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.

The secondary education program offers two grade-band options: 5th–9th grade and 7th–12th grade.  You can earn either band independently to specialize in middle or high school, or combine them to cover the full range of secondary years.

Students pursuing a secondary education major may choose to specialize in English, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Subject areas can also be combined, giving you flexibility to teach the content areas and age groups that best match your interests.

At Calvin, you will learn from a team of professors with vast expertise and experience in the field of teaching. With their help, you will learn to think creatively, communicate effectively and solve problems independently.

Calvin partners with local schools to provide you numerous field experiences, allowing you to put theories into practice and feel confident as you embark on your journey of inspiring young minds. As a Calvin graduate, you will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to transform lives in and out of the classroom.

Through a communication minor, you'll expand your employability and gain a better understanding of your major. Develop your ability to make an argument and express a narrative in a way that puts your audience in motion.

Calvin's optics minor offers career-oriented, hands-on training for students in physics and engineering, as well as pre-service teachers preparing to teach science in high school.

With a Gender Studies minor at Calvin, you'll ask questions like: How does gender shape language? How does the Bible frame gender? What does it mean to be a gendered person in today’s society?

In classroom learning and campus events, you'll see how gender relations influence policies, careers, and justice in the contemporary world.

Biotechnology is a field that is seeing tremendous job growth as healthcare, industrial, and agricultural sectors seek innovative solutions to meet consumer demands. As a biotechnologist, you will manipulate genes and cells to design products and methods that are useful and beneficial. Consider this interdisciplinary minor as a complement to other science-related majors to prepare for careers in this growing field. In this program, you will take courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science to gain the technical expertise and critical thinking skills needed to use biotechnology well. You will gain hands-on experience with DNA analyses, cell culture, bioinformatics, gene cloning, and making transgenic organisms.

At Calvin, your physics degree is tailored to your unique career goals. Choose between a bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of arts (BA) degree. You'll have opportunities to do real-world research alongside your professors, or pursue research at prominent national labs and observatories. You'll be assisted every step of the way by professors with deep knowledge of the field who are invested in your future.

Our graduates have an outstanding placement rate into prestigious graduate programs and follow exceptional career paths. You'll graduate with practical, career-shaping experience, ready to thrive in graduate school and become a leader in your field. 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy Homepage

Join a religion program that equips you to engage with the world thoughtfully and actively.

As a religion major or minor, you’ll explore the historical settings of Christianity and other religions both in the classroom and abroad. You’ll gain research and writing experience that will equip you for a career in law, journalism, ministry, and more.

You'll delve into the texts and beliefs of the Christian faith, but you'll also learn more about the ideas that guide followers of other world religions. You’ll learn to engage meaningfully with other people and concepts—all from within a framework of confident Christian faith. When you graduate, you'll be well equipped to thrive in graduate school or your career.

Learn to analyze data, draw accurate conclusions from it, and put it to effective use in a wide variety of fields and careers.