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Majors & Minors

Major in Middle & High School Education

Students preparing to teach at the middle school or high school level must double major in education and in a subject matter area taught in public schools. In addition to Common Core, students are required to take the following courses in Stage II and Stage III.

Stage I. Fundamentals of Education in the Inclusive Classroom (Common Core)

The following courses are required for all general education and ESL majors:

Course Name Number Credits Type
Total 2 Courses
School in an Era of Change EDUC-156 4.00 Lecture
Teach Strategies Inclusive Clr GEDUC-460 4.00 Lecture

Students will be evaluated for writing competence at the conclusion of EDUC 156 and must be recommended by the faculty to advance to GEDUC 460. Those students who have not demonstrated satisfactory literacy skills will be required to take a writing course recommended by the faculty and achieve a grade of B or better before advancing to GEDUC 460. Students will again be evaluated after completion of GEDUC 460. Those students who have not demonstrated strong academic and literacy skills will be offered other program options and will work closely with their advisers to find a match for their child-related interests in a non certification field.

Stage II. Subject Matter Core

Special subject teachers at the high school and middle school levels must complete the requirements for a major in their subject matter fields. In some areas, additional specific courses are required by state regulations. Students must consult with an adviser in the Department of General Education while planning their academic major.

Teacher of Biology

A major in biology is required.

Teacher of Chemistry

A major in chemistry is required.

Teacher of English

A major in English is required.

Teacher of English as a Second Language

A major in English or another modern language is recommended, but other liberal arts majors are possible. Note, however, that competence in a modern language at or above the intermediate level is required. Required ESL subject matter includes the following courses:

  • ML 310 Introduction to Linguistics and English Grammar
  • TESL 451 Bilingualism and Language Variation in Multicultural Settings
  • TESL 479 Teaching English as a Second Language Methodology and Curriculum Development

Teacher of History

A major in history is required.

Teacher of Modern World Language

A major in a modern language other than English is required. Twenty semester hours must be above the intermediate level, and advanced composition and conversation, linguistics, and theories of first and second language acquisition must be included. Students must demonstrate fluency as determined by the Department of Modern Languages and Literature before student teaching. In addition, Massachusetts licensure requires a demonstration of proficiency at or above the advanced level according to ACTFL/ILR guidelines.

Teacher of Mathematics

A Major in athematics is required.

Teacher of Political Science

(previously known as social studies):
A major in political science is required.

All students majoring in a secondary subject matter should consult the General Education Undergraduate Advising Handbook for specific additional courses required beyond their majors to meet state subject matter requirements. Students should work closely with their advisers in selecting courses.

Stage III. Licensure Preparation

(32 semester hours)

Strongly recommended:
GEDUC 424: Integrating Educational Technology in the Classroom

Course Name Number Credits Type
Total 8 Courses
Sem Tch Learn Ms/Hs EDUC-310 4.00 Lecture
Practicum: Middle School EDUC-383 12.00 Lecture
Practicum: High School EDUC-384 12.00 Lecture
Practicum: Fren, Span, Or Esl EDUC-385 12.00 Lecture
Read/Write Across Curriculum GEDUC-420 4.00 Lecture
Educational Tech & Software GEDUC-424 4.00 Lecture
Issues Tch Learn Mid/High Sch GEDUC-455 4.00 Lecture
Psychology of Adolescence PSYC-236 4.00 Lecture