Secondary Education Major
Secondary Education is the study of how to teach adolescents in middle and high school. It is a major within Education.
A Secondary Education major prepares students to teach subjects to adolescents in middle and high school settings. The major focuses on understanding how teenagers learn and develop, how to plan and deliver lessons effectively, how to manage a classroom, and how to assess student understanding. Students study educational theory alongside practical questions: How do you explain a difficult concept so different students grasp it? How do you support students who struggle while keeping others engaged? What does fair assessment look like? The major combines study of learning science, subject-specific teaching methods, and hands-on classroom experience.
Students drawn to this major typically enjoy both their subject area and working with young people. They want to understand not just what to teach, but how to teach it well. The major usually begins with foundational courses in education, psychology, and how people learn. As students progress, they take courses focused on teaching their particular subject—whether that is English, mathematics, science, social studies, or another discipline. Later coursework emphasizes practical teaching strategies, and students typically complete classroom-based experiences where they observe and teach under supervision before entering their own classrooms.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Secondary Education program commonly includes topics such as:
- Adolescent development
- Subject-area methods
- Educational psychology
- Assessment
- Classroom management
- Student teaching
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Secondary Education is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Secondary Education background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- High school teacher
- Middle school teacher
- Tutor
- Instructional coach
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Secondary Education major?
Secondary Education is the study of how to teach adolescents in middle and high school. It is part of education, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Secondary Education majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as adolescent development, subject-area methods, educational psychology, assessment, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Secondary Education major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as high school teacher, middle school teacher, tutor. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Secondary Education offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.