About The Secondary & Special Education Department

The Department of Secondary and Special Education  Departmentprovides degrees for students  who want to teach in a middle, junior high, or high school, or teach in a variety of special education settings. You can also add an autism certificate to enhance any degree.   

Teacher and student.

Explore Our Secondary & Special Education Programs

Mar 1st
Oct 1st
New Students
Application deadlines

Secondary Education Degrees

Art Education

The Bachelor of Science in art education prepares students to qualify for teaching licensure for grades 7-12 (K-12 endorsement also available). Curriculum is designed to give students a background in general education, as well as secondary education. Students can also focus on a single studio area.

Dance Education

The dance education program is dedicated to preparing students to teach, create, and perform dance at the highest level. Students participate in a rigorous Bachelor of Science degree program focused on developing exceptional dance artists and outstanding dance teachers dedicated to the art, craft, creativity, and teaching of dance

Music Education

The Bachelor of Science in music education degree provides students with the  competencies essential for a professional career in music secondary education.

ASL & Deaf Studies Education

Students are prepared to become ASL and Deaf studies teachers.

Earth Science Education

The Bachelor of Science in earth science education (BS-ESED) is an 
interdisciplinary degree program that combines the geology core with the secondary education professional licensure program. This program prepares graduates to teach earth science concepts in secondary education after gaining foundational skills. $10,000/year scholarship available!

P.E. Teacher Education

Graduates from the Physical Education K-12 Teacher Education (PETE) program 
will be prepared to meet all standards for Utah licensure for K-12 physical education.

Biology Education

Students who successfully complete both the UVU professional teacher education program and meet licensure requirements will receive a baccalaureate in science degree in biology education and a level-two endorsement in biology. This will allow them to teach biology in grades 9-12 as well as middle school science in grades 7 and 8. $10,000/year scholarship available!

English Education

The English education degree prepares students to teach English in grades 6-12 in Utah public and private schools. UVU’s English Education Program is recognized statewide for its outstanding reputation.

Physics Education

Prepares the student to teach high school physics and AP physics. The  program allows students to supplement their studies with extra courses in physics or other  sciences through elective upper-division credits. $10,000/year scholarship available!

Business/Marketing Education

The business and marketing education curriculum prepares students to teach business, marketing, and information technology in secondary schools. Students interested in teaching can pursue a Bachelor of Science in business and marketing education and a secondary teaching license through a joint program offered by the Department of Information Systems and Technology and the School of Education.

Health Education

The school health education program prepares individuals to teach health in junior high and high school settings. Graduates are qualified to work in both public and private schools and must obtain state-issued certification or licensure.

Spanish Education

This four-year degree prepares students to teach Spanish in secondary  education settings (grades 7-12). Students take major courses from the Department of  Languages and Cultures and licensure courses through the School of Education.

Chemistry Education

Students who complete this degree receive endorsements to teach chemistry. There is a great demand for teachers in chemistry, and employment opportunities are excellent. $10,000/year scholarship available!

History - Social Studies Education

The Bachelor of Science in history and social sciences education prepares teacher candidates to meet the Utah Effective Teaching Standards (UETS) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards in history and social sciences education

Theatre Education

The Bachelor of Science in theatre education prepares students with core 
knowledge of the practice and history of theatre as well as the state and national 
standards for secondary school teaching and directing. Theatre courses prepare students  to teach middle and high school students in performance, theatre history, script analysis,  and design and production

Computer Science Education

The computer science education program is designed to teach students principles of computing as well as pedagogical theories to facilitate learning in the fields of computer science and web programming.

Math Education

The secondary education - mathematics major is designed for students who plan to teach mathematics at the middle, junior, or high school levels, or for graduate studies in the field. The degree will prepare students to become state-certified to teach the subject at any secondary level and help to address shortages of secondary math  educators in Utah. $10,000/year scholarship available!

 

Why Choose Secondary & Special Education at UVU?

Career-Ready Training

Gain hands-on classroom experience through early field placements, student teaching, and real-world lesson planning.

Stackable Credentials

Seamlessly progress from initial licensure to advanced endorsements, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced educators and school leaders dedicated to mentoring the next generation of teachers.

I love the Secondary Education program at UVU. I have found my place because of the welcoming and supportive environment. The faculty and staff's number one priority is student success, and it shows. In the School of Education we get amble in-classroom experience, which makes me feel prepared to enter the work field. I chose UVU because of the School of Education, and I will forever be grateful to be a wolverine. I love being apart of the UVU School of Education!
 
- Kenzie Jones, Junior, Math Education

Career opportunities with a secondary & special education degree

Licensure in Secondary & Special Education opens up the following opportunities:

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

Become an Elementary School Teacher

Inspire young learners by creating engaging classroom experiences that build strong academic and social foundations.

Become a Special Education Teacher

Empower students with diverse learning needs through individualized instruction and meaningful support.

Become an Instructional Coach

Elevate teaching quality by mentoring educators and supporting effective classroom practices across a school.

Become an Educational Administrator

Lead schools and programs with vision, collaboration, and a commitment to high‑quality learning for all students.

Become a Curriculum Specialist

Shape learning outcomes by designing and refining curriculum materials that bring instructional goals to life.

Become an Education Consultant/Specialist

Support schools and organizations by providing expert guidance that enhances instruction, programs, and student success.

Get a career as a Corporate Trainer

Facilitate professional growth in business settings by designing and delivering impactful learning experiences for adult learners.

Get a career as a Nonprofit Youth Program Director

Strengthen community impact by leading programs that support youth development, enrichment, and educational opportunity.

1st

Most affordable teacher training programs in Utah.


24%

Of our secondary and Special Education students are First Gen students.


$59,811

Median starting salary for K-12 teachers.

Student Resources

UVU offers a wide range of student resources designed to support your success, from academic advising and tutoring to wellness services, accessibility support, and personalized guidance through the Student Success Center. Whether you’re exploring programs in the School of Education or navigating your academic journey, these resources connect you with the tools, support systems, and campus experts that help you thrive at every step.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff of UVU's Secondary and Special Education department have combined expertise in a variety of areas to successfully prepare you to excel in a career as a secondary teacher, a special education teacher, or in Autism Studies. Our faculty love teaching, both working with our students at UVU and preparing you to work with students and clients in your career.

Explore: Education Faculty and Staff

Secondary Education department faculty.

School of Education advisors

Advisors

Advisors in the School of Education foster an inclusive partnership empowering students by co-creating clear plans for success. Through personalized guidance and connections to campus resources, advisors help students overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the self-direction they need to succeed in their future careers in education.

Explore: Education Advisors

News & Events

Need Credentials? We've Got You Covered

UVU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing that our programs prepare effective, continuously growing educators and meet rigorous national standards. This accreditation affirms UVU’s strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and high‑impact teaching practices that support future educators in building meaningful, well‑prepared careers. As a UVU School of Education student, you can be confident that your training meets the highest professional benchmarks and is designed to help you thrive in today’s dynamic educational landscape.

Learn about: Accreditation

Start Your Secondary & Special Ed Journey

Take the first step toward teaching and inspiring classrooms with hands-on, practice-based training.

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