Program Overview
If you’re considering a career in education, West Chester University is a perfect choice! WCU started as a teaching college in 1871, and nearly 150 years later remains on the forefront of educating educators in Pennsylvania and beyond. Our Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Secondary Education is highly regarded for preparing qualified candidates for professional education certification in grades 7 through 12. Students in the B.S.Ed. program major in education and build strong subject knowledge in six other possible fields of study. You will participate in field placements in both public and private settings throughout your program, and have access to faculty experts across departments. As an education major, you will have many opportunities for involvement across campus as well as in faculty research.
Certification Areas
Biology
The B.S.Ed. in Biology will prepare you to teach in middle and secondary schools in Pennsylvania under a 7 – 12 Instructional I Certificate. The program provides students with a degree in secondary science education, not biology. It is possible to take additional courses and obtain a double major in B.S.Ed. and Biology
Chemistry
The B.S.Ed. in Chemistry will prepare you to teach in middle and secondary schools in Pennsylvania under a 7 – 12 Instructional I Certificate. The program provides students with a degree in secondary science education, not chemistry. It is possible to take additional courses and obtain a double major in B.S.Ed. and Chemistry .
Earth and Space Sciences
The B.S.Ed. in Earth and Space Sciences will prepare you to teach in middle and secondary schools in Pennsylvania under a 7 – 12 Instructional I Certificate. The program provides students with a degree in secondary science education, not earth and space science. It is possible to take additional courses and obtain a double major in B.S.Ed. and Earth and Space Science.
English
The B.S.Ed. in English will prepare you to teach in the secondary schools in Pennsylvania under an Instructional I Certificate. The program emphasizes literature and writing as cultural products and students as active learners.
Mathematics
The B.S.Ed. in Mathematics will provide you with the mathematical content, pedagogical content knowledge, and professional education preparation required for certification to teach mathematics at the middle school, junior high school, or senior high school levels.
Physics
The B.S.Ed. in Physics will prepare you to teach in middle and secondary schools in Pennsylvania under a 7 – 12 Instructional I Certificate. The program provides students with a degree in secondary science education, not physics. It is possible to take additional courses and obtain a double major in B.S.Ed. and physics.
Elective Social Studies
The Elective Social Studies Teacher Certification will prepare you to teach in middle and secondary schools in Pennsylvania under a 7 – 12 Instructional I Certificate. Candidates will pursue a B.A. in History or Political Science or a Bachelor of Science in Geography while taking courses to earn state certification. Candidates should meet with the Secondary Education Department to discuss the program plan based on their major area.
Program Highlights
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Accredited by the CAEP – Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
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Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
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Field experiences beginning in your first semester
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Faculty experts
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Placement in urban, suburban, and rural areas
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Six options for specialization
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Opportunities for funded research with faculty
What can I do with this degree?
The B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education program prepares teacher candidates to become classroom teachers in grades 7 through 12. Upon successful completion of the program, and successful completion of Pennsylvania’s Department of Education requirements, candidates apply for Pennsylvania certification, or for similar teaching credentials in other states, pending any additional or special requirements. Our graduates can be found teaching in schools nationwide.