Secondary Education
(Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, according to major)
The need for teachers in secondary education has increased during the current decade, especially in the areas of Math and Science. The population of the southern and western regions has continued to grow as projected in the 90’s. Both of these factors reinforce the reality that secondary certification, especially in the south, is a very needed and necessary program for colleges to expand.
The success rate for employment and graduate school admission for secondary students from Birmingham-Southern College has been very good. Students are prepared for graduate work in either their major field or secondary education. Those seeking teaching positions across the country have been very successful. Currently students from BSC teach in many states and also abroad.
The Secondary Education program leads to recommendation to the Alabama State Department of Education for Class B certification for grades 6 through 12. Candidates for this certificate must complete coursework in general studies, professional studies, and an academic major. They may seek single certification or comprehensive certification. Single certification is available in biology, chemistry, French, German, history, mathematics, physics, and Spanish. Comprehensive certification is available in English Language Arts and General Social Science. Please contact Mary Jane Turner, Secondary Coordinator, (205) 226-4814 mturner@bsc.edu for further information.
REQUIRED COURSES in Secondary Education:
I. General Studies
Students must complete the Foundations Curriculum Requirements of the College.
II. Professional Studies (11 units)
ED 199 Exploring Teaching
ED 201 Introduction to Education
ED 319 Teaching Secondary Reading
ED 323 Teaching Secondary Subjects
ED 340-346 Methods for Teaching, according to teaching field
ED 412 Internship IV
ED 413 Internship V
ED 470 Seminar in Teaching Technology
ED 471 Education Seminar
EPy 223 Human Growth and Development
EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children
EPy 320 Educational Psychology
III. Major Studies
Students must complete a teaching program or programs approved by the College.
The options for teaching certification programs are listed below:
A. Single major certification
A student may select a single major in biology, chemistry, French, German, history, mathematics, physics, or Spanish. The requirements for these majors are listed under their respective disciplines in the BSC Catalog.
B. Comprehensive certification
A student may pursue comprehensive certification in English Language Arts or General Social Science by choosing one of the following options:
- English Language Arts (grades 6-12)
This certification includes courses in English, speech, and theatre. Students can major in English or English-theatre arts. - General Social Sciences (grades 6-12)
This certification includes courses in history, geography, government, political science, sociology, and economics. Students can major in history or history-political science.