15 BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S DEGREES IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

The Bachelor's degree at East Carolina University prepares its students via coursework, classroom observation, and an internship for a career educating grades six through nine. Through the Partnership East program, recent graduates of North Carolina community colleges take all courses online while visiting local middle schools to observe and practice the material they've learned. The degree focuses specifically on teaching the subjects of language arts and social studies.

ECU's College of Education has a robust scholarship program and awards over $200,000 in scholarship funds to its students each year. Applications are completed online. ECU utilizes Blackboard for its online classes. All students participate in their orientation on Blackboard prior to enrolling in online courses. ECU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

At Iowa State University, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education select a major area of study. There are 13 majors to choose from a broad range of subjects: biology, earth sciences, history, and math, to name a few. BS in Secondary Education candidates applies to the Educator Preparation Program in tandem with their admission to ISU. In addition to online coursework, the Educator Preparation Program requires in-classroom practicums. The practicum is an opportunity for students to create and implement lesson plans while observing teachers in the classroom.

The BS in Secondary Education curriculum emphasizes the use of technology in the classroom. The program's faculty is made up of leaders in the secondary education field, many of whom have written textbooks in their subject matter. After completing the four-year degree, students are recommended for licensure to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Future teachers pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the University of Alabama may select science, math, language arts or social studies as an area of focus. Students apply for admission to the Teaching Education Program at UAB. All students in the Secondary Education program participate in internships where they gain first-hand experience working with children. The secondary education program offers classes online, on campus, weekends and during the summer.

At the end of the program, students apply for the Professional Educator's certificate issued by the Alabama State Department of Education. UAB's School of Education offers many scholarships to its students. The Teaching Education Program at UAB is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Southeast Missouri State University emphasizes the training of engaged teachers who are prepared to instruct in a variety of settings. Whether the student's chosen field of study is Spanish or music, the BS in Secondary Education gives students not just the tools to teach, but to inspire and motivate young people. Students may opt to gain further insight and experience through the international teaching exchange program. The Missouri Board of Education recognizes Southeast's education program as "exemplary." Southeast also offers many scholarships. The education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

At Northcentral University, students who have completed community college courses have the opportunity to pursue a career in teaching through the Bachelor of Education program. The BEd program allows for the transfer of up to 90 credits. Some students complete the degree in 20 months. All faculty teaching within the BEd program holds a doctorate within in their field. NCU offers tuition reduction and fee waivers to students currently in the military, their spouses, veterans, and reserves. NCU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education at Great Basin College prepares its students for careers as middle school and high school teachers. Upon completion of the Teacher Education Program, students will be eligible for certification by the state of Nevada. The program's curriculum includes three practicum courses, totaling approximately 100 hours of classroom observation. BA in Secondary Education students may opt for a teaching endorsement in biological science, business education, English, mathematics, or social sciences.

GBC's Teacher Education Program recognizes the unique needs of rural Nevada students, and the curriculum has been shaped to meet these needs. GBC offers credit for prior learning experiences and via the college level examination program. For adult learners, GBC has student resources such as the Adult Learner Concierge.

Emporia State University's Bachelor Science in Secondary Education has over 17 certifications areas available to students. Certifications subjects range from Earth and Space Science to Speech and Theater. BSE students first take general education courses - many of which are available online - and then move on to courses focused on pedagogy. BSE students take 21 credit hours of professional service. These credit hours are completed in two phases, where students observe and teach in a secondary education classroom with the support and presence of a mentor teacher.

ESU participates in the Troops to Teachers program, which helps veterans and returning military personnel to obtain teaching positions in public schools. In 2013, ESU was selected for U.S. News and World Report's list of Best Schools for Veterans. ESU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Union Institute and University's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education lays a strong foundation for students seeking to receive certification in the state they intend to become a 6-12th-grade teacher. UIU's BS in Secondary Education program is 120 credits, and students select a teaching focus area in Science, English, Mathematics or Social Science. The curriculum offers courses in classroom management, Educational Assessment, and Effective Instructional Practices.

UIU allows up to 90 transfer credits from other institutions, as well as credit by examination and prior learning experience. Nearly 50 years old, UIU has an established reputation as a leader in distance education and instruction for adult learners. UIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Webster University prepares future teachers to instruct 6th-12th-grade classes in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Social Science, or Unified Science. Students will gain knowledge of their concentration and the pedagogical approaches appropriate to development. The program consists of 128 credit hours, with 33 credits in core coursework. Core courses include topics on child and adolescent development, behavior management, and education of students with exceptionalities.

The program requires three credit hours of seminar work and 17 hours of teaching apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are assigned in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County School Districts. The BA prepares students to take the state of Missouri's required content area exam which leads to teaching certification.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University Bachelor's in Secondary Education program emphasizes the teaching of language arts and reading. Graduates of the program pursue teaching positions in both public and private schools. The teacher education program prepares students for certification in the state of Texas.

Additionally, students are required to complete field experience and engage in student teaching over the course of their degree program. At the root of all coursework is SAGU's mission to shape and inform students with a Christian world-view. SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.