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Overview
Majoring in Secondary Education involves the study of pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching. You’ll develop the skills and insights to become a middle school or high school teacher and lifelong learner. Students who complete this major and the BA in Mathematics, BA in Biology or BA in Chemistry (together with other state requirements) are eligible to apply for a Minnesota teaching license for grades 5-12 (mathematics), grades 9-12 (life science) or grades 9-12 (chemistry).
Students in this program gain knowledge and skills that are important for any teaching career as you take education classes plus coursework within your chosen content area to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the secondary education curriculum meets the Minnesota Department of Education requirements for a teaching credential (passage of standardized examinations of content and pedagogy are also required).
Majors to Pair with Secondary Education
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Biology majors develop a strong foundation in biology by exploring cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, evolutionary theory, scientific methodology, and laboratory techniques in our core curriculum. Students then have the opportunity to tailor their degree with various electives including immunology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and human gross anatomy, in which students have access to a human cadaver lab. The coursework pushes students to sharpen their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills.
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This program teaches students to think logically and to use a variety of techniques to analyze and solve problems. Students also learn to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and professionally in written and oral formats. The BA degree is designed to allow students to pursue a complementary second major or a minor so they are better prepared for a wide variety of technical careers in business, industry, and education.
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Chemistry majors will gain an understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules, properties of materials, and the reactions that convert one molecule or material to another. The chemistry major prepares students to think critically and quantitatively, reason scientifically, and to understand the experimental methods, techniques, and instrumentation used in chemistry. Students have the opportunity to gain relevant research experience on campus.
