Secondary Education, 7-12

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As an aspiring Secondary Education teacher, you will play an important role in shaping the futures of high school students. You'll not only share knowledge in specific subjects but also serve as a mentor and role model for your students. You'll help students develop critical thinking skills by creating an exciting learning environment, leading discussions, and offering guidance.

Our Leading Teacher Program in Secondary Education (7-12) prepares you with in-depth knowledge of your subject area and provides you with the skills and strategies to captivate and motivate your students in your classroom in Pennsylvania or in many other states. We blend professional education with academic content in:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
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Program Information

Our Leading Teacher Secondary Education (7-12) programs prepare you for grade 7-12 classrooms in Pennsylvania and many other states.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

126

Prepare for Your Future Classroom

As a student in our program, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable PreK- 12 classroom experience starting your first year. Through over 200 hours of fieldwork in diverse school settings, you will have the chance to observe and participate in PreK-12 classrooms in one of our 75+ partner schools before student teaching.

B.S.Ed. Secondary Education student Mwango Kasuba wearing a football sweatshirt and necklace outside on campus with autumn trees in the background.
Secondary Education student Mwango Kasuba shares his experience of the many inspirational teachers and student teachers at Baldwin High School who attended Duquesne when he was a student at Baldwin High School. Mwango particularly valued the impact of then-student teacher Olivia Stumpo, E’22, who currently serves as a graduate assistant for the Duquesne women’s basketball team. “Duquesne alumni were the standout teachers,” he said. “They connected to students on a personal level and had great leadership qualities.” Reflecting on his current field experience and future classroom Mwango shares, “As a future teacher, I always consider the different strategies they use that I can incorporate in how I teach,” he said. “That keeps me engaged.” Learn about Mwango's experiences in the classroom.

-Mwango Kasuba | B.S.Ed. Secondary Education & B.A. History student

Great Education, Great Value

We are committed to providing students with a high-quality education at an affordable price. A Duquesne University education is an investment in your future. This investment will prepare you to reach the height of your career and provide a meaningful return on your investment.

Up to $10KEducators of Impact Scholarship

Apply for the Educators of Impact Scholarship which ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. Deadline to apply: January 15, 2025.

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Dual Degree

Take your experience to the next level with a dual degree. This unique opportunity allows you to enhance your teaching practices and strategies while deepening your knowledge in your chosen academic discipline. By earning a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education in your concentration alongside a B.A. or B.S. degree in your academic discipline, you'll be well-prepared to excel in the field of secondary education.

50%Towards Tuition

Our 50% Tuition Scholarship is offered to full-time, first-year and transfer undergraduate School of Education students who start their studies in 2024.

Two undergradaute dual certification in special education students discussing lesson at curriculum center table in library.

Dual Certification

Through our Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification you can become certified in both Middle Level and special education in Pennsylvania. Meet the diverse educational needs of middle school students in multiple school settings including students with disabilities, challenging behavior and social and emotional needs.

75+School Districts

We work with over 75 school districts in the Greater Pittsburgh Region

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Student Teach Abroad

We are the only school in Pittsburgh to have a partnership with Indiana University’s Global Gateway for Teachers Program, in which we offer various student teaching abroad and other cultural immersion opportunities.

Photo of School of Education teacher in curriculum center with puppets in foreground and bookshelves in background

Curriculum Center

Transform the learning and developmental experiences of K-12 learners through the resources in our Curriculum Center – a collection of PreK-12 educational resources designed for our campus community that works with children.


The High School Classroom

  • Plan and deliver lessons following the curriculum.
  • Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for students.
  • Foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning in students.
  • Incorporate technology and other teaching aids to enhance learning.
  • Manage classroom behavior and maintain discipline.
  • Assess student progress through assignments, tests, and projects.
  • Provide support and guidance to students with their academic and personal development.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and administrators to support the overall educational goals of the school. 

5-Year Early Start Education Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs offer early start options for School of Education undergraduate students, as well as all undergraduate students across the University. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in a master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate. 

School of Education undergrad students can start graduate studies in:

Undergrad students across the University can start graduate studies in:

The School of Education offers early start options for students who have demonstrated a strong academic background (GPA > 3.0) to begin graduate work during their undergraduate time at Duquesne University.

Other undergraduate students across the University who are in good academic standing (GPA >3.0) and are interested in pursuing or exploring an education degree and/or a teaching certification can begin to take courses as juniors or seniors in our graduate teacher education programs.

We welcome you to connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Hear from Our Alum

School of Education B.S.Ed. Secondary Education alumni in graduation attire holding two diplomas smiling in front of fountain on campus on a blue sky day

I've been encouraged to facilitate instruction in new ways that allowed me to develop the confidence to create a classroom that is both welcoming & inclusive...confident in my ability to foster a classroom where students are excited ...and am able to help students grow one step closer to achieving their dreams

Amber DiMaria B.S.Ed. Secondary Education '24 | M.S. Education Administration '24
School of Education B.S.Ed. Secondary Education alum Ezekiel Daure smiles and gives a thumbs-up with diploma in-hand and commencement crowd behind him

Duquesne's School of Education has effectively allowed me to make meaningful relationships with my students and impact them in positive ways. Without the School of Education, I would have never met some of the amazing students I have.

Ezekiel Daure B.S.Ed. Secondary Education '23

Learning Together in a Highly Accredited Program

Featured content

CAEP logo

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Our Secondary and K-12 Education programs are guided by Pennsylvania's state standards and by standards of national professional organizations. Walking alongside you, our Secondary Education faculty will work with you to address professional standards in respective content areas through coursework, projects and implementation of the standards in your fieldwork.

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National Council for the Social Studies

The Social Studies content area of our Secondary Education program is nationally accredited by its respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA), the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).

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National Council of Teachers of English

The English content area of our Secondary Education program is nationally accredited by its respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

The Mathematics content area of our Secondary Education program is nationally accredited by its respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

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Admission & Aid
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Admitted Students

Take the next step to become the teacher you are meant to be! Visit us on campus, complete your financial aid forms and enroll today.

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Admitted Students

Take the next step to become the teacher you were meant to be! Visit us on campus, complete your financial aid forms and enroll today.

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Undergraduate Education

Michelle Gapsky

Director of Enrollment and Engagement

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