote student growth.
  3. Classroom Management: Students will learn strategies for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments, as well as techniques for managing student behavior and promoting positive social interactions.
  4. Instructional Strategies: Students will learn various instructional strategies, including direct instruction, small group work, and project-based learning, as well as how to use technology to enhance teaching and learning.
  5. Assessment and Evaluation: Students will learn how to design and use a variety of assessment tools to measure student learning and promote continuous improvement, as well as how to use data to inform future instruction.

Throughout the secondary teacher education program, students will also complete hands-on learning experiences, including practicum experiences and student teaching, that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable experience working with middle and high school students.

Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at FHU provides students with a comprehensive education in teaching, with a focus on educational psychology, curriculum design, classroom management, instructional strategies, assessment, and evaluation. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to be effective teachers in grades 7-12 and positively impact their students’ lives.

How can I use a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from FHU in my career?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) can open up various educational career opportunities. Here are some ways that you can use your degree in your career:

  1. Classroom teaching: The most common career path for graduates of the Secondary Education program at FHU is classroom teaching. With licensure to teach in grades 7-12, graduates can pursue careers as classroom teachers in public or private schools.
  2. Administration: Secondary education students of the program may pursue careers in school administration, such as becoming a principal, assistant principal, or department head.
  3. Instructional coaching: Some graduates may become instructional coaches, working with teachers to improve their instructional practices and promote student learning.
  4. Curriculum design: Graduates may also work in curriculum design, helping to develop and implement curriculum materials and programs for schools or educational organizations.
  5. Non-profit work: Graduates may also choose to work in non-profit organizations focused on education, such as after-school programs or tutoring organizations.

A Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from FHU provides graduates with a strong foundation in teaching and learning, preparing them for various careers in education. Whether you pursue a career in secondary education teaching, high school teachers, administration, instructional coaching, curriculum design, or non-profit work, your degree from FHU will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective educator and positively impact your students’ lives.

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