Program Overview

Middle or Secondary Education

Initial License

Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

Programs in Middle/Secondary Education prepare candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree with the depth and breadth of subject matter knowledge required for content area expertise for licensure in the following areas and grade levels:

• General Science 5-8
• Biology, 8-12
• English, 5-12
• History, 5-12
• Spanish, 5-12
• Math, 5-8 or 8-12

Learning Outcomes for Middle or Secondary Education

Upon completion of the Middle or Secondary Education Program the candidate will be able to:

• Design and effectively manage project-based inquiry supportive of enhanced critical thinking aligned with subject matter content knowledge.
• Apply research-based practices supportive of enhanced curricular and instructional performance specific to teaching and learning in middle and secondary schools.
• Implement reflective practice and design classroom assessments for evidence-based decisions and continuous improvement supportive of all learners.
• Analyze, evaluate, and modify classroom practices aligned with best practice.
• Equitably address the needs of all learners and myriad social factors influencing learner success and social-emotional growth while establishing practices reflective of high expectations, safe classrooms, and cultural proficiency.
• Create and effectively implement authentic, meaningful partnerships with families, community members, and organizations that promote the learning and socio-emotional growth of all students.

What You'll Learn

Learn to lead modern classrooms and to prepare middle and secondary school students to meet curriculum goals as well as college readiness goals.

Future Studies

Middle or Secondary Education graduates can further their studies in specific subjects such as biology, general science, chemistry, english, history, math, or foreign language, to gain a niche role in their teaching career.

Career Opportunities

Candidates that complete the Middle or Secondary Education program can pursue an initial license in biology, general science, chemistry, english, history, math, and foreign language.

Degree Requirements

• Master of Education degree or CAGS awarded
• Total credits: 30-36
• Licensure Track: 33 credits
• Degree only, Non-licensure Track: 30 credits
• Completion of SEI course accounts for an additional 3 credits

Course Descriptions

Foundation Courses

• EDU5400: The Reflective Practitioner (3)
• EDU5410: Introduction to Special Education (3)

Professional Area Courses

• PSY5350: Adolescent Psychology (3)
• EDU6610: Behavior Management (3)
• EDU6661: Literacy in the Content Areas for Middle & Secondary Schools (3)

Specialty Area Course

• Secondary and Middle School Methods (Select the one course that corresponds to your license content area)
  • EDU6671: Methods in English (3)
  • EDU6672: Methods in Math (3)
  • EDU6673: Methods in Science (3)
  • EDU6676: Methods in History (3)
  • EDU6677: Methods in Spanish (3)
• EDU6654: Classroom Assessment (3)

Required Practicum Orientation

Prior to the Practicum experience, there is a mandatory practicum orientation session.

Field Experience Explanation for Recommendation of Licensure

Candidates seeking endorsement for Initial teacher licensure must successfully complete the course sequence and all required field experience hours.

Licensure Track

• EDU 6624: Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) Seminar (3)
• EDU 6859/6860: Practicum in Education I/II: Secondary Education (9)
• EDU 6869/6870: Practicum in Education I/II: Middle Education (9)

Degree-Only, Non-licensure Track

• EDU 6669/6670: Field-Based Research I/II: Middle/Secondary Education (6)
• EDU6622/6623: Field-Based Action Research I/II (3)

Additional Program Notes

• *Denotes courses that require 25 hours of field experiences.
• **All licensure candidates have the option to take EDU 6625: Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement Course for Teachers. SEI is not a requirement for practicum nor obtaining your degree. This is a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirement to obtain your licensure.