on-campus bachelor's degree of education (secondary)
Spring term classes start March.
Connect in person with faculty and peers.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$339 per credit hour.
$250 military preferred cost per credit
127 total credit hours.
experiential learning for aspiring secondary teachers.
The Bachelor of Science in Education program is designed to prepare you to become an effective and influential teacher in secondary education settings. This experience-driven program integrates more than 125 hours of practical field experience in grades 7–12 classrooms, allowing you to apply what you learn in real teaching environments. You’ll benefit from small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and personalized faculty support—including classroom visits from your instructors during student teaching. Together, these experiences prepare you to confidently begin your career teaching middle school or high school students.
Certain endorsements also qualify you to teach across all grade levels, Pre-K–12.
Become a teacher in the subject you’re passionate about.
The Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary Education) program allows you to specialize in the subjects and grade levels that inspire you most. To earn your degree, you’ll complete 127 total credits, including 37 credits of integrative general education, 36 credits of major requirements, and a minimum of 54 elective or endorsement credits. As part of your degree path, you’ll select a field endorsement—which qualifies you to teach two or more related subjects—or one or more subject endorsements that prepare you to teach specific areas such as Biology, English, History, or Psychology in grades 7–12. You may also choose to add supplemental endorsements in areas like Coaching, English as a Second Language (ESL), Information Technology, or Work-Based Learning to broaden your professional impact. Each endorsement option is designed to align your teaching credentials with your interests and expand your opportunities to make a difference in students’ lives.
National teaching standards. Learning experiences designed for all students.
This bachelor’s degree in education uses national model core teaching standards to articulate what effective teaching and learning looks like, in line with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles. You will be prepared to become a competent secondary teacher using developmentally appropriate, challenging learning experiences and learning environments designed for all students to reach their full potential.
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll gain the skills and strategies to create inclusive, engaging classrooms and inspire meaningful learning experiences for every student.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Design developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences to meet individual student’s needs.
- Create learning environments that allow students with different learning needs and cultural backgrounds to be successful.
- Create an environment that supports individual and collaborative motivation to learn while encouraging positive social interactions and engaged learning.
- Teach and create content-area learning experiences that provide meaningful experiences for learners.
- Engage learners in critical and creative problem-solving within a content area in order to address current issues.
- Use multiple methods of assessment, communicate with students about their progress, and help them integrate feedback into their learning.
- Plan instruction that supports every student.
- Use a variety of instructional strategies to build skills and encourage learning.
- Reflect on personal ethical practices in education and how this affects the learning environment.
- Reflect on interactions with those involved in the learning process and adapt future practices.
Awards
Bellevue Stories
Education – Secondary degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 credit hours)
Teaching Education Core Courses
This course provides an overview of the nature of the teaching profession including the purpose, history, philosophy, organization, curriculum, alignment and standards in U.S. public school education. In the process of addressing the foundation areas, particular attention will be given to the education of all populations and their respective backgrounds, contributions, and rights; the legal and ethical foundations of schooling and teaching; and the organizational structure of schooling in the United States. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 202.
This course provides education students a reflective and guided entry into elementary or secondary classrooms as students observe instructional methods, physical arrangements of classrooms, skills implemented, and strategies used. Students are to visit various classrooms in rural, suburban, and urban schools. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 201.
This course introduces teacher candidates to skills needed in master teaching. Included will be unit and lesson planning, classroom organization, record keeping, self-reflection practices, time management, classroom rules and expectations, personal qualities, and effective communication. This course will also introduce students to the conceptual framework and program expectations.
This course provides students with an awareness of education technology and how it can be used to enhance the teaching and learning processes. Hands-on experiences will help broaden student knowledge and use of digital media tools and techniques.
This course is a study of the issues related to cultural pluralism, dehumanizing biases, human dignity and individual rights, and the ability to relate effectively to others in the diverse educational setting. The course meets the human relations requirement of the Nebraska Department of Education.
This course introduces theories of learning, motivation, and development of children and adolescents, particularly associated with how students relate physically, morally, cognitively, socially, and behaviorally. Recognizing the diverse stages of development that exist in a learning environment, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and assessing student progress will be addressed. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 242
This course includes a minimum 15 hour field experience component that aligns with concepts discussed in EDUC 241. Students will observe and assist in a classroom while reflecting on how different stages of development affect the learning environment. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 241
This course provides a foundation on differentiated instruction in order to serve the developmental, emotional, academic, and social needs of exceptional and gifted learners. This course includes these programs' processes, legal requirements, resources, and history, for creating differentiated and inclusive classrooms. The course meets the special education requirement of the Nebraska Department of Education. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 262
This course includes a minimum 20-hour field experience component that aligns with concepts discussed in EDUC 261. Students will observe and assist in a regular classroom that includes students with exceptional learning needs. The course meets the special education requirement of the Nebraska Department of Education. Prerequisite: Signed and filed Good Conduct Statement and Personal Fitness forms. Enrollment relies on there being a current criminal background check filed at the Teacher Education Program office. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 261
This 40-hour minimum practicum will be in an approved secondary school setting in order to observe the inner workings of classrooms from the point-of-view of an educator. Professional dispositions and reflective practice will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to collaborate with cooperating teachers and focus on implementation of a variety of instructional strategies, individual and group motivational factors, characteristics of effective instruction, and working with diverse learners. A seminar is included in the course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program NOTE: Students pursuing elementary education must take EDUC 330, 350, and 351 in lieu of EDUC 340 and EDUC 420.
This course focuses on the methodology, processes, and content of reading and writing in the content areas. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program
This course will examine a full array of assessment procedures, both formal and informal, as well as current trends and issues of assessment and evaluation of student performance. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
The intent of this course is to help students translate educational theory into best practice in order to teach effectively in a secondary classroom. Particular attention will be given to the following topics: awareness of and development of a broad range of learning resources and instructional strategies that are appropriate to diverse classrooms; use of assessment strategies and technology as a means to enhance student learning; awareness of the standards and resources of the professional organizations; consideration of curricular and ethical issues relative to teaching the subject area. This course includes a 40-hour practicum. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program NOTE: Students pursuing elementary education must take EDUC 330, 350, and 351 in lieu of EDUC 340 and EDUC 420.
This course is a study of the comprehensive research-based framework on cognition and learning in relation to classroom applications and management. The framework will provide students with a basis to improve the quality of teaching and learning in any content area. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program
Student Teaching is the capstone experience in the teacher education process. This is a practical application of learning principles in the classroom with a progressive introduction into full teaching responsibilities at multiple grade levels. Student teaching occurs for 14 consecutive weeks, two weeks beyond the normal term. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program, permission from the Program Director, and a minimum GPA of 2.75.
This 40-hour minimum practicum will be in an approved secondary school setting in order to observe the inner workings of classrooms from the point-of-view of an educator. Professional dispositions and reflective practice will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to collaborate with cooperating teachers and focus on implementation of a variety of instructional strategies, individual and group motivational factors, characteristics of effective instruction, and working with diverse learners. A seminar is included in the course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program NOTE: Students pursuing elementary education must take EDUC 330, 350, and 351 in lieu of EDUC 340 and EDUC 420.
The intent of this course is to help students translate educational theory into best practice in order to teach effectively in a secondary classroom. Particular attention will be given to the following topics: awareness of and development of a broad range of learning resources and instructional strategies that are appropriate to diverse classrooms; use of assessment strategies and technology as a means to enhance student learning; awareness of the standards and resources of the professional organizations; consideration of curricular and ethical issues relative to teaching the subject area. This course includes a 40-hour practicum. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program NOTE: Students pursuing elementary education must take EDUC 330, 350, and 351 in lieu of EDUC 340 and EDUC 420.
A study of the concepts, skills, tools of inquiry and methods of instruction necessary for the study of social studies in elementary and middle schools. This course will develop the skills needed to create learning experiences that make all aspects of the field of social studies meaningful for students. Emphasis will be placed on geography, economics, sociology, anthropology, political science and history. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program; Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 351 or permission from the Program Director.
An overview of the reading process (using graphophonic, semantic, and syntactic aspects of language) focusing on historic and current philosophies of reading instruction. This course acquaints students with the developmental reading process in elementary and middle grades presenting a variety of instructional approaches, examines current materials and ways to organize the classroom for reading instruction, emphasizes the reading-writing connection, and the value of good literature. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program; Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 351 or permission from the Program Director.
Candidates will participate in a supervised 30-hour field practicum designed to link theory with practice in social studies and language arts classrooms. Completion of at least 30 hours is required in order to pass the practicum course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program; Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 330 or EDUC 350, or permission from the Program Director.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 total credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
About general education requirements >Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
learn, connect, and thrive on campus.
Vibrant campus life
Make the most of your time on campus with student organizations, athletic events, and a tight-knit community that makes learning even more rewarding.
A true classroom experience
Engage in face-to-face learning with live lectures, interactive discussions, and real-time feedback from professors who are invested in your success.
Support every step of the way
From academic advising to career services, you’ll have a network of support to help you thrive.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access modern classrooms, study spaces, and hands-on learning environments designed to prepare you for the real world.
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.