secondary education degree students learning

Secondary Education Degree

B.S.Ed.

Guide teens by teaching them and helping them find their interests, now and for their future.

High school is a critical time of education – and teaching students during their teen years has its challenges and rewards. When you earn your Secondary Education degree from UND, you’ll learn how to effectively teach life skills and knowledge for students in 7th through 12th grade.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125

What is a secondary education degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

The University of North Dakota offers the most comprehensive selection of Teacher Education majors, minors and endorsements in the state. The Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education prepares you to teach in high school classrooms in North Dakota, Minnesota and across the nation.

Through the College of Education & Human Development, in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences, you can:

  • Prepare to be a high school teacher in 11 areas to meet students’ current and future educational needs
  • Learn innovative teaching practices to help students succeed in rural or urban settings
  • Become subject experts in content areas such as English, Sciences, Social Studies, Mathematics, Music, Foreign Languages and Art

You’ll complete a double major earning a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education for high school teacher preparation. You’ll also complete a B.A. or B.S. related to your content area of choice (e.g., English, Mathematics, Chemistry, etc.).

Our courses are designed to provide you with real-world classroom experiences. Your program culminates in a student teaching assignment where you’ll have responsibility for instruction and assessment

UND's Secondary Education Degree

  • Teacher Education faculty and staff continue to work with you after graduation. We'll help you complete materials needed to obtain your teaching license and/or endorsement.

  • The Teacher Education Program connects you with local volunteer opportunities at area schools. You'll add to your teaching experience, building your resume, and creating professional networks.

  • As a student in Teacher Education, you’ll be eligible for scholarships through the College of Education & Human Development. As a future science teacher, you may also qualify for state and federal funding such as the TEACH Grant to help offset the cost of your degree.

  • You can get an authentic global perspective on education through Teacher Education at UND by studying abroad. Students have recently taken advantage of study abroad opportunities at universities in Finland, Ireland, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway and elsewhere.

  • All teacher education programs at the University of North Dakota are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education is also approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Licensing Board.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

 What can you do with a secondary education degree?

87%

Secondary Education students pass the Praxis content exam on the first attempt

89%

Secondary Education students pass the Principles of Learning & Teaching Exam on the first attempt

Begin your teaching in high school classrooms at public and private schools in North Dakota, Minnesota and across the nation.

  • Graduates find there is high demand in large cities as well as rural districts.
  • School districts report critical shortages in all content areas, demonstrating a need for teachers throughout the state.

High School Teaching Degree

High school teachers typically do the following:

  • Plan lessons and instruct their students in the subject they teach
  • Assess students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
  • Adapt lessons to changes in class size
  • Grade students’ assignments and exams
  • Communicate with parents about students’ progress
  • Work with individual students to challenge them and to improve their abilities
  • Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
  • Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
  • Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detention

Secondary Education Degree Courses

T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.

T&L 432. Learning Environments. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this class is to study psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence classroom behavior and to examine elements that contribute to a positive learning environment. An additional 15 hour field experience is required for the course over a three-week period. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S.

T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.

This course takes an anthropological view of multicultural education. In this course, we will learn how to serve students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We will discuss how students' needs should be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity, language, and culture that students bring to class must be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. The activities and materials presented in this course will teach you how to be respectful of diversity (gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture). Through class activities, readings, discussions, guest speakers and reflection, you will better understand the needs and perspectives of culturally diverse classrooms and it prepares you to teach about cultural diversity. This class examines several cultures including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, as well as populations making up our New American community members who have arrived as refugees. It also explores diversity that exists aside from race and culture. This course will assist you in gaining deeper insight into your own backgrounds and belief systems and how it impacts your views and perspectives on working and interacting with individuals who come from a different cultural background. Note: This course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.

T&L 339. Educational Technology. 2 Credits.

Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts and operations that not only support classroom curriculum but provide an avenue for continuing professional development. Students will learn to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. The class will help students understand the social, ethical, legal and human issues that surround the use of technology in PK-12 schools. F,S,SS.

T&L 345. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 3 Credits.

A general curriculum development and instruction course designed for the undergraduate pre-service middle school and/or secondary teacher across all disciplines. It introduces and provides practice in planning, multiple instructional strategies, and methods of formal and informal assessment. It considers the impact of historical foundations, teaching philosophy, discipline standards, knowledge of diverse learners and special needs, and technology on curriculum development. Prerequisites: T&L 250. F,S.

T&L 400. Methods and Materials. 3 Credits.

Various teaching methods and strategies and the materials used in teaching in a subject area. (Some Methods and Materials courses carry an academic department prefix and number. The number of methods courses required by a department may vary. Consult with an adviser.) Some offered F only; some F,S. See adviser. Prerequisites: T&L 250 and T&L 345, and admission to the Teacher Education program. Corequisites: T&L 486. Repeatable to 18.00 credits. F,S.

Ready to Lead

At UND, students are prepared to guide and motivate the next generation of leaders.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Ryan Summers
Assistant Professor
P 701.777.3144
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