The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program at Delta State University is offered through the School of Teacher Education within the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities. This program is designed for students pursuing careers in secondary or K-12 education. Students can specialize in areas such as Biology, English, Mathematics, or Social Studies for secondary education or Physical Education, Vocal Music, or Instrumental Music for K-12 Education.
Each student selects a primary area of emphasis and a secondary area of concentration. Graduates are fully prepared to enter the classroom in their chosen field and must pass all required licensure exams for the state of Mississippi to receive their teaching license. The additional area of endorsement enhances their marketability, equipping them with dual certifications for greater career opportunities.
Delta State also offers a B.S.E. in Elementary Education for individuals interested in specializing in K-6 education.
Student-Faculty Ratio
Areas of Emphasis Required
Graduates secure first year teaching positions
Why Choose the B.S. in Secondary Education at DSU?
The bachelor’s program in Secondary Education at Delta State University equips students to become effective educators through a well-rounded curriculum and immersive clinical experiences. The program emphasizes diversifying teaching abilities by enabling students to teach in multiple subject areas, enhancing their versatility and career opportunities. Upon graduation, students will be fully prepared to enter the classroom and excel in their primary area of emphasis or secondary area of endorsement.
- Applications accepted year-round
- Classes begin in Fall and Spring terms
- Accredited by CAEP since 1954
- Highly credentialed and resourceful instructors
- Knowledgeable and helpful faculty and supervisors
- Job-embedded training through field experiences (internships)
Concentrations in Secondary Education
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program at Delta State University select a primary area of emphasis from the following fields. In addition to their primary area of emphasis, students also complete a second area of emphasis for a supplemental endorsement, further broadening their qualifications. This second area may be selected from the list below or from additional options such as Special Education or K-6 Elementary Education, providing students with greater versatility in the teaching field.
- Biology (Grades 7-12)
- English (Grades 7-12)
- Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
- Social Studies (Grades 7-12)
- Music (Vocal) (Grades K-12)
- Music (Instrumental) (Grades K-12)
- Physical Education (Grades K-12)
What Can I Do With a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education?
Upon graduation and successful completion of all required licensure exams, graduates will be licensed to teach in both their major area of emphasis and their second area of concentration. Depending on the chosen emphasis, students will be qualified to teach at the K-12 level, enabling them to impact a broad range of grade levels and subject areas. By earning dual endorsements, graduates are equipped to meet the diverse needs of schools and enhance their career versatility.
Scholarships
Delta State’s Secondary Education program is more affordable than many comparable programs offering similar opportunities. At DSU, students are automatically considered for scholarships. Specific opportunities include scholarships for Education majors who are Mississippi residents, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, are sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or reside in particular counties within the Mississippi Delta. Additionally, students may qualify for non-program-specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The primary goal of the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program is to provide high-quality instruction, complemented by focused, hands-on clinical practice, to prepare future educators for transforming K-12 and 7-12 education. Students are given extensive opportunities to connect theory and research with real-world application, fostering active engagement in interactive teaching and learning experiences.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted to the Secondary Education program.
- Junior year status
- Submit application for admission to the Teacher Education Program
- 3.0 GPA on overall coursework OR 3.0 GPA on 60 hours of major content coursework OR ACT composite score of 21 OR CORE passing scores on all 3 parts (reading, writing, and math)
Must maintain a minimum of 2.60 GPA on overall coursework for all options - Completion of CUR 300 (Survey of Education with Field Experiences) or CUR 302 (Orientation and Field Experiences) with a grade of C or better
- Preliminary Departmental Recommendation Form (which includes positive disposition scores)
Curriculum
The following courses are required to complete the major in Secondary Education. Courses are customized based on your chosen concentration and area of endorsement.
Secondary Education (Major)
Course Number | Credits | |
6 Content Courses | 18 | |
6 Content (Endorsement) Courses | 18 | |
TOTAL | 36 |
Licensure Requirements
This program prepares students to apply for applicable licensure and/or certification examinations in the state of Mississippi. In order to comply with regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education regarding professional licensure, Delta State University is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Mississippi: Professional Licensure Disclosure page.
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below.
General Education | 39 |
Special Degree Requirements | 15 |
Professional Education | 30-31 |
Major | 36-69 |
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
Fees
Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes.
Additionally, the following fees are assessed:
- Verified Background Check
- Data Management Systems
- Pre-internship & Internship fees