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Associate Degree in Secondary Education

Inspire positive changes in grade 7–12 students as a dedicated, compassionate, and effective teacher. The two-year Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Secondary Education degree at Northampton Community College allows you to explore the teaching profession and discern whether to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution or use your skills to work in tutoring and private teaching roles.

Study on the Bethlehem or Monroe campus and take advantage of online options for most courses. In your field experience, you’ll gain a firsthand understanding of classrooms, students, and teaching.

*Please make sure when applying to Northampton Community College that you select the correct program

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Degree Programs

Semesters: 4
Credits: 62-69
Program Map: Download PDF
Program Details: View More Information
Campus: Bethlehem|Monroe|PartiallyOnline
Program Type: Associate in Arts

Complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in preparation to teach English, a foreign language, history, social studies, or science at the high school level (grades 7–12). Apply your learning in public school classrooms and work alongside students at various levels of cognitive development. The secondary education major empowers you to create effective, compassionate classrooms, and it equips you to complete a teacher certification program in a specific subject for middle and high school education.

 

Program Information

Earning a hands-on, high-quality secondary education associate’s degree at NCC—with the option to study primarily online—can save you thousands of dollars! By completing your first two years of study at NCC’s low-cost tuition rates, you’ll gain both the academic experience and the financial stability to transfer to a four-year institution to complete your bachelor’s degree and teaching licensure.

Learn more about transferring to education programs at more than 100 nearby schools in Pennsylvania, including:

  • East Stroudsburg University
  • Kutztown University
  • Bloomsburg University
  • Moravian College
  • DeSales University
  • Cedar Crest College

In hands-on public school environments, you’ll apply your learning about child development, observe classroom dynamics, and cultivate strategies for teaching students at various levels of cognitive development. Through your field experiences, gain competence in teaching diverse students, handling issues of equity, and celebrating cultural differences.

Learn more about the required paperwork to participate in field experience.

NOTE: Students must obtain all background clearances and other documentation in order to do the field work component of each education course – the field work in schools is integral to success in these courses.

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, our Education Department can help you navigate the necessary background checks and other paperwork involved in the secondary education major and working toward your teaching certification.

If you live outside of Pennsylvania or intend to complete an internship outside of the state, you should review the requirements on your state’s board website to make sure that NCC’s program qualifies. While you will complete the same background checks and Mandatory Student Paperwork for in-state field experiences, you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in your home state.

Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state’s professional licensing board, could result in loss of licensing eligibility. If you need help or have questions, please contact the Program Director.

 

Associate Degree in Secondary Education Careers Opportunities

Prepare to lead high-energy middle school classrooms or facilitate thought-provoking discussions in high school settings with a secondary education associate’s degree. At NCC, you will build foundational skills to transfer into a bachelor’s-level teacher education program and pursue teacher certification.

This versatile education program sets you up to enter a field in consistent demand.

Future Career Paths

  • High School Teacher Grades 9-12
  • Teaching-related roles in other sectors
  • Middle School Teacher Grades 7-8

Need help deciding which major might be right for you? Explore our Focus2 tool and zero in on what programs suit you best, then start building your network by creating a profile on our Handshake App!

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Applying to NCC’s Secondary Education Degree Program

Invest in your future with NCC’s low-cost Associate of Arts in Secondary Education degree in Pennsylvania. Blend classroom learning on our Bethlehem and Monroe campuses with dynamic online course offerings and real-world fieldwork in public schools.

At Northampton Community College, you’ll save thousands of dollars on the first two years of your bachelor’s degree while gaining industry-standard experience and expertise!


 

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