Secondary Education

Why study secondary education at the University of Maine?

Secondary education majors at the University of Maine have the opportunity to work within the community of the College of Education and Human Development, yet take advantage of the vast resources available at Maine’s largest and most comprehensive university. The College of Education and Human Development is nationally accredited for its teacher certification programs and provides many opportunities for students to gain professional experience in schools locally, statewide and internationally. Students build a strong liberal arts background by drawing from the many departments on campus to fulfill general education and concentration requirements. Students in the College of Education and Human Development also have the option of studying in the Honors College, which offers intensive work in small classes, as well as the chance to pursue undergraduate research.

What can I do with a degree in secondary education?

In addition to becoming certified to teach in middle and high school classrooms in the United States and internationally, graduates may work in non-school settings, such as research units, industry or museums. Our students acquire skills they can use in a variety of careers, including the ability to collaborate, to work effectively in team environments, and to communicate clearly. In addition, graduates may pursue careers in schools outside the traditional classroom role, such as a technology integrator.

Our undergraduate program

The secondary education program builds on strong partnerships the College of Education and Human Development has created with school districts locally, statewide and internationally. This gives students the chance to combine academic work in a university environment with field-based work in a wide range of settings. A diverse range of student-teaching and internship opportunities ensures that our graduates are prepared to teach in a variety of classroom settings. Our students also have opportunities to build their technological skills, while learning how to utilize technology to enhance the learning of middle and high school students. The curriculum allows an in-depth exploration of such topics as multiculturalism in the classroom, adolescent psychology and adapted instruction for students with disabilities. Students who are interested in teaching a particular subject are able to tailor their coursework to their career goals. Areas of specialization include:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Social Studies

For more information about these specializations, see the program sheets at the bottom of this page.

The College of Education and Human Development also has a nationally recognized Advising Center, which assists students throughout their time at UMaine. As juniors and seniors delve deeper into their major, they work closely with faculty advisers who provide academic and professional guidance. We also offer introductory seminars to acquaint students with program requirements and expectations.

Opportunities after graduation

For those students wishing to continue on to graduate school, a degree in secondary education is preparation for a variety of graduate programs. Students might pursue further work in general education, or pursue specialties such as instructional technology, special education, counselor education, educational leadership or a discipline such as science or mathematics education.

Our faculty

Faculty members in the secondary education program are nationally recognized scholars in their fields and have received national and state level teaching awards as secondary school educators and as college instructors. They also are well-represented in professional organizations both statewide and nationally. Our faculty are from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and draw on a variety of pedagogical perspectives. Many have taught in the United States and abroad, in urban, suburban and rural schools. Equally important, the faculty are accessible and available to students as a resource for assistance with classwork, advising and research.

Opportunities to excel

Scholarships are available to academically qualified students in the college. Students with a 3.0 GPA can apply to be a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for educators. Through a partnership with AustraLearn, UMaine education students are able to take advantage of student-teaching opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The Student Education Association of Maine, a campus offshoot of the Maine Education Association, hosts workshops and professional development events. In addition, visiting professors and guest lecturers provide valuable insight into contemporary issues in education.

Tuition and fees

For the latest information on undergraduate tuition and fees, please visit the University of Maine Bursar’s Office.

I’m ready to apply. Where do I go?

Visit go.umaine.edu for an application, as well as information about academics and life at UMaine.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.