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}

Sample Work Settings

Sample Employers

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:

www.onetonline.org

• Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

Professional Organizations

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