Gain the real-world experience and knowledge you need to be an effective high school teacher in the twenty-first century classroom. As a secondary education major, you'll choose to specialize in biology, communication studies, English, history, mathematics, Spanish or physical education to develop your strength in at least one content area.
As a secondary education major at USD, you will learn how to use your passion for working with high schoolers to become an effective leader. Here you will develop the technology, cultural responsiveness and intervention skills you need to make a difference as a secondary education teacher. This four-year program allows you to specialize in one of seven fields to have the background you need to take the necessary certification and exams and teach that subject. You will embark in a full year of residency as a fourth year, meaning you will graduate with a wealth of hands-on experiences that will set you apart after graduation.
Prepare to motivate, support and build confidence for high school students in your own classroom as a secondary education major at USD.
A degree in secondary education with a specialization in the academic field of your choice will prepare you to be a responsive and effective teacher for high school students. You will select an education specialization from one of the following content areas: biology, communication studies, English, history, mathematics, physical education and Spanish.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a science education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training, and classroom teaching experience you need to become a middle or high school science teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and across multiple disciplines within the sciences, such as biological, physical, life, and earth science through the College of Arts and Sciences. Through this program, you’ll gain a wealth of experience through multiple structured and embedded clinical experiences – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a communication studies specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become a speech teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and the Department of Communication Studies, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with an English education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become an English teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and the Department of English, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a history education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become a history or social studies teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and the Department of History, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a mathematics education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become a math teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a physical education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become a P.E. teacher. You will take courses in the Division of Teacher Residency & Education and the Division of Kinesiology & Sport Management, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future school.
A B.S.Ed. in secondary education with a Spanish education specialization will provide you with the coursework, training and classroom teaching experience you need to become a Spanish teacher. You will take courses in the School of Education and the Department of Modern Languages, and you'll gain a wealth of student teaching experience – setting you up for success in your future classroom.
As a secondary education major, you can add a major in special education and still graduate in four years. This double major option prepares you to work with and teach student with special needs, and it also provides you with experience in a high-needs area, which will make you an ideal candidate for teaching positions.
You can choose an accelerated option when specializing in advanced specialist in disabilities. If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after the completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
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Students interested in music education or art education will pursue a degree in the College of Fine Arts.
You can earn certification while taking courses for a different baccalaureate degree. Consult an advisor in the School of Education's Center for Student & Professional Services for more information.
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
There are plenty of ways you can get involved as a student in the School of Education at USD. Whether you want to serve the community of Vermillion, work with children who have special needs, promote literacy or explore another interest related to education, you'll be able to find the right organization for you.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Education Association are professional organizations for educators. Connect with a wide network of teachers and be an advocate for students in one of these organizations.
Enrich your education and see the world by participating in one of our many study abroad experiences. Here are a few benefits of studying abroad during your time at USD:
A unique part of your USD education is access to undergraduate research opportunities. As an education student at USD, you will have the chance to explore your interests and conduct innovative research with the support of professors who care about your success. Grants and travel funding are available through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
My ‘why’ is that I’ve always wanted to be that person who I once needed. It’s almost like I’m obligated to give that to the next generation. Not only is it my obligation, but at the same time, it’s just something I love doing.
DeValon Whitcomb
B.S., Kinesiology and Sport Management '19
