Secondary Education Degrees
Educate the next generation of learners
Become a caring educator who makes a mark in the lives of their students through our Secondary Education program. Ignite your passion and potential through field experiences and student teaching.
Start a career in education with a BA in Secondary Education
A SAU Secondary Education degree prepares you to educate students in grades 5-12. You’ll learn to develop and implement a curriculum and understand how learner differences affect students.
Secondary Education program overview
In our program you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become an effective educator in middle and high school settings. You’ll develop an understanding of key concepts, theories, and methodologies in your discipline, preparing you to teach at the secondary level. You’ll enjoy expansive field experiences in different schools before completing a full semester of student teaching. When you’re done, you’ll not only possess the knowledge to pass your licensure exam, you'll also be ready to lead a classroom of students confidently.
100%
of responding Secondary Education graduates are working in the field
95%
of students feel the requirements for their major are clear and reasonable
Potential career paths for secondary education
At SAU, your career path is up to you. Choose the endorsement that fits your goals, and we will help you to achieve them.
-
Art Teacher Education
Explore Art Teacher Education- Art teacher (K-12)
- Art curriculum developer
- Art chair department
- Museum educator
- Community arts program coordinator
- Art therapy
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English Teacher Education
Explore English Teacher Education- English teacher
- English language teacher
- Reading specialist
- Literacy coach
- School librarian
- Author
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History Teacher Education
Explore History Teacher Education- History teacher
- Social studies teacher
- Museum professional
- Librarian
- Education program coordinator
- Educational consultant
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Music Teacher Education
Explore Music Teacher Education- Instrumental music teacher
- Vocal music teacher
- General music teacher K-6
- Choir director
- Orchestra director
- Music therapist
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Spanish Teacher Education
Explore Spanish Teacher Education- Spanish teacher
- Translator
- Language specialist
- International student advisor
- Spanish content creator
- International business consultant
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Biology Teacher Education
Explore Biology Teacher Education- Biology Teacher
- Laboratory Instructor
- Science Education Specialist
- Academic Advisor
- Environmental Educator
- Science Writer
What you’ll learn in your Secondary Education program
As a Secondary Education student, you’ll begin with core School of Education courses to strengthen your understanding of learner development, learning differences, and learning environments. From there, you’ll move into your endorsement area to grow your expertise and advance toward your career goals.
Core skills you’ll learn in the Secondary Education program
- Understanding of professional teaching standards
- Ability to address mild reading difficulties
- Mastery of techniques for accommodating diverse learners
- Ability to integrate technology into teaching
- Add a focus on English as a second language (K-12) to your degree
Sample courses in the Secondary Education program
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 205 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| EDUC 300 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| EDUC 305 | Secondary Methods | 3 Credits |
| SPED 310 | Inclusion Strategies for Students with Special Needs | 3 credits |
| EDUC 419 | Observation/Student Teaching: Secondary Grades | 7 to 15 Credits |
How much does a Secondary Education degree cost?
The total cost of your Secondary Education degree will depend on your major, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, and other factors.
- Part-time tuition: 1–11 semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
- Full-time tuition: 12–18 semester credits, per year: $39,348
- Other: 19 or more semester credits, per semester credit: $1,200
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization:
Get an estimate of how much your Secondary Education degree will cost
Use our Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much your degree will cost. Get my estimate.
Reduce your tuition by up to $24k
Every student is awarded a scholarship based on their GPA. St. Ambrose University recognizes and rewards students for their academic performance.
Housing and meal plans for Secondary Education students
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet your needs. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone.
Freshman housing
For incoming freshmen, on-campus residence halls provide a convenient college experience. Living among peers creates a sense of community and support, helping new students transition smoothly into university life. View freshman dorms.
Transfer & upperclassmen housing
As students progress through their academic journey, they have the option to transition to on-campus, apartment-style living. These accommodations offer more independence while still being located conveniently close to campus facilities and resources. View upperclassmen dorms.
Meal plans
St. Ambrose offers flexible meal plan options to accommodate various preferences and schedules. Whether you're looking for full dining hall access or a smaller meal plan for occasional use, there's a choice that suits your needs. View available meal plans.
What are the Secondary Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Secondary Education program must provide the following information for admission:
- Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- Applicants must provide an official high school transcript
What are the School of Education admission requirements for Secondary Education?
We have additional requirements for admittance to the School of Education.
- Applicants must complete 40 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207
- Applicants must provide two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show you earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher
- Applicants must receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207
- Applicants must complete the application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures)
- Applicants must complete EDUC 282 and EDUC 284 with at least a B average
Build your skills. Build your confidence.
“Upon leaving St. Ambrose, I felt utterly confident in my abilities and understanding in my area. While I still had room for growth, I was confident that I had a grasp of the material I was now teaching.”
- Parker Haley ’17, Bachelor of Music Education
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, leaner services, and fiscal stability.
St. Ambrose University’s Education programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
Visit St. Ambrose
Experience our vibrant campus firsthand. Schedule a visit to explore our facilities, meet faculty, and discover your future at St. Ambrose University.
Schedule my visitWhy earn a Secondary Education degree from SAU?
Our programs foster compassionate teachers who make a difference in the lives of students and are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to impress employers.
Experienced faculty
Faculty guide students towards teaching excellence, encouraging learner-centered classroom strategies and subject knowledge and application.
Industry-aligned curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to make sure graduates possess skills employers are looking for.
Path to licensure
Students who successfully complete our Secondary Education program will be recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Iowa and beyond
Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you through the application process.
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
