Why Earn Your Secondary Education - Social Science Degree at Saint Leo University?

As a social studies teacher at the secondary level, you’ll help youth navigate a vast world of people and cultures—to arrive at a better understanding of their place in society. You’ll show them the value of having a voice in government, knowing their roots, and working for the welfare of others.

Learn innovative methods to teach history, geography, government and economics, with an emphasis on a multicultural and pro-social education. Create lesson plans that foster curiosity and respect for diversity—and try them out in the classroom as a student teacher.

The secondary education major engages students in a combination of courses in the Arts and Sciences and in the Education Department. Students choose one area of specialization from the following content areas: English or Social Science. The Secondary Education Program meets the Florida State standards and coursework requirements for graduates to obtain teaching certification. Secondary education majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certificate Exam.

The Saint Leo Secondary Education Program has been designed to align with the Florida Department of Education competencies and skills for teacher education preparation programs.  

Learning Experience:

 Campus

Est. Time to Complete:

4 years

Credit Hours:

120 hours

Request InfoApply Now

Undergraduate Secondary Education - Social Science Program Details

In 2011, Saint Leo’s Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo graduates as first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for rehiring.

You may declare the Secondary Education major when you begin coursework at Saint Leo University. However, to be formally admitted to the program, you must complete a major application once you fulfill general education requirements.

 

View in Course Catalog

Learn Your Way: 
Online, On Campus, or Near You

• What are the on-campus facilities like?

  Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.

  Learn about the On-Campus Experience

• What are the benefits of earning your degree online?

  Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.

  Learn about the Online Experience

  Visit Online Admissions

• Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.

  Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA

Are education centers near you offering secondary education degree programs?

You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.

Explore Education Centers

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

• How will you gain real experience?

  Florida Teacher Certification

  Secondary Education majors are eligible to receive certification to teach grades 6-12 in your area of specialization—Social Science

  Student teaching

  Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a secondary school one semester your senior year.

Professional seminar

Prepare yourself for the job market: Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.

21st century classroom

Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the MimioVote™ assessment system, interactive SMART boards and teleconferencing across the world.

Conferences

Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Council for Teachers for the Social Studies.

Co-curricular activities

Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.

What can you do with an undergraduate secondary education degree?

Graduates are qualified to obtain teaching certification for grades 6-12.

What are the top secondary education degree jobs?

• History Teacher
• Social Studies Teacher
• Geography Teacher
• Civics Teacher
• Economics Teacher

Where are Saint Leo secondary education graduates now? 

Our students find success as certified teachers in school districts around Florida and outside of the state, thanks to interstate agreements between the Florida Department of Education and many states.

Saint Leo graduates often assume leadership positions in their schools—as team leaders and department chairs—within three to four years of employment. Many Saint Leo graduates have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for their schools and even their entire school districts.

College of Education & Social Services

• Saint Leo University’s College of Education and Social Services couples a transformative liberal arts tradition with highly specialized training in the education and social services fields. Through close faculty mentorships, practical field internships, and applied learning experiences, we prepare students for careers in education, social work, criminal justice, and human services. Our faculty remain active in their respective fields as researchers and practitioners, giving students close access to a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience.

  With the ever-changing needs of today's students, we provide flexible degree programs. These include programs at University Campus and education centers with evening and weekend options, as well as online offerings. These degree programs are grooming the next generation of educators and social service specialists—a new breed of professionals with the talent and resolve to make a difference in the world.