Secondary Education Major

Major: Secondary Education
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts
Total credit hours: 55
Experiential learning opportunities: Field experiences and student teaching placements

In addition, secondary education majors are required to declare a double major in the specific content area they plan to teach (Biology, Chemistry, English, History, or Mathematics) alongside their Education major. This ensures in-depth knowledge of the subject and fulfills teaching certification requirements. The second major is typically between 39-47 additional credit hours.

About the Secondary Education Major

Great teachers do more than deliver lessons — they build confidence, create connections and help students discover what is possible.

At Thiel College, the Secondary Education major prepares you to become an impactful educator through personalized mentorship, classroom experience and strong academic preparation. From your first education courses through student teaching, you will learn how to engage students, manage classrooms and create meaningful learning experiences for diverse learners.

Because Thiel is a close-knit community, faculty members work closely with you to develop your teaching style, strengthen your professional skills and prepare you for certification and career success.

You also gain hands-on experience early and often through classroom observations, field placements and student teaching opportunities that help you build confidence before graduation.

Secondary Education Program Curriculum

The Secondary Education curriculum combines teaching theory with practical classroom application to prepare you for today’s educational environments.

You will explore topics including:

Curriculum development
Instructional strategies
Classroom management
Educational psychology
Assessment and evaluation
Literacy and communication
Inclusive teaching practices

Throughout the program, you develop critical thinking and professional skills, including leadership, collaboration and communications skills, to prepare you to successfully guide students both inside and outside the classroom.

Explore courses in the Secondary Education program and review the latest Academic Catalog (2025-2026).

Applied Learning Through Field Experiences

Teaching is learned best by doing.

At Thiel, Secondary Education students gain real-world classroom experience through a large variety of field observations, mentoring placements and student teaching opportunities in regional schools. These experiences allow you to apply what you learn in class while working directly with students and experienced educators.

Through hands-on placements, you will:

Observe experienced teachers in action
Develop lesson plans and instructional activities
Practice classroom management techniques
Build confidence leading instruction
Learn how to support diverse learners
Strengthen professional communication skills

By the time you graduate, you will have meaningful classroom experience that prepares you for the PRAXIS exam and your first teaching position.

Secondary Education Major Objectives

Strong educators need subject expertise, adaptability and the ability to connect with students from many backgrounds.

At Thiel College, you will graduate prepared to:

Complete field and student teaching experiences
Prepare for and complete required PRAXIS examinations
Apply effective instructional strategies in classroom settings
Communicate clearly in oral and written forms
Develop inclusive and student-centered learning environments
Collaborate effectively with students, families and colleagues
Demonstrate professionalism, leadership and ethical responsibility
Use assessment and instructional data to support student success
Build meaningful relationships that foster student growth and engagement

Alumni and Careers

Teachers make a lasting impact — and qualified educators continue to be in demand across the country.

A degree in Secondary Education from Thiel College prepares you for careers in education, leadership and student support. Graduates build strong foundations for teaching careers while developing transferable communication, collaboration, and leadership skills valued in many professions.

Career paths include:

Middle school teacher
High school teacher
Academic advisor
Educational program coordinator
School administrator
Instructional support specialist
Educational technology specialist

Thiel’s supportive alumni network and faculty mentorship help students build professional connections and confidently begin their careers in education.

Student Life and Leadership Opportunities

Learning extends far beyond the classroom at Thiel College.

Education students are encouraged to get involved across campus through leadership opportunities, academic organizations, service projects and student activities that help build confidence and professional skills.

Organizations that may interest Secondary Education majors include:

Kappa Delta Pi (International Education Honor Society)
Chi Alpha Epsilon
National Society of Leadership and Success

These experiences help students strengthen collaboration, leadership and communication skills while building lasting relationships within the Thiel community.

Secondary Education Scholarship Opportunities

At Thiel College, we believe an exceptional education should also be affordable. That is why we provide scholarships and financial aid opportunities that recognize academic achievement, leadership, service and involvement.

Scholarships available to Secondary Education students include:

Roger ’52 and Paula G. Blatter Scholarship
Ralston Memorial Scholarship for Education
Charles E. Rogers ’36 and Ruth G. Rogers Education Scholarship
Kathryn E. Pearce Scholarship
Patti McKee Bock Scholarship Fund
Walter and Delores Barr Fund

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about scholarships, grants and other aid opportunities available to Thiel students.

Learn More About Thiel College’s Secondary Education Major

If you are passionate about helping students learn, grow and succeed, Thiel College’s Secondary Education program can help you turn that passion into a meaningful career.

With personalized mentorship, hands-on classroom experience and a supportive campus community, you will graduate prepared to lead with confidence from day one.