Secondary Education
Major Information
The College of Education’s Department of Middle and Secondary Education offers undergraduate teacher preparation certification programs to prepare students to teach in K-8 schools, middle schools, or high schools. Certification is in grade levels 6-12. Students learn to teach a specific content area and a broad set of courses. They also learn to plan lessons and design projects that both motivate and challenge students.
Teachers can have a great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals. Their influence stems from a love of learning; a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking; an understanding of the human development process; and professional skills. Teachers can be found in almost every sector of society, and they instruct a wide range of topics. While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences.
Certification is required for public school teachers (PK-12) in all 50 states. Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a bachelor’s degree with certification or a master’s degree in education with certification. Some states may also offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field. A Georgia teaching license obtained after your BSEd program is transferable to numerous other states throughout the United States and internationally.
General Information
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Degree(s) Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Education: Secondary Education
Areas of Certification:
- Grades 6-12: Biology, English, Chemistry, Physics, History, Mathematics
Sample Occupations
*Requires additional education
- Curriculum Specialist*
- Educational Administrator/Principal*
- Educational Researcher*
- Educational Resource Coordinator
- Grant Writer
- Guidance Counselor*
- High School Teacher
- Instructor, College/University*
- Librarian*
- Media Center Specialist*
- Middle School Teacher
- Resource Teacher
- School Psychologist*
- Social Services Worker
- Speech Pathologist*
- Student Personnel Administrator*
- Student Affairs Administrator*
- Student Admissions Administrator*
- Training Specialist
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor*
Sample Work Settings
- Public and Private Schools
- Colleges and Universities
- Camps & Youth Services
- Non-Profit Agencies
- Churches & Community Centers
- State and Federal Government Agencies
Sample Employers
- Atlanta Public Schools
- Bulloch County
- Bryan County
- Clarke County
- Cobb County
- Columbia County
- Georgia Cyber Academy
- Georgia Virtual School
- Gwinnett County
- Evans County
- Forsyth County
- Fulton County
- Liberty County
- Savannah-Chatham County
- Education and Family Centers
- Various Private Schools
- Henry County
- DeKalb County
Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations
- View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:
Georgia Southern Academic Catalog
- Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:
- Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:
Internet Resources
To explore values, interests, and skills:
FOCUS 2
bit.ly/focuscareer
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – $18
To explore occupational outlooks and salaries:
National Compensation Survey
Salary.Com
Professional Organizations
Association of Teacher Educators
Georgia Association of Educators
Professional Association of Georgia Educators www.pageinc.org
National Association of Educators
Georgia Southern Student Organizations
Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators (SPAGE)
Professional Tips
- Make the most of your field experiences in the schools and maintain a high level of professionalism.
- Gain various volunteer experiences, especially in areas working with children such as Boys/Girls Club, Special Olympics, etc.
- Join student organizations and seek leadership opportunities such as being an FYE Peer Leader.
- Consider partnering with a faculty member for additional research experience.
Résumé Tips
- Include correct degree title –Bachelor of Science in Education: Secondary Education
- Include either in the Education section or a separate certification section information about passing the GACE.
- Include field experiences and volunteer experience, especially anything working with children.
- Include technology skills such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc.
- Education résumés can be 2 pages.
Last updated: 9/21/2022