Secondary Education

The University of Central Missouri has been preparing teachers to enter the classroom with competence, confidence and care since 1871. Enroll in one of our time-tested yet forward-thinking Secondary Education teacher training programs to change generations of young people’s lives and build a rewarding career as a high school educator.

Our Secondary Education degree programs lead to Missouri teaching certification for grades 9–12 in your chosen content area. We emphasize hands-on learning with generous time on site in our partner high schools in rural, suburban and urban settings. Work closely with our expert faculty to develop your leadership and teaching skills as you gain mastery of the content.

Carry forward the UCM tradition of teaching excellence

• Agriculture: Hands-on learning in critical agricultural areas such as mechanical system repair, agronomic research and plotting cattle futures will build your foundational skills in the field while your coursework will train you in effective, modern teaching methods.
• Biology: Translate your curiosity about how the world works into engaging science curricula. You’ll learn how to connect with students using a wide range of educational technology and science equipment in UCM’s well-equipped labs.
• Business: Experiential learning and personalized instruction will help you uncover your passion for the systems that enable innovation for a better tomorrow. Learn the pedagogy, management, economics, software and marketing skills that will equip you to train future generations of business leaders.
• Chemistry: UCM’s hands-on, minds-on education will engage you in the classroom, lab and field. You’ll be supported by the latest technology and caring faculty as you master the content area and learn effective, research-based methods for teaching science.
• Earth Science: Qualify to teach an in-demand subject with extensive relevance to students’ daily lives. Work closely with peers and faculty as you learn how to create engaging science curricula, using proven methods and emerging technology.
• Engineering and Technology: Teach future generations to imagine! UCM’s program will qualify you to teach pre-engineering and traditional industrial technology classes nationwide. You’ll gain knowledge and skills in design, materials, communications and power and energy.
• English: Enhance your love of literature by using it to inspire others. Using proven pedagogy and modern tools, you’ll learn to help students navigate and embrace traditional, digital and multimedia literacy.
• Family Consumer Sciences: Learn how to teach one of the most in-demand subjects in a program with more than a century of proven excellence. Coursework in everything from nutrition to textiles, expert faculty guidance and the opportunity to teach in a diverse array of school settings will qualify you to teach grades K–12. Graduates of this AAFCS-accredited program enjoy 100% job placement.
• Mathematics: Ignite your students’ curiosity — and enhance their future prospects — by engaging them in the dynamic, far-reaching potential of mathematics. Deepen your own understanding of the content area while learning the most effective teaching strategies.
• Physics: In small, hands-on classes, you’ll engage with powerful questions about how the world works while learning how to be an effective and inspirational science educator.
• Social Studies: Help young people understand the importance and power of becoming an engaged citizen. UCM’s nationally accredited program provides training in social studies literacy, classroom management, assessment, technology and methods, supplemented by highly individualized guidance.
• Speech Communication and Theatre: Learn how to step into leadership roles in the classroom and on the stage with this versatile UCM program. You’ll prepare to teach speech communication and theatre in learning environments that include schools, as well as career and continuing education centers.