Secondary Education - 2nd BS, 2nd BA

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

About This Degree

The second bachelor’s degree in secondary education is designed for students who have earned their first bachelor’s in a subject taught in secondary schools.

They can complete this degree and take the courses needed to qualify for licensure to teach in middle schools and high schools.

Qualifying subject areas include chemistry, English, geography, history, health education, mathematics, physics, biology, theater arts, certain foreign languages, and more. Since each student’s academic background is different, they will need to see an advisor for more information on approved teaching areas and to create an individualized plan of study.

The length of time required to complete the program varies, but if students have already completed the coursework required for an approved teaching major and minor in their first bachelor’s degree, they will only have to complete the teacher education courses and student teaching, which takes approximately three semesters. Typically the program takes longer than this, as most students need to take additional courses in their chosen teaching major area or complete a teaching minor in its entirety.

Students receive a second by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a second BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Education Component

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

Students in the secondary education program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options. Students who completed an approved minor in their first bachelor’s degree are not required to select another minor.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate with this degree are qualified for licensure to teach their respective subject areas in middle schools or high schools.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

Schedule an Appointment

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, students in the secondary education second bachelor's must be accepted into the STEP program:

  • STEP Requirements: In order to be accepted into STEP, students must go through an application process, which includes the following:
    • Provide an unofficial copy of transcript
    • Pass a criminal background check

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Take The Next Step

You May Also Be Interested In

Early Childhood Education

Start working with children your first year so you can obtain more than 600 hours working in different practicum scenarios and become a qualified teacher of young children and graduate prepared to teach preschool and/or grades K-3.

Education Paraprofessional

If you’re already working in a classroom or you are interested in it, this unique certificate provides opportunities to learn instructional and interpersonal skills, assessment techniques, and safety protocols needed to assist educators.

Elementary Education

From learning the latest best practices for instruction and classroom management to gaining more than 400 hours of experience in the classroom, this nationally ranked degree prepares you to teach youth up to sixth grade in Utah.

Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) Licensure

This crucial licensure complements your education major by ensuring you are up-to-date on the most cutting edge research and best practices to ensure you’re prepared and qualified to teach grades 6-12 in Utah.