Secondary Education

Secondary Education Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

About Secondary Education

Teaching is so much more than a career. It's a calling.

Share your passions through teaching. The secondary education bachelor's degree program at PennWest California is specifically designed to prepare top subject area teachers at the middle and high school levels.

Combine teacher education courses and field experiences with strong programs in the content area you would like to teach, including biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, English, communications, math, social studies, and art.

Discover why PennWest California is a top university for teachers.

  • All PennWest California secondary education program graduates meet state requirements to for teaching certification in one of nine subject areas.
  • Fieldwork and student teaching experiences boost your resume and make you career-ready.

Program Highlights: Secondary Education

HAND-ON LEARNING: As a secondary education student you will complete three sets of field experiences in local middle and high schools prior to student teaching. This helps you excel in student teaching, build a portfolio of projects, and stand out to future employers in the secondary education job market.   

PERSONAL ATTENTION: Work closely with secondary education professors who have experience as teachers and can relate theory to real-life experiences. Our faculty members are available and approachable. They are here to answer your questions, provide personal assistance, and give you the resources you need for career success.

Top Accreditation: This  degree program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits PennWest California. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. See CAEP reporting measures of program impact and outcomes.

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9 
secondary education concentrations to choose from.
100% 
of secondary education faculty members are certified teachers with real-life experience in classrooms.
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Degree Benefits

Discover the many advantages of a secondary education bachelor's degree from PennWest California.

  • Graduate with less debt, thanks to our cost-effective bachelor of education degree.
  • Complete a program designed specifically to prepare teachers to work in secondary schools with adolescents.
  • Become well versed in educational technology and STEM.
  • Get hands-on experience in local Pennsylvania
  • Graduate eligible for state teaching
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Graduate Outcomes

The job market for teachers is growing, as portions of Pennsylvania now have teacher shortages. All program graduates are eligible for secondary education teacher certification and are prepared will the skills to fill teaching positions in middle and high schools in Pennsylvania and beyond. The majority of our alumni start jobs as teachers in public, private and charter schools immediately after graduation. Many students also return to PennWest California for a master's degree in teaching or education.

 
Secondary Education Bachelor's Degree
PennWest California secondary education students work in classroom.

Real-World Experience in Local Schools

PennWest California maintains a network of Professional Development Schools (PDS) in Pennsylvania that serve as the ultimate lab setting where secondary education students work directly with K-12 teachers and students to gain real-life career experience.

PennWest California offers secondary education learning credits for teachers.

Professional Development Opportunities

At PennWest California, you'll work with a career services counselor who is dedicated to secondary education majors. We also offer professional development and networking opportunities including a seminar series, career development activities, a chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (an education honors society), and the Student PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association) Club.

A secondary education student at PennWest California conducts classroom research.

Action Research Project

Have an impact as a secondary education teacher. During student teaching you'll carry out an action research project investigating how your teaching impacts students' learning. You'll also have opportunities to perform research in your content area and through the Center for Undergraduate Research.

Secondary Education Bachelor Degree Courses

Example Courses
  • Student Teaching Practicum
  • Professional Practices in Secondary Education
  • Evidence-based Practices for Secondary Education
  • Assessments and Interventions in Secondary Education
  • Classroom Management
  • Technology Integration in Secondary Education

Secondary Education Bachelor's Degree Concentrations

Concentrations