Become a Skilled Secondary Education Teacher
Nurture the intellect of the next generation by sharing your expertise in and passion for your favorite subject area. The Middle and Secondary Education with Certification major at UNE provides a comprehensive background in the field of education while offering you two options for delving deeper into the discipline you wish to teach: a second major or an academic concentration. You may choose to focus on life science, physical science, English, social studies, or mathematics. You’ll graduate with the certification, teaching experience, and confidence you need to step into the classroom and be a difference maker in students’ lives.
Why UNE for Your B.S. in Middle and Secondary Education
Teaching at the secondary level requires subject-specific expertise. Our flexible curriculum allows you to double major, minor, or concentrate in your area of interest while earning your B.S. in Education. We also offer minors in Special Education and Coaching.
- Early and regular field work in classrooms for maximum experience
- Strong collaboration with local schools that often leads to job offers
- Close working relationships with faculty
- Exceptional post-graduation employment rate
What Will You Study? Middle and Secondary Education Degree Curriculum Overview
B.S. in Middle and Secondary Education Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that the Secondary Education major offers:
- Supporting 21st Century Learning Through Technology
- Inclusive Classroom Management
- Educational Law
- Supporting Individuals with Autism
- Inclusive Methods and Data-Based Decision Making
- Exceptionalities in the Classroom
There are two paths that you can take as a Secondary Education Major:
- Double Major: Students can major in Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification. Areas of secondary certification are English, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Social Studies.
- Secondary Major with Academic Concentration: Students can major in Secondary Education with an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), History, English, and Marine Science.
Grades 6–12 Teaching Certification
Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State 6-12 Teacher Certification Program.
Curriculum
There are three paths that students can take as a Middle and Secondary Education Major.
Double Major
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may double major in an academic area that leads to a second Bachelor of Science degree. Options include Life Sciences, Applied Mathematics, and Physical Science.
Dual Degree
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may dual degree in an academic area that leads to a second major that is not a Bachelor of Science degree. Options include English and History (Social Studies).
Concentration
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may pursue an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), History, English, Marine Science, and Physical Education.
Middle and Secondary Education Certification with Double Major
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42–46 |
| Professional Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 110 – 21st Century Learning Through Technology | 3 |
| EDU 202 – Curriculum & Assessment | 3 |
| SPE 220 – Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 385 – Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 |
| EDU 303 – Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 488 – Secondary Practicum | 3 |
| EDU 498 – Secondary Internship and Seminar | 12 |
| SPE 405 – Inclusive Methods and Data Based Decision Making | 3 |
| Total Professional Core Credits | 36 |
| Select one (1) appropriate methods course from the following list: | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 436 – Teaching Secondary English | 3 |
| EDU 437 – Teaching Secondary Science | 3 |
| EDU 438 – Teaching Secondary Social Studies | 3 |
| EDU 439 – Teaching Secondary Math | 3 |
| EDU 441 – Methods of Art Education | 3 |
| Total Methods Elective Credits | 3 |
| Double Major Subject Requirements (see requirements for your major: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, Applied Mathematics) | Variable |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
|---|
Middle and Secondary Education Certification with dual degree
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42–46 |
| Professional Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 110 – 21st Century Learning Through Technology | 3 |
| EDU 202 – Curriculum & Assessment | 3 |
| SPE 220 – Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 385 – Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 |
| EDU 303 – Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 488 – Secondary Practicum | 3 |
| EDU 498 – Secondary Internship and Seminar | 12 |
| SPE 405 – Inclusive Methods and Data Based Decision Making | 3 |
| Total Professional Core Credits | 36 |
| Select one (1) appropriate methods course from the following list: | Credits |
| EDU 436 – Teaching Secondary English | 3 |
| EDU 437 – Teaching Secondary Science | 3 |
| EDU 438 – Teaching Secondary Social Studies | 3 |
| EDU 439 – Teaching Secondary Math | 3 |
| EDU 441 – Methods of Art Education | 3 |
| Total Methods Elective Credits | 3 |
| Dual Degree Subject Requirements (see requirements for your major: Art, English, and Political Science) | Variable |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 150 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 150 |
|---|
Middle and Secondary (7-12) Education with Academic Area Concentration
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42–46 |
| Professional Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 110 – 21st Century Learning Through Technology | 3 |
| EDU 202 – Curriculum & Assessment | 3 |
| SPE 220 – Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 385 – Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 |
| EDU 382 – Literacy Research-Based Instructional Methods | 3 |
| EDU 488 – Secondary Practicum | 3 |
| EDU 498 – Secondary Internship and Seminar | 12 |
| SPE 405 – Inclusive Methods and Data Based Decision Making | 3 |
| Total Professional Core Credits | 36 |
| Select one (1) appropriate methods course from the following list: | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 436 – Teaching Secondary English | 3 |
| EDU 437 – Teaching Secondary Science | 3 |
| EDU 438 – Teaching Secondary Social Studies | 3 |
| EDU 439 – Teaching Secondary Math | 3 |
| EDU 441 – Methods of Art Education | 3 |
| Total Methods Elective Credits | 3 |
| Concentration Requirements (see requirements below for Academic Area Concentrations) | Variable |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
|---|
Field Experience
The faculty in the Education programs are committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific competency-based focus to meet the Maine standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in teacher preparation will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, teaching lessons, conducting experiments, administering assessments, etc.). Transportation to and from schools is the responsibility of the student.
Internship
Without specific permission from the Education Chair, courses may not be taken during the internship semester, so all required coursework must be completed the semester prior to the internship. Admission to the internship is not guaranteed and students must have reached Advanced Standing to apply. In addition, the student should have:
- Sufficient knowledge regarding the components of effective instruction.
- Sufficient knowledge of appropriate grade-level content and teaching methods.
- Sufficient knowledge of the developmental needs of students.
- Sufficient knowledge of how to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents.
- Understanding of and empathy for working with students.
- No serious professional behavior reservations.
The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer.
Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects both schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The Department of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good-faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests. The 15-week student teaching internship experience must be done in a local Maine Public School that is in an established internship protocol with the University of New England.
Professional Educator Review Board (PERB)
All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to Maine Common Core Teaching Standards before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB). The Board is comprised of professional educators from area schools as well as UNE faculty. Students are required to develop a presentation reflecting their proficiency in meeting these state standards and present and defend the presentation in front of the Board. Passing PERB is a requirement for completion of the certification program and subsequently being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.
Advanced Standing
All students in education certification programs must apply for admission to advanced standing when they have completed approximately 60 credit hours. To apply for advanced standing, students must develop a portfolio demonstrating how they have met proficiency in the following areas: a) teaching skills, knowledge, and disposition aligned with the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards; b) basic academic skills and c) professional skills. This portfolio is evaluated by a committee of education faculty and a pass/fail determination is made based on a holistic rubric.
Students not meeting these criteria do not remain enrolled in a certification program; however, students do have the option of changing their major to a non-certification major such as Educational Studies. Students can reapply for advanced standing upon completion of each additional semester up until their second to last semester (i.e., students graduating in Spring must meet advanced standing by the beginning of the previous Fall semester.
To learn more about the program, see the Academic Catalog.
Career Paths for Middle and Secondary Education Majors
As a Middle and Secondary Education major, you’ll graduate with a firm grasp on curriculum theory, assessment, educational psychology, and classroom management, as well as a teaching certificate and vast field experience in local classrooms. The rewarding career of teaching grades 6-12 awaits you.
Our graduates enjoy many benefits, including:
- Employability in a steadily-growing field
- The option to work in public or private schools
- The flexibility of working in any geographical area (coursework reciprocity in 47 states)
- The benefit of our reputation for excellence among local schools
Career Advising for B.S. in Middle and Secondary Education Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Student Success by the Numbers
of graduates employed in education or in grad school within one year of graduation
(Class of 2017, 2018)
in Maine for getting a job
(Zippia, 2021)
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Middle and Secondary Education Program
Beginning your very first semester and continuing throughout your four years, you will find yourself in classroom settings, gaining critical on-the-job experience and establishing a rapport with teachers and school administrators.
Field Work in the Schools
- Support a teacher
- Help with lesson planning
- Participate in Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Assist in educational evaluations
Meet Kaylee, Education ’22
During your first semester in one of our teacher preparation programs, you work with children in school settings. Watch what UNE student Kaylee Blake has to say about her time as an education student at UNE.
Global Education in the Bachelor’s Degree in Middle and Secondary Education
In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad, you may choose to enroll in our education-related or another short-term travel course.
Ireland
EDU 242: Comparative Education in a Global Context
Dr. Lane Clarke
This course investigates comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts and includes spending eight days in Ireland in mid-May following final exams. You extend your knowledge of society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, you visit schools and learn about Irish culture and history by touring castles, the famous Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include exploring the Ring of Kerry and spending time in Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.
To enroll in these courses and learn more, visit the Global Education Program website.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.S. in Middle and Secondary Education degree program?
Bachelor of Science in Middle and Secondary Education FAQ
What is a secondary education degree?
A secondary education degree readies students for high school or middle school teaching roles, in a specific subject like math, science, history, or English. These programs are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels training teachers with essential theoretical and practical skills for effective classroom teaching.
The UNE Middle and Secondary Education with Certification major offers a strong education foundation and two pathways for specialization: a second major or academic concentration. Options include life science, physical science, English, history, or mathematics. Upon graduation, you’ll possess certification, teaching experience, and the confidence to make a positive impact in students’ lives.
UNE School of Education graduates who hold a B.S. in Secondary Education enjoy many benefits, including:
- Employability in a steadily growing field
- The option to work in public or private schools
- The flexibility of working in any geographical area (coursework reciprocity in 47 states)
- The benefit of our reputation for excellence among local schools
What jobs can I get with a secondary educational studies degree?
Many aspiring educators choose secondary education for two common reasons.
- Some opt to teach older children wanting to shape the lives of adolescents in positive ways.
- Others are driven by a strong passion for subjects such as mathematics, sciences, English, history, and more.
The most common career paths for secondary education degree holders are either middle school (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12) teaching.
UNE students have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
Is a degree in secondary education a B.S. or B.A.?
In general, the primary difference between a B.A. and a B.S. is the subject matter. A B.A. highlights critical thinking, communication, and holistic learning, whereas a B.S. focuses on logic, reasoning, and quantitative abilities. Overall, they are not that different. Your choice of major will usually determine whether you earn a B.A. or B.S.
UNE offers a B.S. in Middle and Secondary Education with a Certification major. Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State 6-12 Teacher Certification Program. There are two paths that you can take as a Secondary Education Major:
- Double Major: Students can major in Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification. Areas of secondary certification are English, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, and History.
- Secondary Major with Academic Concentration: Students can major in Secondary Education with an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), History, English, and Marine Science.
How long does it take to get a secondary education degree?
If you’re earning a (secondary) education degree, it typically takes four years of full-time study and requires a minimum of 120 credits. At UNE, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and either a double major or concentration in a content area.
Teaching at the secondary level requires subject-specific expertise. UNE has a flexible curriculum that allows students to double major, minor, or concentrate in their area of interest while earning a B.S. in Education. We also offer minors in Special Education and Coaching.
- View the UNE’s Minor in Education Curriculum
- View UNE’s Minor in Special Education Curriculum
- View UNE’s Minor in Coaching Curriculum
Secondary Certification (grades 6-12) is built on strong academic readiness within a major. Over four years, UNE students complete a curriculum for a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field. Maine’s criteria require 24 major credits. Subjects like biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, history, marine biology, math, and political science lead to secondary certification. Successful passing of the Professional Education Review Board leads to UNE recommending Maine state teacher certification.
What are the best colleges for secondary education for me?
Below are some of the many factors to consider when choosing the best secondary education program for you.
Faculty
Identify your priorities as a future teacher and learn more about your potential instructors. Discover what kind of connections you can make there that will further your secondary education career.
One of the reasons why students choose UNE for a degree in secondary education in Maine is the close working relationships with faculty. The faculty in UNE’s Education programs are committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools.
Learn more about UNE School of Education faculty and professional staff
Curriculum
Discover the types of classes you’ll be taking, the amount of field experience, and internships and student teaching opportunities. Ask about things that matter to you including class size and learning environment.
Teaching at the secondary level requires subject-specific expertise. UNE has a flexible curriculum that allows you to double major, minor, or concentrate on your area of interest while earning your B.S. in Education. We also offer minors in Special Education and Coaching.
Examples of the exciting courses that the Secondary Education major offers include:
- Supporting 21st Century Learning Through Technology
- Inclusive Classroom Management
- Educational Law
- Supporting Individuals with Autism
- Inclusive Methods and Data-Based Decision Making
- Exceptionalities in the Classroom
UNE is actively engaged in experiential learning. Program highlights include hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from continuous fieldwork beginning in their first semester and continuing in every education course culminating in a 15-week student teaching internship.
Learn more about UNE’s B.S. in Secondary Education curriculum
Career goals
Determine if the program offers career advising and qualifies you for the secondary education career you want including the right accreditation and licensing or certification requirements you’ll need to meet for professional practice.
UNE has strong collaboration with local schools which means our School of Education students benefit from continuous fieldwork, beginning their first semester. These relationships and networking often lead to job offers in Maine and New England.
There is a need for secondary education teachers in Maine. The Maine Department of Education reports a shortage for the 2023-2024 school year in the following subject areas:
- English/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science-Physical
- Science-Life
- Science
Overall, UNE offers Career Advising to help Secondary Education graduates plan their next step. 95% of UNE undergraduates are employed or engaged in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating.
Location and environment
Ask yourself what kind of environment suits you best. Figure out if you want to stay in your state or if you wish to move. See if you will be inspired or challenged by your fellow students.
Undergraduate students of the UNE School of Education study on our scenic Biddeford Campus. The Biddeford campus boasts 4,000 feet of shoreline in a famous vacation spot.
Read testimonials from UNE School of Education students
UNE students also have study-abroad choices. You can opt for a semester abroad or join our education-related or other short-term travel courses.
Learn more about UNE’s study-abroad options
Financial aid
Does the school you are considering offer financial aid or scholarships to help you in your education?
UNE provides merit-based scholarships regardless of your chosen degree path. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. We prioritize affordable education, as evident from these statistics:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit-based scholarships
- Our students receive an average award package of $24K
- We distribute $42 million in institutional scholarships each year