Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

The second bachelor’s degree in secondary education is designed for students who have earned their first bachelor’s in a subject taught in secondary schools. They can complete this degree and take the courses needed to qualify for licensure to teach in middle schools and high schools. Students who have already completed requirements for a bachelor’s degree and who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree and/or teacher licensure must have a GPA of at least 3.00 in the last 60 credits of academic work.

Qualifying subject areas include chemistry, English, geography, history, health education, mathematics, physics, biology, theater arts, certain foreign languages, and more. Since each student’s academic background is different, they will need to see an advisor for more information on approved teaching areas and to create an individualized plan of study.

The length of time required to complete the program varies, but if students have already completed the coursework required for an approved teaching major and minor in their first bachelor’s degree, they will only have to complete the teacher education courses and student teaching, which takes approximately three semesters. Typically the program takes longer than this, as most students need to take additional courses in their chosen teaching major area or complete a teaching minor in its entirety.

University policy requires that students seeking a second BS or BA degree must obtain a minimum of 30 semester credits from USU. Students receive a second BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a second BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages. 

Education Component:

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

Some courses may be waived due to previous coursework.