Earn Your Secondary Education Degree | Prepare to Teach Grades 8-12
Shape the Next Generation
Become a Certified Secondary Education Teacher.
Western Kentucky University's offers distinct pathways to prepare you for the rewarding career of a secondary teacher. We equip you with the pedagogical skills and deep subject matter knowledge to create dynamic and effective learning environments for adolescents and young adults.
- ✔ Gain In-Depth Subject Expertise
- ✔ Master Effective Teaching Strategies
- ✔ Achieve Certification in Your Chosen Field
What You'll Learn & Experience
At WKU, our Secondary Education programs equip you with the essential tools and understanding to succeed as an impactful teacher and leader for students in grades 8-12. Through comprehensive coursework focused on adolescent development and subject-specific pedagogy, combined with extensive real-world classroom experiences, you'll gain the confidence to inspire and effectively teach young adults.
Learn by Doing
Engage in meaningful, hands-on field experiences integrated throughout your program. These practical opportunities in high school settings will prepare you for the dynamic realities of teaching and allow you to apply your learning directly with students. You'll complete 200 clock hours of field and clinical experiences in addition to your coursework, culminating in a student teaching experience in your senior year.
Customize Your Path
Becoming a secondary school teacher means specializing in a subject you love. Whether your enthusiasm lies in the complexities of mathematics, the wonders of science, the richness of literature, the lessons of history, or the creativity of the arts, you'll build a strong foundation by completing a major in your chosen content area.
Math or Science Education (SKyTeach Pathway)
If your calling is to teach mathematics or a science field like:
*Offered through MAT only
You'll complete a dual major:
- Your chosen math or science subject.
- Science and Mathematics Education (SMED) through the innovative SKyTeach program.
This pathway blends in-depth subject expertise with hands-on teaching experience and modern classroom strategies.
All Other Teaching Fields
If you're drawn to other subjects, you’ll major in that specific area and complete a set of education courses to prepare you for certification.
Eligible areas include:
*Offered through MAT only
Career Outcomes
Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Secondary Education.
Graduates of WKU’s Secondary Education program go on to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the region.
9.4%
Data for Projected Growth sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Warren County Schools
- Fayette County Public Schools
- Edmonton Public Schools
- Christian Academy School System
Data for Top Employers sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.
Explore Our Secondary Education Programs
Discover the pathway that fits your career goals in Secondary education. We offer programs for aspiring undergraduates, those seeking initial certification via a master's degree, and experienced educators pursuing advanced credentials.
Science and Mathematics Education, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
This program prepares students for Kentucky teacher certification in middle or secondary
science or mathematics by combining the science and mathematics education (SMED) program
with a specialized content major, culminating in a bachelor's degree with at least
two majors and eligibility for certification upon meeting all requirements
Learn More: B.S. Program
Content Areas
To become certified to teach in these content areas, you will need to major in the
chosen content area.
Teacher Education for Initial Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
For individuals with a non-education bachelor's degree seeking initial teaching certification.
Secondary Education and Secondary Science and Mathematics Residency concentrations.
Learn More: MAT Program
Advanced Teacher Education, Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
For certified teachers seeking advanced knowledge and professional development.
Learn More: MAE Program
Secondary Education, Rank II
This non-degree program leads to eligibility for Rank II.
Learn More: Rank II
Secondary Education, Rank I
This non-degree program leads to eligibility for Rank I.
Learn More: Rank
Learn from Expert Faculty
Personalized Guidance from Experienced Educators.
At WKU, you’ll be supported by dedicated faculty with real-world teaching experience. Our professors are more than instructors, they’re mentors, researchers, and leaders in education.
- Program Coordinator, Professor, Assistant Director
- janet.tassell@wku.edu
- Gary A. Ransdell Hall 1104
- 270-745-5306
- http://people.wku.edu/janet.tassell
Have Questions? Text Us!
Need more information about our programs or have specific questions? Text The School
of Teacher Education
directly! We’re here to help you with everything from admissions to program details.
Text Us At: 270-721-8539
Please note, this number cannot receive phone calls.
Have questions? We're here to help.
The School of Teacher Education
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
Program Info
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