Teach. Inspire. Prepare the Next Generation.
Program Overview
The Secondary Education minor at Elizabeth City State University is designed for students who are interested in teaching at the middle and high school levels. This program provides the foundational knowledge and professional preparation needed to support instruction in secondary education settings.
As part of the Educator Preparation Program (EPP), students are introduced to the principles of teaching, learning, and classroom engagement while building skills necessary for effective instruction.
Who Should Minor in Secondary Education?
This minor pairs well with majors in subject areas commonly taught in secondary schools, such as:
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology
- History
- Chemistry
- Music or Physical Education
Students interested in teaching at the middle or high school level will benefit most from this program.
Why Choose a Secondary Education Minor?
The Secondary Education minor enhances your degree by preparing you for teaching and educational careers focused on adolescent learners.
Through this program, you will:
This minor is ideal for students who want to combine subject-area expertise with teaching preparation.
What You’ll Study
Based on the Education program framework, the Secondary Education minor includes coursework focused on teaching, learning, and classroom practice.
Areas of study include:
- Foundations of education and teaching
- Adolescent development and learning
- Instructional strategies and classroom management
- Curriculum development and lesson planning
- Field experiences in educational settings
Students gain insight into how teaching methods and learning environments support student success.
Program Structure
The Secondary Education minor is a structured program that combines education coursework with practical experience.
- Includes education-focused courses aligned with teaching preparation
- May include field experiences or classroom observation requirements
- Designed to complement a major in a teaching content area (such as English, Math, or Science)
Unlike most ECSU minors, the Secondary Education minor requires approximately 24–31 credit hours, reflecting the additional preparation needed for teaching roles.
Students must work closely with advisors and the Educator Preparation Program to ensure all requirements are met.
Career Opportunities
The Secondary Education minor provides a strong foundation for careers in education and youth development.
Students may pursue careers in:
- Middle or high school teaching (with licensure requirements)
- Educational support roles
- Tutoring and academic support services
- Youth development and mentoring programs
- Graduate study in education or teaching
This minor is especially valuable for students planning to enter teacher licensure programs or pursue careers working with adolescents in educational settings.
Hands-On Learning
This minor emphasizes practical, real-world experience in educational settings.
Students may:
- Participate in classroom observations and field experiences
- Develop and deliver lesson plans
- Engage with teaching strategies and instructional methods
- Explore real-world classroom environments
These experiences help students connect theory to practice and prepare for teaching roles.
Interested in adding the Secondary Education minor?
Connect with your academic advisor or the Educator Preparation Program to learn how this program fits into your degree plan.
