Secondary Education

major

Academics / Departments & Programs / Education / Academics / Secondary Education Major

Secondary Education

major

Degree Overview

Learning in real life. At Calvin, that's how we approach every aspect of a secondary education major.

You will start with a strong foundation in educational theory. Then, in no time, you can enter classrooms of all kinds—large, small, urban, rural, private, public. This real-world experience will prepare you to be a confident, creative educator who engages your students wholeheartedly.

And just like your students will have unique needs, your professors will help you explore and create a course plan that fits your specific gifts and goals. They will help you lean into your passion so you can inspire the next generation to do the same.

Program Distinctives

Do what matters to you - Calvin offers in-classroom experiences that match your educational goals and reflect the kind of teaching you want to do.
Feel known by your professors - Our professors are committed to caring and supporting you every step of the way.
Become a master in your field - At Calvin, you can find everything you need to become an effective teacher. Study your favorite subject from a liberal arts perspective that draws knowledge and understanding from every corner of God’s creation.

Take the next step:

Degree Information

major
  • Overview

    Secondary candidates choose one of the following major/minor options:

    • Certifiable major (a minor is recommended in addition, but not required)
    • Non-certifiable religion major with a certifiable minor
    • Non-certifiable major with a certifiable minor (this option requires permission from the Dean of Education)

    Any candidate not completing a certifiable major will complete student teaching and the 359 seminar course in the certifiable secondary minor subject.

    Consider the following high-need teaching fields when choosing your major and minor: TESOL, mathematics, integrated science, and Spanish.

    Secondary Education Majors

    Secondary Education Minors

    Recommended Non-Certifiable Minors

  • Courses
    Loading...
  • Other Details

    Consult the timeline for detailed program requirements.

    Double Major Guidelines

    Secondary education candidates may choose to complete two majors. Candidates should discuss the guidelines below with the advisors for both major subjects:

    1. Secondary candidates completing two majors may choose one subject to teach during the internship.  Candidates should discuss possible employment implications with advisors while making this decision.
    2. If possible, EDUC 302-303 classroom aiding should be done in the major which is not preferred for the internship because candidates must complete a minimum of 30 hours in K-12 classrooms for the non-student teaching major at some point during the program.
    3. The seminar course will be completed in the subject that is taught during the internship.
    4. The other seminar course will be waived. Candidates may audit the waived seminar course if they wish, but taking two seminars for credit during the same semester is not recommended.
    5. It may be possible for the intern to arrange some observation, aiding, and teaching in the non-selected major during the internship semester.  Both major advisors should be consulted prior to making these arrangements.
    6. If the waiving of a seminar course leads to fewer than 30 semester hours in the major subject, the candidate must choose an advisor-approved course to reach 30 semester hours. If the candidate prefers not to complete 30 semester hours, the program must be changed to a minor.
    7. If one of the majors is K-12, the internship should be in the K-12 subject.
    8. If the candidate has one K-12 major and one 6-12 major, but prefers the 6-12 major for the internship, the candidate may appeal to student teach in the 6-12 major and must present evidence of field experiences at both the elementary (K-5) and secondary (6-12) levels in the K-12 major subject.
    9. If both majors are K-12, the candidate must present evidence of field experiences at both the elementary (K-5) and secondary (6-12) levels in the major which is not selected for the internship.

    Contact Shari Brouwer if you have questions about the process for selecting EDUC 302-303 aiding and internship placements.

Stay local. Or don’t.

Grand Rapids offers a wide range of student teaching opportunities. But you can also journey off campus to places like California, New Mexico, or Indonesia.

Students in France admiring a mountain view
Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top