Program Description

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Secondary Education Option

The Secondary Education program will put you on track to become a competent, caring, and qualified teacher in grades 7-12. If you are considering  teaching  culturally and linguistically diverse adolescent populations, this program is a great way to start. ​​

In addition to foundational education courses, the Secondary Education Program allows students to take courses in areas they may wish to teach. Such areas include:

• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth Science
• English
• History
• Math
• Physics

 Upon completion of the program at BCC, students receive an AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an Option in Secondary Education. Students must transfer to a four-year college, complete an appropriate bachelor’s degree and meet other requirements in order to obtain initial New York State middle and secondary certification. Many BCC graduates transfer to Lehman College to continue their studies in education programs there.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Liberal Arts & Sciences program requirements, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
2. Evaluate and analyze a range of artistic, historical, literary and philosophical works.
3. Examine the formation of individual and group behavior, and social institutions and processes.
4. Develop an ability and a cultural context for communication in a language other than English.
5. Communicate effectively through written and oral forms.
6. Demonstrate informed critical thinking.
7. Engage in quantitative reasoning and scientific inquiry.
8. Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultures.

Upon successful completion of the Secondary Education Option requirements, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical, sociological, and philosophical developments in American education research and theory.
2. Apply observational skills and reflective practice to assess child development in appropriate learning environments for all adolescents.
3. Effectively communicate and demonstrate knowledge and skills that support effective partnerships in schools, with families and in communities.
4. Identify pedagogical techniques, multiple measures of assessment, appropriate technologies and classroom management strategies to meet the needs of all learners in adolescent learning environments.

To learn more about the Secondary Education program, including degree requirements, please see the college catalog here.

Curriculum Coordinators: Dr. E. Langan & Dr. J. Todaro

Note for Non-Majors:

Students who are not enrolled in the AA Liberal Arts and Sciences, Secondary Education Option, may also enroll in the secondary education foundational courses (EDU 70 & 71). Students should consult with their advisor about applicability of these courses to any elective area that may be available.