This degree prepares students to teach a field rich in nuance, literary tradition, and global value. Students will build on their love of English to excite secondary students about expressing themselves effectively and creatively in one of the world’s great languages.
This program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
More Information
If you have a flair for grammar and a love of literature that you'd like to share with the next generation, teaching English in high school is just the career for you. Earning a degree in secondary education with an emphasis on English will lead you to a rewarding job where you'll have the opportunity to shape the culture and character of students through their English education.
You'll graduate with the expertise in teaching and curriculum to influence and inspire all the students who enter your classroom. Enjoy a diverse and collaborative learning environment that will prepare you for the job opportunities that await.
Note: You must apply and be accepted to the College of Education's teacher education program in addition to being admitted to the university.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The undergraduate English Education program at Northern Arizona University consists of a B.S. Ed in Secondary English Education. The program itself resides within the College of Arts and Letters and is one of the largest teacher education programs on campus.
All teacher education programs in Arizona are expected to be in alignment with the Arizona Professional Teacher Standards. Nine (9) standards encompass this document; the first 8 actually apply to English teachers and standard 9 would be difficult to meet without district support. Further, Arizona teachers must prepare their candidates to meet the English/Language Arts standards outlined by the state Department of Education (these standards follow, for the most part, the NCTE/IRA standards). The state of Arizona requires for initial certification 1) a Bachelor’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution and A) completion of a teacher preparation program in secondary education from an accredited institution (which we are) or B) at least 30 hours of education courses with at least 8 hours of practicum in grades 7-12.
The B.S. Ed in English education consists of 67 credit hours of coursework. Candidates take 19 credits hours in English Pedagogical Content/Teaching Methods and Foundations classes. In addition, students take 3 credits of Introduction to Education EDF 200; 3 credits of Educational Psychology (EPS 325); 12 credits of Student Teaching ENG 494C; and one credit of English education Practicum (ENG 401). As required by the state of Arizona, candidates must have six credit hour of Structured English Immersion coursework: candidates take ENG 301W Language and Literacy and ENG 406 ESL Methods and materials. Candidates also take 30 credits of English content courses (21 of which are specific courses from areas such as grammar, linguistics, creative writing, and literature). The 67 credit hours of the English Education B.S. Ed. major exceed the requirements by the state of Arizona for licensure (thirty semester hours of education courses including 8 semester hours of practicum in grades 7-12).
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
30 units of coursework which includes:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all content major coursework (must have taken at least 3 units) and a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
Additional requirements:
Take the following 70 units with grades of "C" or better, and a minimum of 3.0 in all ENG coursework:
In all of our teacher education programs, you are required to complete a student teaching or internship experience. In addition, a minimum number of units of practicum is required, which involves supervised field experience with a practicing teacher.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
Arizona Teacher Certification
In order to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate you must pass both the appropriate National Evaluation Series subject matter test and the National Evaluation Series Secondary Assessment Professional Knowledge.
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to two terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams arranged by Center for Business Outreach.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.