Secondary Education, A.A.
The Secondary Education A.A. degree offers comprehensive coursework and hands-on experiences designed to prepare you for a career as a middle or high school teacher. Graduates will be equipped to develop engaging lessons, support diverse learners, and foster a positive learning environment for adolescents.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Secondary Education?
With this degree, you can pursue licensure to become a middle or high school teacher
in your chosen subject area, such as math, science, English, or social studies. You
will be responsible for planning and delivering curriculum, assessing student progress,
and creating a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal growth.
This degree provides a strong foundation to start a rewarding career in secondary
education.
The demand for qualified secondary school teachers remains steady, with a growing
need for educators in various subject areas across middle and high schools. Graduates
with an A.A. in Secondary Education can pursue licensure to teach in public and private
schools, opening up opportunities in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The field
offers stable employment and the opportunity to shape the future of young learners.
Suggested Curriculum
This curriculum suggests courses likely to apply to a major in Secondary Education
meeting the guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core.
Students should consult their advisor and an advisor at the university early and often.
This will ensure you are taking appropriate courses for the major and licensure requirements.
Licensure requirements may change and these professionals will have the most up-to-date
information to ensure you complete appropriate courses.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C or better
- COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits) **
Select three courses from the list for Area B with at least one course selected from humanities and one course from fine arts, including one English course numbered 200 or above. ART 131, ENG 243, HUMAN 101, or PHILO 205 recommended to meet the non-Western Cultures requirement at some senior institutions.
Area C: Mathematics (3-5 credits)
Select one math course from the list for Area C. Select the course that satisfies the math requirement in your teaching major.
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
Select one life science course and one physical science course from the list for Area D. One course must have a lab component. It is recommended that both courses have a lab for the Illinois teaching certificate.
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits) **
- HIST 201 U.S. History: 1492 to 1877 (S2 900) or
- HIST 202 U.S. History: 1877 to Present (S2 901)
- POLSC 140 Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics (S5 900)
- PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology (S6 900)
Select four courses from the bachelor’s degree major or subject you wish to teach.
- ED 100 Foundations of American Public Education
- ED 212 Exceptional Child
- PSYCH 102 Human Growth and Development: Life Span (S6 902)
- PSYCH 212 Theories of Personality
To teach young children (birth to grade 2) in Illinois public schools, teachers must be licensed by the State of Illinois. See the Illinois State Board of Education’s website for details on current licensure options. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in Early Childhood Education as a junior, students must complete a minimum of 60-semester credits. Since admission is competitive, completion of the courses recommended below does not guarantee admission. Community college students are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts degree prior to transfer. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is usually required for program admission.
*Note: Before enrolling in any additional courses with an ECED prefix at Prairie State College, consult the Transfer Guides at this webpage to determine the transferability of these courses. You need one course each from list in Area D above to meet common statewide requirements: one BIOL, one CHEM or PHYSI, and one ASTRO, GEOLO, or PHYSC.
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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