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.
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 business and mathematics.
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.