Secondary Education
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from PennWest and become a high school teacher who can make a difference in the lives of students.
Share your passions by becoming a high school teacher. The Bachelor of Science in Education from PennWest is specifically designed to prepare you to teach your favorite subject matter at the middle and high school levels.
Choose from nine different concentrations, including biology, chemistry, general science, English, math, social studies, health and physical education, technology education and art. Each one is built on the foundation of PennWest’s rich legacy in teacher education, and all meet the Pennsylvania state requirements for teacher certification.
You’ll work closely with professors who are certified teachers themselves and can relate to real-life experience. They are experts in pedagogical principles as well as educational theory. They’re here to answer your questions, provide personal assistance and give you the resources you need for success in the field.
As a secondary education major, you'll carry out an action research project to investigate how your teaching impacts students' learning.
In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll complete three sets of field experiences in local middle and high school settings prior to student teaching. This will help you improve your teaching performance, building a portfolio of projects and stand out to future employers in the secondary education job market.
This program is for you if...
- You have a passion for teaching and want to make a significant impact on the lives of high school students.
- You're interested in specializing in areas like biology, chemistry, English, or mathematics, among others.
- You value hands-on teaching experiences and are eager for multiple field experiences in local schools before student teaching.
- You're looking for a program that is rooted in strong pedagogical principles and educational theory, guided by certified teacher professors.
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120-123 for BSEd
What You'll Study
In the Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education at PennWest, you'll explore a curriculum focused on teaching methodologies, educational theory, and subject-specific knowledge. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, including fieldwork in local schools, to prepare for diverse classroom environments. Courses cover educational psychology, lesson planning, and assessments, tailored to your chosen subject area like mathematics or English. This comprehensive approach equips you for educational challenges and fosters development as a skilled educator.
| Concentrations | Campuses | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Clarion | Edinboro | Global Online | |
| Art | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Biology | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Chemistry | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| English | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Health and Physical Education | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Mathematics | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| General Science | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Social Studies | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Technology Education | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location |
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
How You'll Learn
This is an In-Person program. An in-person degree emphasizes traditional in-person courses at one or more of our locations.
What You'll Become
High school teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a state-issued certification or license. Many require an academic background in the subjects they are certified to teach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for secondary teachers was $61,820 in 2021, but salaries vary by school districts. About 77,900 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Career Paths
- Middle School Teacher
- High School Teacher
Dr. Karen Lindeman
n her 20-year career teaching – and her experience in higher-education teaching deaf studies – Dr. Karen Lindeman has been laser focused on the science, intervention and understanding of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University, we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
$65,500
The average high school teacher salary in Pennsylvania according to salary.com.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.