Online secondary education programs may teach individuals how to create lesson plans, assess students’ development, and work with and challenge students academically. Those who may benefit from these programs should be patient and have strong communication and instructional skills. Secondary education degree programs are available online at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, while select schools may offer a graduate certificate option.

Individuals who complete online secondary education programs may seek employment in educational settings, whether working for a public or private school. Graduates may have the skills and training to secure a career as a high school teacher, teacher assistant, department chairperson, instructional coordinator, or middle school teacher.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

Online graduate certificate programs in secondary education are ideal for individuals who want to become a teacher and already possess a baccalaureate degree in a specific subject matter. Coursework may cover child and adolescent development, educational assessments, American education, computer-based technology, and classroom management. These programs are designed to equip students with the instructional skills necessary to work in K-12 or middle school settings.

Curriculum for associate-level degree programs in secondary education may combine liberal arts courses with classes specific to a particular subject area or concentration. These programs may provide a solid foundation for students to become teachers, and graduates may further their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate program and obtaining a teaching license. Coursework within the program may include educational psychology, introduction to teaching, and exceptional children.

Online baccalaureate-level programs in secondary education may provide students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for entry-level teaching positions. In addition to completing general education requirements, students may partake in courses such as educational psychology, human development, materials and methods of teaching, classroom environment, and content area reading.

Online master’s-level programs in secondary education may prepare students for roles focusing on a specific school subject, such as math, science, English, social studies, or history. Graduates may pursue employment in middle school, junior high, or high school settings, working as a classroom teacher, supervising teacher, or department chairperson. Coursework may cover behavioral management, educational psychology, educational research and assessment, and exceptionality.

A doctoral-level program in secondary education may feature specializations in areas such as science, mathematics, social studies, or English. Students obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific content area and secondary curriculum. These programs may integrate research and theory-based classes with curriculum development. Graduates of doctoral-level programs may pursue faculty positions at universities or opt to work as curriculum coordinators at secondary education facilities.

Career Options

Graduates of online secondary education programs may be prepared to seek employment in public or private schools, either as teachers of a specific subject field or grade level, or in other positions within academia. Graduates may know how to prepare teaching lessons, teach students, communicate with parents about students’ development, and supervise students both inside and outside the classroom.

Possible career fields include:

• Middle School Teacher
• High School Teacher
• Department Chairperson
• Instructional Coordinator
• Teacher Assistant