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Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (AZ) | Undergraduate Degree Program

Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (AZ)

About OU's Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (Arizona)

Ottawa University’s Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (BASE) degree program in Arizona is designed to produce teachers who are sensitive and compassionate to the unique needs, challenges and learning styles of a diverse adolescent student population. Students develop critical thinking skills through an analysis of educational history; philosophy and psychology; measurement and evaluation of learning; and classroom management; as well as gaining an awareness of cultural diversity and the social and political contexts of education.

Ottawa’s BASE degree in Arizona provides students with the knowledge, social competencies, methods, communication skills, attitudes, and values to become an effective educator. Students will participate in student teaching and gain a foundation in today’s educational methods as you work towards your teaching license. This program is based on state, regional, and national licensure criteria and testing competencies. Specific subject-matter courses, developed in collaboration with lead faculty in the discipline, build connections between theory and practice. Preparations in the subject major along with education courses, including field experiences, assist in leading to licensure.

The BASE curriculum in Arizona prepares students to teach at middle and high school levels in a variety of school settings, both public and private. Students complete methods courses, professional education courses, and field experiences and observations. They develop critical thinking skills through an analysis of educational history, philosophy and psychology; measurement and evaluation of learning; and classroom management. The program is state approved in Arizona and is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The requirements outlined meet licensure standards for the state of Arizona. Completion of this program does not guarantee licensure or certification in other states populations.

Five BASE Concentrations

Ottawa’s bachelor’s degree in secondary education offers several concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree in an area of specialization, such as:

 Career Outlook for B.A. in Secondary Education

Potential employment opportunity for secondary education majors include teaching in public or private middle schools or high schools, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These teaching jobs are projected to grow 4 percent through 2029. Rising student enrollment should increase demand for middle school teachers, but employment growth will vary by region.

The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $59,660 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,990, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,280. The median annual wage for high school teachers was $61,660 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,540, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,660.

Perspective on the BASE

Secondary Education programs prepare individuals to teach content areas in the secondary school system by offering deep content knowledge as well as the best practices for teaching. Specific subject- matter courses, developed in collaboration with lead faculty in the discipline, build connections between theory and practice. Preparation in the subject matter along with education courses, including field experiences, are a pathway to licensure/ certification.

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

To get started on your journey toward a secondary education degree at Ottawa University, contact us today.

Secondary Education (AZ) is offered at the following locations.

  • Surprise, AZ (Residential Campus)
  • Online

Professional Licensure Disclosure

  • This program meets professional licensure requirements in certain states, as outlined on the University’s Licensure Disclosure page. Students are advised to verify that they are located (or plan to seek initial licensure) in a state where Ottawa University’s program meets requirements. Students who have questions about a program’s status should consult with an enrollment advisor. Those who relocate to another state during their course of study may no longer be eligible to enroll in the program or receive federal financial aid, and they may not meet licensure requirements in their state.

Secondary Education Licensure Courses


Pre-Professional Education

The Teaching Profession I
Explores current and future teaching profession. Introduces Ottawa University’s mission and teacher education program’s conceptual framework. Learn about topics such as reflective inquiry, standards driven classrooms, use of technology, and diversity of learners. Skills assessed in relation to profession.

Educational Psychology
Designed to acquaint students with knowledge gained from educational psychologists in learning theory and practice, motivation and management, and effective instruction. Meets required competencies in research, teaching methods and materials, media and technology, teaching effectiveness, interpersonal relations, educational ethics, understanding the learner, teaching-learning process, learning styles, and understanding the relationship between school and home. Emphasis placed on understanding methods needed to maintain an effective learning environment through classroom management strategies and motivational techniques.

Foundations of Schools in a Diverse Society
Provides candidate with understanding of historical, philosophical and social foundations of education in the United States. Addresses legal and ethical issues. Learn how educational policy is formulated and affects classroom practice. Provides opportunities to learn from a variety of professionals from diverse backgrounds.

The Exceptional Child
Become familiar with various emotional and behavioral disorders, health and physical impairments, and intellectual deviations associated with children (birth through high school age) who are identified as exceptional. Addresses strategies for meeting academic, social and emotional needs of these children within the confines of the classroom (including IEPS). Examines criteria for effectively working with administrators, specialists, support personnel, and family who impact the educational experiences of these children. Field experience required.

Secondary Education Methods and RICA
Learn to design, implement, and evaluate materials and instructional techniques for early through late adolescent learner. Topics include assessing readability of materials, evaluating student reading skills, teaching vocabulary, comprehension and study skills, working with at risk students, and incorporating writing into curriculum.

Secondary Specialized Methods/Practicum
Observe, develop, and practice skills under the guidance of a classroom teacher in the student’s major area of interest.


Clinical Practice-Licensure

SEI Methods for ELL II

Secondary Student Teaching I
Capstone field experience for secondary pre-service teachers. Gives opportunity to observe and teach in a secondary school setting. Consult Education Department for placement information.

Secondary Student Teaching II
Capstone field experience for secondary pre-service teachers. Gives opportunity to observe and teach in a secondary school setting. Consult Education Department for placement information.

Licensure Areas

Work with your advisor on content specific to licensure areas and additional state-specific requirements.

  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Business
  • Music (Choral & Instrumental)
Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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