School of Education

Secondary Education

Program Option

  • Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) with a major in Secondary Education

B.S.E. web site (School of Education)

The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2024-2025 academic year.  View requirements for previous catalog years here.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education prepares students for initial teacher certification at the secondary level. Graduates of the program will be learning leaders, student advocates, and reflective practitioners.


Program Requirements

To earn a bachelor's degree from Drake, students majoring in secondary education need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • 120 credit hours
  • Drake Curriculum (AOI) requirements
  • Professional education requirements
  • Teaching endorsement(s) requirements (at least one teaching endorsement is required; two are suggested)
  • Subject area minimum requirements for secondary education endorsements (30 credits)
Course Credits
EDUC 001 - Introduction to Education (Optional) 1
EDUC 103 - Foundations in Education* 3
EDUC 108 - Student Development and Learning Theory* 3
EDUC 109 - Educational Technology 3
EDUC 164 - Perspectives on Race, Ethnicity, and Gender 3
SPED 120 - Introduction to Special Education* 3
EDUC 111 - Education Planning and Assessment* 3
EDUC 132 - Methods for Teaching Secondary School 3
EDUC 142 - Disciplinary Literacy 3
Special Methods in Teaching Area (one for each endorsement area)  
CS 145 - Methods of Teaching K-12 Computer Science 3
EDUC 083 - Special Methods in Art 3
EDUC 138 - Special Methods of Teaching Social Studies - Secondary 3
EDUC 141 - Special Methods of Language Arts - Secondary 3
EDUC 146 - Methods of Teaching World Languages 3
EDUC 150 - Secondary Reading Methods 3
MATH 145 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics 3
SPED 123 - Methods & Strategies for Exceptional Learners 3
STEM 136 - Secondary Science Methods 3
STEM 174 - Science Methods and Nature of Science 3
Mathematics or Statistics Courses - Select at least one course in mathematics (MATH) or statistics (STAT) 3
Student Teaching  
EDUC 163 - Seminar for Student Teaching 1
EDUC 168 - Student Teaching (Secondary) 11-13
EDUC 169 - E-Portfolio for Student Teaching 1
Admission to the Teacher Education Program - Must successfully complete EDUC 103, EDUC 108, EDUC 111, and SPED 120  
Teaching Endorsement - Complete the requirements for at least one teaching endorsement. varies
TOTAL 120

Approved primary endorsement areas are available in the following areas (grade levels 5-12 unless otherwise noted):

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • English/Language Arts
  • Talented & Gifted
  • Government/History/Social Studies
  • Journalism
  • Mathematics
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Special Education
  • Speech/Communications/Theatre
  • STEM
  • World Languages

Approved second endorsement areas are available in the following areas:

  • English as a Second Language
  • Middle School (5-8)

Specific requirements and program descriptions are available in the Teaching and Learning Department.  Other endorsement programs may become available.

To earn endorsement by Drake University for licensure in an endorsement, students must earn at least a "C-" in all of the courses above.

Teacher Education Program

Students must meet the following criteria to enroll in professional courses for Secondary Education:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
  • All InTASC Standards in EDUC 103, EDUC 108, EDUC 111, and SPED 120 met at the beginning level
  • A completed application and two checklist forms of recommendation, at least one from a School of Education teacher education faculty member
  • Successful background check

Other Program Requirements

All students preparing for licensure as a teacher must meet the following criteria on a continuing basis:

  1. Completion of the Drake Curriculum Areas of Inquiry (A.O.I.s) or an equivalent program at another college or university.
  2. Completion of the elementary or secondary education major with at least a “C-” in all education and endorsement courses.
  3. Completion of an approved teaching endorsement area(s).
  4. Maintenance of at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for undergraduate students.
  5. Maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for graduate students.
  6. Demonstration of all InTASC Standards at the appropriate level.
  7. Demonstration of Drake-defined Professional Dispositions at the appropriate level.
  8. Successfully pass background checks.

The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.