Inspire tomorrow’s thinkers. Teach with depth and purpose.
The Secondary Education major at Presbyterian College prepares students to teach content-rich courses at the high school level. Through rigorous academic training and meaningful classroom experiences, students develop the skills to educate, motivate, and mentor adolescents during critical years of intellectual and personal growth.
With four targeted concentrations—Mathematics, History, English, and Music—you’ll combine deep disciplinary expertise with the tools of effective instruction. From mastering subject matter to managing a classroom, you’ll graduate fully equipped to lead and inspire in secondary school settings.
Presbyterian College’s educator preparation programs are accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), ensuring our programs meet national standards for quality and effectiveness in preparing future educators.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Explore how students learn at the secondary level and how content knowledge can spark curiosity and growth. - Broaden your knowledge.
Dive into subject-specific instruction, adolescent development, and inclusive teaching strategies. - Solidify your skill set.
Complete early field experiences and capstone student teaching in diverse classroom settings. - Become a critical thinker.
Design instruction that is responsive to real-world issues and the needs of all learners.
70-80 Hours
Required for Secondary Education coursework, depending on concentration
Senior Capstone
Student teaching in your chosen subject area during your final year
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll Study
All Secondary Education majors complete core coursework in educational psychology, instructional planning, classroom management, assessment, and culturally responsive teaching. From there, students choose a concentration and begin subject-specific methods courses, content immersion, and applied fieldwork. The program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience.
English
Build a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics, while mastering pedagogical strategies for explaining complex concepts clearly and engagingly. You’ll learn to differentiate instruction, analyze data, and cultivate a growth mindset in your students.
History
Explore U.S. and world history, civics, and economics to prepare the next generation of informed citizens. Learn how to help students make connections between the past and present through critical thinking, primary source analysis, and storytelling.
Mathematics
Build a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics, while mastering pedagogical strategies for explaining complex concepts clearly and engagingly. You’ll learn to differentiate instruction, analyze data, and cultivate a growth mindset in your students.
Music Education
Develop the skills to teach choral or instrumental music across all grade levels. This concentration integrates music theory, performance, conducting, and music pedagogy with state certification preparation. You’ll gain hands-on experience through school placements and ensemble leadership.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for Secondary Education through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Education
A degree in Secondary Education from Presbyterian College opens doors to careers in middle and high schools, arts education, youth development, and curriculum leadership. Whether you’re fostering a love of literature, demystifying mathematics, or leading a student ensemble, you’ll be equipped to inspire students and shape classrooms with purpose.
Career Professions
Secondary School Teacher
High School English Teacher
High School History Teacher
Algebra, Geometry, or Calculus Instructor
Music Teacher (Choral, Instrumental, General)
Instructional Coach
Curriculum Developer
Education Consultant
Literacy or Math Specialist
Fine Arts Director (School or District-Level)
Department Chair
Dual Enrollment Instructor (with master’s degree)
School Administrator (with graduate degree)
Education Program Coordinator (nonprofits or arts orgs)
After-School Program Director
Educational Research Assistant
EdTech Trainer or Developer
Private Tutor or Test Prep Specialist
Graduate Student in Education, Counseling, or Administration
Teacher Preparation Faculty (with advanced degree)
Acquired Skills
Deep content knowledge in subject area
Pedagogical strategies for adolescent learners
Lesson planning and curriculum design
Classroom management and student engagement
Formative and summative assessment
Reflective practice and self-evaluation
Integration of educational technology
Instructional differentiation for diverse learners
Public speaking and communication
Collaborative planning with colleagues
Content-specific research and analysis
Student advocacy and mentoring
Cultural competency and inclusive teaching
Music performance and conducting (Music Ed)
Discipline-specific writing and analysis
Ethical and legal understanding of education
Time management and multitasking
Instructional leadership skills
Creative thinking and flexibility
Lifelong professional growth mindset
Quick Stats
$62,000
Average Median Salary
The median salary for secondary school teachers is approximately $62,000, depending on location, experience, and subject specialization. Educators in STEM or high-demand areas may earn more, and additional income opportunities exist through coaching, tutoring, or leadership roles.
5% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment for secondary educators is expected to grow at a steady pace, roughly in line with the national average. Demand is highest in subjects like science, math, and special education, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
Moderate Versatility
Career Diversity Index
While many graduates become middle or high school teachers, others transition into roles like curriculum development, educational policy, instructional design, or administrative positions. With further education, opportunities expand into higher education or corporate training sectors.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Professional Licensure Disclosures
The curriculum for all certification areas both state and national meet the licensing requirements by the federal guidelines and South Carolina State Department of Education. The current licensure areas offered at Presbyterian College (Early Childhood (NAEYC), Elementary (ACEI), Middle Level (AMLE), Secondary English (NCTE), Secondary Math (NCTM), Secondary Social Studies (NCSS), Special Education (CEC) and PK-12 English Language Learners (TESOL) follow the federal and state degree and certification standards for preparing teaching professionals. For further information please follow this link:
https://www.presby.edu/about/accreditation/caep-annual-reporting-measures/
