Major Description
The Secondary Education minor program prepares students to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) to teach grades nine through twelve in a specific discipline. Students must declare a major in their desired content area in the College of LAS or Grainger College of Engineering: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science (major in Geology), English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies (major in History) before applying to the Secondary Education minor.
Students must must be enrolled in the LAS major for their chosen content area. Students must transfer into the College of LAS in their major area of interest first and complete prerequisite courses in their major before applying into the Secondary Education minor.
Courses That Introduce the Minor
To explore the Secondary Education minor, students can take the following courses (however, these courses are not required to be completed prior to applying to the minor):
- EPSY 201 – Educational Psychology
- EDUC 201 – Identity and Difference in Education
- EDUC 202 – Social Justice, School and Society
- At least one course in your desired content area
Students must have the courses below completed or in progress for their chosen major before they are able to apply for the minor:
Biology
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school (grades 9-12) biology through the AP/honors level and chemistry, earth and space science, environmental science and physics up to but not including the AP/honors level.
Chemistry
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school (grades 9-12) chemistry through the AP/honors level and biology, earth and space science, environmental science and physics up to but not including the AP/honors level.
Geology
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school (grades 9-12) Earth and Space Science through the AP/honors level and biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics up to but not including the AP/honors level.
English
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school (grades 9-12) English Language Arts through the AP/honors level.
Mathematics
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school math (grades 9-12) through the AP/honors level.
Physics
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school physics (grades 9-12) through the AP/honors level and general science (high school biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and environmental science up to but not including the AP/honors level).
History
This concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach high school history (grades 9-12) through the AP/honors level and high school economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology/anthropology up to but not including the AP/honors level.
Transfer Process
Students must transfer into the College of LAS or Grainger College of Engineering and declare their major area of interest. They must also complete prerequisite courses in their desired major before applying to the Secondary Education minor. The minor is completed during students’ last three semesters, with student teaching in their final semester. Interested students should consult with an academic advisor in their intended major and meet with the College of Education’s recruitment and admissions coordinator.
Possible Career Opportunities
The Secondary Education minor program prepares future educators, researchers, leaders, and passionate advocates. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a range of educational settings such as K-12 education, higher education, adult and continuing education, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Common Career Skills
- Teaching/Pedagogy
- Educational Assessment
- Classroom Management
- Communication
- Technology Skills
- Equity & Inclusion
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Organization
- Professionalism
- Initiative
- Leadership
Common Career Titles
- High School Teacher
- Reading or Math Interventionist
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Instructional Specialist
- Assessment and Data Coordinator
- Education Consultant
- Family Learning Coordinator
- Learning Specialist
- Guidance Counselor
- Education Administrator
Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
- Participating in undergraduate research
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
careers in education. - Aspiring Educators: A preprofessional affiliate of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and
National Education Association (NEA) that empowers future educators through professional
development, advocacy, community building, and service. - Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Statuses (S.E.E.D.S.): A student-led
organization that meets the unique needs of undergraduate students of color through open
dialogue, mentorship, and community outreach. - Golden Apple Illini: A student organization to foster of sense of unity among Golden Apple
Scholars at the University of Illinois.
- Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
Further Information
Please see the following link for getting started with the Secondary Education program.
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Secondary Education. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Secondary Education. These organizations include American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association.