About the Program:

Secondary Education is one of seven academic programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.  The undergraduate program prepares creative, innovative, and professional educators who view themselves as agents of change, are committed to the welfare of children, and who have the understanding, attitudes and skills necessary for effective teaching in the secondary classroom.  The master’s degree (M.Ed.) program prepares individuals to serve as master educators, instructional leaders, community college instructors, and users of educational research.  These individuals provide leadership in areas related to curriculum, instruction and evaluation that are unique to the secondary school and classroom.

Standards

Program work within Secondary Education is developed and guided by a strong conceptual framework, standards from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), criteria from the State of Texas, guidelines from numerous Specialized Professional Associations, and the sound professional judgment of an experienced and caring faculty.

programs of study

Secondary Education candidates come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.  Many individuals have either worked at, or are currently employed by a school district.  To accommodate the needs of these working professionals, the program routinely offers a variety of evening and summer courses, some of which are offered through a distance delivery format

There are several certification and/or degree programs within Secondary Education.   General information is available online about teacher certification online.

• One program is for undergraduate students seeking a bachelor’s degree with certification to be a 6th through 12th grade teacher.  These individuals major in the specific academic area they plan to teach (e.g., mathematics or science, English or History), and then complete coursework in the College of Education to prepare them for teaching.
• The post baccalaureate program is for individuals who already possess a bachelor’s degree but want to earn a 6th through 12th grade teacher certification. <add a link to a post-bac certification plan>.
• Some individuals with a bachelor’s degree may also want to enter a program culminating with a Master’s of Education Degree <link>, including the possibility of teacher certification.  Students may choose from among several emphases in Secondary Education, including:
• Adolescent Literacy
• High School Reform
• Bilingual Education
• Multicultural Education
• Program Evaluation
• (these are still being discussed, but include as indicated)
• Those interested in the most advanced program of study Secondary Education, should consider pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Secondary Education Area of Emphasis.

The above programs are described in detail in a variety of online handbooks and documents that are accessed through the links found on this homepage.