Teaching at the secondary level provides the opportunity to directly influence the academic and personal lives of students during their formative years. The professional paths in secondary education do not just end at working in the classroom.
Online Secondary Education Degree, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, can prepare educators for positions in areas ranging from curriculum development to special education.
Just take your time and go through this article, the World Scholarship Forum has arranged every detail you need to know more about the online secondary education degree.
So, Read on to learn more about online degree options, courses, licensing requirements and job options in the field.
Table of Contents
- What is Secondary Education?
- Secondary Education Degree Salary
- Reasons Why You Should Choose An Affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education
- 15 Affordable Online Secondary Education Degree Program
- #1. Valley City State University
- #2. University of Central Florida
- #3. University of Wisconsin-Stout
- #4. Mayville State University
- #5. Northern Arizona University
- #6. Judson College
- #7. Hobe Sound Bible College
- #8. Chaminade University of Honolulu
- #9. Ferris State University
- #10. Fort Hays State University
- #11. Western Governors University
- #12. The University of West Florida
- #13. North Carolina A&T State University
- #14. Murray State University
- #15. East Carolina University
- Secondary Education Teachers: Milestones to Success
- Types of Online Programs in Secondary Education
- Secondary Education Degree Courses
- RECOMMENDATION
What is Secondary Education?
Secondary education is the bridge between early childhood education and university education in the United States. This is traditionally known as grades 9 to 12 when students enter junior high or high school. However, it also extends to middle school education for students in grades 6 through 8.
Secondary Education Degree Salary
Most people who want to go into secondary education have worries about how much they will earn. However, secondary education is a surprisingly lucrative field.
Many people joke that teachers earn an average salary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income of a high school teacher is $59,170/year.
Also, there is no on-the-job training, and students only need a bachelor’s degree to access this position.
The BLS also expects an 8% increase in the number of secondary education jobs available during the next decade. More than one million high school teachers are already employed in the United States, which means that over the next ten years, teachers will see nearly 80,000 new jobs created!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the following data on job growth in the field of secondary education. In addition to the following national average salary data for several careers in the field of secondary education.
| CAREER | NATIONAL MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY (MAY 2014) | NATIONAL PROJECTED JOB GROWTH (2014–2024) |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $56,310 | 6% |
| Middle School Teacher | $54,940 | 6% |
| Special Education Teacher (High School) | $57,810 | 6% |
| Career and Technical Education Teacher (High School) | $55,200 | 0% |
| Instructional Coordinator | $61,550 | 7% |
You are smiling right now…so, what are you waiting for to apply for a Secondary Education Program?
Reasons Why You Should Choose An Affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education
Globally, news has been tainted with stories of students leaving school with financial debts in the form of student loans. It is important to get the best education possible, but students should also be able to leave college without paying tens of thousands of dollars in loans.
Affordable programs help provide high-quality education, but at a price that most students will find very affordable.
And with financial assistance, grants, and scholarships available, many of these programs can become even more affordable than their tuition suggests.
15 Affordable Online Secondary Education Degree Program
Obtaining an online degree in secondary education leads students to begin a career in teaching at the high school level, without interfering with the student’s already busy schedule.
Online learning gives students greater autonomy to manage their education and is an excellent option for students with extracurricular obligations such as work and family.
Below are some of the affordable online secondary education degree programs:
- Valley City State University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Mayville State University
- Northern Arizona University
- Judson College
- Hobe Sound Bible College
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Ferris State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Western Governors University
- The University of West Florida
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Murray State University
- East Carolina University
#1. Valley City State University
Valley City State University, located in Valley City, North Dakota, offers several undergraduate degrees designed to lead to high school careers that can be obtained online.
Specific specializations include business education, vocational and technical education, education in English, history teaching, social science education, and technology education.
The work can be completed completely online, but some degrees include field experience that students must complete with accredited education providers in their field.
For example, specializations in business education must complete their 12 weeks of field teaching experience in high school classes.
All degree programs are nationally accredited and meet the requirements of the North Dakota Teacher License, and most other states accept VCSU teacher education graduates.
However, students outside of North Dakota are encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing boards in their states to confirm that a VCSU Secondary Education Degree will meet all licensing requirements.
Also, all VCSU online students pay the same tuition fees as residents of North Dakota, no matter where they live.
- Tuition: $5,282
- Financial Aid: 91%
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
VCSU ONLINE & DISTANCE LEARNING
#2. University of Central Florida
Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida is a state-run public institution based in Orlando.
The online program in technical education and training in the industry is designed to produce graduates who can find a successful career in middle schools or high schools, correctional institutions, and post-secondary technical institutions for adult and community colleges.
UCF graduates also hold various teaching or training positions in business or industry. Students in the program take part in a course of mandatory mentored internships based on their specific career goals.
This is carried out for 1 or 2 semesters and is the only requirement in person to obtain the title. However, depending on the instructor, it may be possible for students to meet the distance learning course requirement, by acting as an assistant professors for web-based courses.
Students can transfer credits towards their degrees at the UCF. The application requirements and transfer credit limits depend on the number of credits you have already completed at the time of acceptance.
Tuition: $4,478
Financial Aid: 43%
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Graduation Rate:73%
#3. University of Wisconsin-Stout
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public university consisting of four undergraduate programs a designed of preparing students for careers in secondary education.
Students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science education, marketing, and business education, special education, or technology.
All of these programs can be completed online, and the concentration of marketing and business also includes an additional hybrid option.
The Bachelor’s degrees require 120 or 121 credits to graduate. Some concentrations in UW-Stout require a 2.75 GPA or more to stay in an excellent position.
Graduates of these programs will be able to obtain teaching positions in middle schools and secondary schools, and in special education and vocational training programs.
The programs are designed to meet the licensing requirements in the state of Wisconsin. In most cases, new students can transfer credits according to general education requirements if these credits were earned at an accredited institution.
Tuition: $7,014
Financial Aid: 18%
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate:55%
#4. Mayville State University
In Mayville State, prospective teachers can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a specialization in the online mathematics curriculum.
Students may attend school on a part-time or full-time basis and must have completed their degree in order to teach mathematics at the high school level.
Classes are synchronous and are taught according to the style of the cohort. They allow students to work with classmates, collaborate on classwork and discussions, and start and finish classes at the same time.
Students who specialize in secondary education must also choose a minor concentration in Business Administration, Special Needs, General Science, Library Media, Information Science, or Accounting.
If you plan to take classes during the summer semester, you can complete this program in 8 semesters or about 3 years. It takes a total of 128 credits to graduate, but only 30 credit hours at the 300/400 level in Mayville need to be completed.
All other credits can be transferred from accredited universities if the courses are aligned with the major ones and approved by Mayville.
Tuition: $5,053
Financial Aid: 72%
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate:43%
#5. Northern Arizona University
Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University is a public research institution that offers several online education degrees.
Distance students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in occupational and technical education, elementary education, special education, and early childhood education.
All of these fully online bachelor programs require 120 credits to graduate. The occupational education program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from another accredited program. The remaining programs accept up to 64 transfer credits.
Depending on your major and focus area, you can obtain a certificate in an additional specialized field, such as special education or early childhood education.
NAU graduates in education can find teaching positions in high schools, colleges, vocational training programs, and tutoring services, as well as curriculum specialists.
Students can also work in the field more generally, pursuing non-teaching roles in the education system. These programs do not lead to a teaching certification.
Tuition: $8,698
Financial Aid: 82%
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 54%
#6. Judson College
Judson College offers a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with two concentrations focused on teaching grades 6 to 12: secondary education English/language and general social studies.
It teaches all online courses in the cohort, synchronous style, and you can start in any of the 3 semesters of each academic year. As a result, distance learners start and finish classes at the same time as students on campus.
Judson uses the Moodlerooms learning system to allow all students to stay active and work on the same course content in a collaborative and participatory way.
All distance students must maintain a grade point average of 2.75 throughout the program and complete their general studies before taking specific courses. The full degree takes between 2 and 4 years.
Judson only certifies Alabama candidates, and all students at the school are located in Alabama schools for the required field experiments and clinical practice observation.
For transferred students, a maximum of 64 credits per semester of a 2-year university may be transferred. Those who hold an associate degree in a field of study at a parallel level automatically meet the basic requirements of Judson’s general education.
Tuition: $16,248
Financial Aid: 97%
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 44%
#7. Hobe Sound Bible College
The Hobe Sound Bible College is a Christian college in Florida with roots in the Methodist Church. It offers a bachelor’s degree in secondary education that can be obtained online after having accumulated 129 credits. No work is required on campus.
Students work to earn their degrees by exploring a variety of mandatory courses related to the Bible, both general and vocational. You must choose between a specialized field; the selection can change from one year to the next.
In most cases, available concentrations include English, social studies, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Any additional specialization offered by HSBC requires the same number of accredited hours for graduation.
All students must also take 2 or 3 courses without credit, including the attached training.
HSBC is accredited by the Association for Higher Biblical Education and the credits are generally transferred to the major theological institutions of higher education.
Incoming transfer credits of “C” or higher can be counted in your title. Depending on if students have transfer credits, most of them can complete the degree in 4 years. Secondary Education degree graduates are then teachers in various roles in Christian and secular schools.
Tuition: $5,600
Financial Aid: 86%
Graduation Rate: 67%
#8. Chaminade University of Honolulu
At Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii, a Roman Catholic institution founded in 1955, distance students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Online.
Full-time Chaminade students can complete the 120 credits required in 4 years and must finish preparing for licensure in English, Maths, Science, or Social Studies.
At the end of their studies, they allow students to teach in basic subjects, grades 6 to 12, and work in high schools and other educational institutions.
This degree and the license that goes with it allow you to teach in Hawaii and most of the United States.
Chaminade student applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must submit a personal statement with transcripts of any credits previously obtained. For transferred students, up to 90 semester hours of credit can be applied to a bachelor’s degree.
Tuition: $23,180
Financial Aid: 98%
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 51%
#9. Ferris State University
The Bachelor of Science in Technical Education from Ferris State ProMoTed is a 12-month diploma program that is offered in a hybrid format and combines online courses with a range of in-person learning activities and experiences.
Before beginning their studies, students with an interest in this program must meet one of the following two conditions:
- Obtain an associate’s degree with a minimum of 40 credits in an occupational major with a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA, or
- Obtain a degree of associate or 56 transferable credits including intermediate algebra and 2 semesters of composition in English.
Program participants begin their study with a two-week face-to-face session on the summer camps, followed by fall and spring sessions that include online courses and pre-service experiences.
Face-to-face teaching. Then, the students return to the campus for a second two-week face-to-face summer session. Upon completing all other grade requirements, students enroll in face-to-face teaching experience and a seminar to complete their studies.
The Bachelor of Technical Education ProMoTeD degree leads to a temporary professional certification through the Michigan Department of Education, and graduates can find career opportunities in industry and vocational education, as well as in high school.
However, this grade does not lead to high school teacher certification without having completed a major and minor.
Tuition: $11,144
Financial Aid: 69%
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 51%
#10. Fort Hays State University
For distance students interested in business and education, Fort Hays State University offers a dual degree online: Bachelor of Science in Business Education Concentration in Business Teacher Licensure and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.
Founded in 1902, FHSU is a public institution of more than 15,000 students located in Hays, Kansas. This dual degree prepares students for careers that teach business-oriented courses at colleges and high schools.
Graduates may also pursue careers as marketing or computer masters, curriculum developers, or advisors in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Business Teachers Association, or Distributive Education Clubs of America.
This dual degree program, including general education courses, requires 164 credits to graduate. Entrants can transfer an associate’s degree or up to 45 credit hours to double BS Full-time students can expect to spend 5 years or more to meet all the requirements for obtaining a degree.
Tuition: $3,789
Financial Aid: 73%
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 44%
#11. Western Governors University
Founded on the principles of creating educational programs for busy students who work, Western Governors University is a respected institution for online teacher education.
Through the WGU Teachers College Online, students have 4 undergraduate options among Secondary Education degrees: Secondary Biological Sciences, Secondary Chemistry, Secondary Physics, and Secondary Earth Sciences. Also, there is an option in Secondary Education Mathematics.
Depending on the program, students can complete the program within 16 to 48 months. Students can also transfer credits from their associate degree. The programs require between 39 and 44 courses to complete depending on the degree.
Also, they include courses on the basic aspects of teaching, pedagogy, and demonstration teaching, as well as courses in the field.
The additional courses include content courses for specific subjects, such as mathematics, chemistry, or physics, according to the requirements of the degree in question.
Tuition: $5,780
Financial Aid: 1%
Graduation Rate: 19%
#12. The University of West Florida
The University of West Florida strives to train tomorrow’s leaders through a variety of programs offered in-person and online. For future leaders in education, UWF offers a Bachelor of Arts in Exceptional Student Education program from the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies.
This degree can be obtained entirely online (except for field experience) and allows students to get the Professional Florida Educator’s Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (Kindergarten to Grade 12), including elementary education. (Kindergarten to Grade 6) reading and English support for speakers of other languages or ESOL.
Also, it requires 72 credits to complete, in addition to the general education requirements of the university. Compulsory courses include the basics of Applied Education, Literacy for the Emergent Learner, Teaching English to ESOL Students, and Curriculum for Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities.
Students wishing to obtain the degree must also complete 2 fundamental experiments of 100 hours of supervised instruction in a K-12 class. The second cornerstone focuses specifically on the teaching of English learners.
Tuition: $3,735
Financial Aid: 64%
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Graduation Rate: 55%
#13. North Carolina A&T State University
With A & T Online, there is no boundary between the physical campus and the virtual campus. Each one extends the other and shares the same experienced staff.
A & T Online provides universal access connections to our academic, agricultural, and technical programs. Online degree programs are designed specifically to meet the unique needs of online students, such as distance enrollment, transfers, or status changes.
Online students can count on our friendly and experienced teachers, staff, and administrators to guide them through their distance learning experience.
Tuition: $3,470
Financial Aid: 66%
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 51%
#14. Murray State University
Murray State University is a public university located in Murray, KY. The school has around 10,500 students and roughly 400 academic staff members.
It offers a multitude of certifications for different subjects and grades. Students will take approximately 120-140 hours of instruction, including core subjects or subjects.
Secondary level certifications available include:
- Biological Science
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Political Science
Average Net Tuition: $10,529
#15. East Carolina University
East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. The ECU was inaugurated in 1907 as the Teacher Training School of East Carolina but has since grown to offer bachelor’s, master’s, professional training, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines.
East Carolina University offers a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. The program is not completely online, but several courses can be tracked via the ECU Distance learning platform.
Average Net Tuition: $12,817
Secondary Education Teachers: Milestones to Success
- Qualify Finishes the degree in secondary education after completing the teaching experience.
- Earns a license Pass licensing exams and obtains a state teacher certification.
- Steps in the classroom Start career as a teacher in secondary school.
- Acquire leadership experience. After five years in class, he becomes a department head.
- Continuing education Complete the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education.
- Pivots in the role of leadership. Assumes an administrative role as a student dean.
Types of Online Programs in Secondary Education
In the United States, public and private high schools require their teachers to have a valid teaching license. Those who wish to teach at the secondary level have several academic paths to obtain a permit.
Some programs exist at the undergraduate level and prepare teachers to enter the classroom with a bachelor’s degree. Other colleges offer master’s and graduate programs designed to prepare people with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education to qualify for a license.
Here are some of the major Secondary Education Degree Programs:
- Associate’s Degree in Secondary Education
(2 to 3 Years) - Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education
(4 to 5 Years) - Master’s in Secondary Education Degree
(2 years) - Doctorate Degree in Secondary Education
(4 to 6+ Years) - Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education
(1 to 2 Years) - Education Specialist
(2 to 3 Years)
Secondary Education Degree Courses
Represented in the table below are some common coursework in the secondary education degree program and their description.
| COURSE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Secondary Education | In this course, students receive an introductory overview of secondary education, learning about the educational system, the role and responsibilities of secondary educators, and classroom instruction. |
| Learning and Instruction | This course covers core concepts in education, including teaching methods, principles of learning and instruction, educational psychology, classroom management, cognitive development, and modern models of instruction. |
| Applied Educational Psychology | Students are introduced to educational psychology, studying both theoretical concepts and practical applications related to teaching, instructional development, and teacher-student relationships. |
| Adolescent Development | This course offers secondary teachers an understanding of human development and how social, environmental, and hereditary factors impact students’ ability to learn within a school environment. |
| Cultural Diversity in the Classroom | In this class, students are introduced to cultural diversity within educational settings, discuss contemporary trends in K-12 education, and learn how to work with students from culturally diverse backgrounds. |
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