Academic Program
Secondary Education
Bachelor of Science Degree
The secondary education program seeks to improve the quality of teaching in secondary schools by:
- preparing well-qualified candidates for positions in schools in diverse communities;
- identifying, disseminating and developing a commitment to the use of professional knowledge based on grounded research and established practice;
- cultivating inquiry and reflective practice; and
- fostering a commitment to collaboration and lifelong learning among program participants and graduates.
The secondary education program prepares candidates to teach science, social studies, mathematics or English/language arts to adolescents and young adults (grades 7 to 12).
Freshman Admission Requirements
All incoming freshmen entering in the 2010-11 academic year must meet one of the following requirements:
- Graduate in the top 10% of their high school class with a 2.7 high school GPA and test score of 17 ACT or 820 SAT
- Score 22 ACT or 1020 SAT with a 2.7 high school GPA
- Graduate in the top 60% of their high school class with a 2.7 high school GPA and test score of 21 ACT or 980 SAT
Additionally, incoming freshmen must meet Ohio articulation requirements including:
- College preparatory English (4 units)
- College preparatory math (3 units)
- Science (2 units)
- Social science (2 units)
- Foreign language (2 units same language)
- Fine arts (1 unit)
- Additional units from above (2 units)
Advancement in all education programs consist of a two-step process. The first step is admission as an education major, typically as an entering freshman or transfer student. The second step involves application to the Professional Cohort, which occurs during the second year for all Early Childhood, Middle School or Special Education majors. Secondary Education students apply to the Professional Cohort during the third year. During the Professional Cohort, additional documentation must be submitted to faculty prior to placement in an internship.
Transfer Admission Requirements
All transfer students must have completed the high school course requirements listed above.All transfer students must apply and be admitted to the college and, separately, to the professional cohort.
- All transfer students must meet the GPA requirement of 2.8.
- All transfer students who have accumulated more than 135 credit hours and who meet the curriculum requirements must also apply to the professional cohort. (Students apply during the academic year prior to their cohort year.)
Application Information
Program Code: 18BSED-SEC
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for freshmen are as follows: fall quarter - June 1; winter quarter - November 15; spring quarter - February 1; summer quarter - May 1.
Application deadlines for all transfer students are as follows: fall quarter - August 1; winter quarter - November 15; spring quarter - February 1; summer quarter - May 1.
Students applying for admission after closing dates may be referred to Raymond Walters College or Clermont College.
UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin that quarter.
Program Requirements
Duration
Full-time program duration: 4.5 years
Majoring Details
The goal of the secondary education program in the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) is to prepare candidates for success. Through course work, field experience and internships, candidates learn the skills necessary to meet the challenges and changing needs of schools and communities.
Each candidate must complete course work in a licensure discipline, as well as course work in educational and professional studies. The program provides on-site contact with schools and social agencies. These experiences give candidates the professional point of view and practical understanding essential to the preparation of effective teachers. In cooperation with area school systems, candidates complete a wide range of field clinical experiences in urban and suburban classrooms.
The secondary education program is an extended 4.5 - 5 year program that prepares candidates for teaching young adults in grades 7-12.
Advancement in the program consists of a three-step process. The first step is admission to the college as an education student. The second step involves admission into the professional cohort, which occurs during the third year (i.e., junior status or its equivalent). For more information about the cohort selection process and criteria, please contact an academic advisor. During year three, education students who meet requirements for advancing in the program must attend a mandatory information meeting during fall quarter and in early winter must submit a completed application for admission to the secondary education cohort that begins the following fall quarter. Enrollment is limited; admission is competitive.
Once admitted into the cohort, students take their professional education courses. During the fourth year, students also complete a practicum. The third step of the admission process occurs during this year. During the fall quarter of the fourth year, students must attend a mandatory information meeting. In late winter, students must submit a completed application for admission to the internship that begins the following fall quarter.
Candidates earn a baccalaureate degree from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services upon successful completion of the first four years of the program. During the fifth year, candidates complete a semester or year-long internship while enrolled in either the secondary education master's-licensure program or the licensure-only option. After successful completion of the licensure program and internship, including passing state-required Praxis tests, candidates are eligible to apply for an appropriate state of Ohio teaching license.
The secondary education program consists of both an undergraduate and graduate program that prepares candidates for teaching adolescents and young adults in grades 7-12.
Candidates also can earn licensure while pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education. Licensure, while connected to the master’s degree program, can be completed prior to the master’s degree depending on the candidate’s scheduling of course work. The secondary education program also offers a master’s degree in secondary education for those who have already obtained licensure.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and program requirements.
- Attain at least a 2.8 grade point average and a 2.5 GPA in content area.
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
- Meet the college's residency requirement of 45 credit hours.
- File formal application for the degree by the posted quarter of graduation deadline.
Accreditation
The educator preparation programs at the University of Cincinnati are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In addition, the secondary education program is accredited by the following associations: the National Council for Teachers of English, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Science Teachers Association. This program has been determined to meet the Ohio reading mandate and is aligned with the Ohio content area standards.Student Success Factors
Candidates who succeed as teachers of adolescents and young adults:
- know how individuals learn and develop;
- can articulate the central concepts, tools of inquiry and the structures of their discipline;
- effectively collaborate with others;
- demonstrate leadership;
- address issues of diversity with equity;
- use technology to support their practice;
- use assessment to inform their efforts;
- demonstrate pedagogical knowledge;
- are responsible, caring, fair and honest; and
- are committed to social justice.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of the secondary education program assume teaching positions in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Secondary education graduates usually elect to teach in Ohio, but graduates teach across the nation. Opportunities depend in part on the field of specialization chosen by the student.Core Curriculum
This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.
If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.
Curriculum sheets for each licensure area are available by contacting the Undergraduate Student Services Center.
Focus Areas
There is no minor offered in secondary education.Opportunities
Formed as the Teachers College in 1905, the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services continually merits local, state and national recognition. Recent commendations include:
- accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of teacher education;
- a number 78 ranking in U.S. News & World Report;
- the Best Practice Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE); and
- consistently high scores by candidates on state mandated licensure exams -- 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis II licensure tests.
The secondary education program is committed to the continuous improvement of its programs and operations and is nationally recognized for specific licenses by the National Council for Teachers of English, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Science Teachers Association. This program has been determined to meet the Ohio reading mandate and is aligned with the Ohio content area standards.
In addition, the secondary education program provides small classes, talented faculty in each discipline and extensive field clinical experiences in urban and suburban schools.