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 Bachelors of Science in Secondary English Education prepares future teachers to be well versed in their subject area to give students the best education possible. The English and education major at NAU lets students achieve the ideal balance between being an expert in your subject and being a great teacher. NAU’s English education major will equip you with an in-depth study of language, literature, linguistics, and writing. As a foundation for their work in education, students are trained to write well, organize ideas in a logical way, analyze complex information, research, and critically read and observe. Our English Secondary Education students also develop competency in lesson design, classroom management, instructional delivery, and research-based methods for teaching writing, literature, prose, grammar, and vocabulary. As students integrate their knowledge of the English discipline with teaching theories and techniques, strong emphasis is placed on gaining extensive field experience. Faculty connect these field experiences to coursework, combining theory and practice, modeling effective instruction, providing relevant context, and building confidence to address the variety of situations future teachers will encounter. Upon completion of this degree, students are prepared to become a certified English teacher in the state of Arizona, or engage in careers in related fields such as publishing, curriculum development, and educational research.
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:
Additional requirements:
Take the following 70 units with a Grade 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 the National Evaluation Series Secondary Assessment Professional Knowledge Exam.
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.
You may not pursue an English; B.A., and English-Secondary Education; B.S.Ed. dual degree.
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.