Secondary Education, B.A. or B.S.

The secondary education major prepares students to take charge of 6-12 grade classrooms across our region and beyond.

Our program is built upon exceptional partnerships with public schools throughout central and western North Carolina. You are immersed in a variety of courses that prepare you to effectively plan, deliver research-based instruction, differentiate the curriculum for all learners, use the latest instructional technologies and develop a global perspective for 21st-century classrooms.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Secondary Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

A strong emphasis is placed on the critical importance of serving students with disabilities and other exceptionalities within the regular classroom. In addition, the secondary education program focuses on helping students understand young adolescents and how to effectively manage middle school classrooms. We believe that this is the best preparation a future teacher can receive for today's classrooms.

As a student, you will receive exceptional mentoring and support in preparation for teacher licensure exit examinations. Job search and placement support are provided for all students.

All education faculty have significant public school teaching experience to augment their qualifications as university professors.

Our educator preparation programs are accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Learning Outside the Classroom

Teacher preparation is a demanding program that necessarily integrates classroom theory with “real world” application. Successful majors will engage in substantial hours of field experiences in public school classrooms.

Internships & Community Service

You will complete a full-time internship in the final semester of the program.

Secondary education majors are given community service opportunities throughout the program such as tutoring, mentorships and school-based services.
Study Abroad

Students may also choose to participate in study abroad options. Our programs offer courses that you need to graduate on time.

You can choose from summer, semester and year-long options, as well as faculty-led opportunities during spring break.

Our thorough advising, supportive workshops, orientation materials, pre- and post-study abroad courses will help you to make the most of your experience.
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Student Activities & Organizations

Students attend conferences focused on teaching young adolescents and understanding global educational issues, and/or numerous other activities through the student organizations in education.
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Teaching Scholars Program

Qualified students are able to participate in and contribute to the LR Teaching Scholars program, which provides additional learning opportunities on and away from campus.

Scholars are placed in Hickory-area school districts throughout the programs of study where you serve as tutors, small group leaders and instructional assistants.

The Teaching Scholars program provides scholarships of up to $5,500 per year for four years to incoming freshmen. These funds will be offered in addition to the federal, state and Lenoir-Rhyne financial aid for which the student may already be qualified, but cannot be combined to exceed the cost of tuition or combined with other top merit awards.
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Career Opportunities

Completion of the secondary education major, along with all other state licensure requirements, is designed to prepare you to meet the expectations of grades 6-12 teaching.

The education program furnishes extensive job search and placement support for qualified graduates. Majors find middle grades education positions in public, private and charter schools.

LR faculty, staff and coaches engage in students' lives in and outside of class, which is important to build stronger relationships, creating a more powerful connection throughout campus.

Paiton Fair '20, Middle Grades Education

Admission & Financial Aid