Secondary Education

The Secondary Education major at Bemidji State University leads to a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure in a variety of subject areas. Graduates are qualified to teach grades five through twelve or grades kindergarten through twelve, depending on the program of study. Requirements about the secondary major programs listed below can be found in the BSU Undergraduate Catalog.  Credits for the secondary education majors vary depending on the subject area selected.  Students are advised to complete all liberal education courses during their freshman and sophomore years.  Recommended liberal education courses vary depending on the subject area selected.

Admission requirements to the Professional Education program include a minimum GPA of 2.5, a minimum of 30 semester credits, and proof that the student has taken the basic skills test.

Completing the pedagogy test in teaching methodology and content area knowledge tests are now required for licensure in Minnesota.  The tests are taken following the completion or near completion of all coursework and student teaching.

Students should see their advisor for assistance with planning coursework.  Please note that some courses have prerequisites.  Also note that some courses are not offered every semester.

K - 12

• Instrumental and Vocal Classroom Music
• Physical Education
• Visual Arts
• World Languages and Cultures: Spanish

5 - 12

• Communication Arts/Literature
• Health
• Mathematics
• Sciences (Chemistry, Earth and Space, Life Science, Physics)
• Social Studies

First semester

• ED 3100 Introduction  to the Foundations of Public School Education, 3 credits
  
• ED 3110 Educational Psychology, 3 credits
  
• Courses within major

Second semester

• ED 3140 Human Relations in Education, 3 credits
• ED 3350 Pedagogy: Planning for Instruction, 3 credits
• HLTH 3400 Health and Drugs in Society, 2 credits
• Courses within major

Third semester

• ED 3780 Adaptation and Management: Designing the Learning Environment, 3 credits
  
• ED 4799 The Professional Teacher, 1 credit
• ED 4737 Content Area Reading, 3 credits
• Courses within major

Fourth semester

• ED 4820/4830/4840 Student Teaching, 12 credits

The Program of Study for K-12 and 5-12 Secondary Education has more information.

FasTrack Secondary Initiative

Bemidji State University now offers an online program through the Center for Extended Learning to assist those individuals holding a non-teaching bachelor's degree, wishing to teach at the secondary level, and willing to submit a portfolio to the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of licensure. Teachers working outside their area of licensure can also add other licensed areas by participating in this program. For more information, visit the Center for Extended Learning or contact Dr. Barbara Bridges (612-345-7998) or the Fastrack program (800-723-3567)