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Secondary Education Concentration in Education
A secondary education concentration prepares students to teach adolescents in grades 7-12. It builds on the education program core and adds courses focused on subject-area methods, adolescent development, and secondary classroom management.
Quick Answers
What is a secondary education concentration in education?
A secondary education concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that prepares you to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover adolescent development, subject-specific teaching methods, secondary classroom management, and content-area literacy.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Subject-specific instruction for grades 7-12
- Key career: According to the BLS, Secondary School Teachers earned a median annual wage of $72,040 (May 2025)
- Job outlook: 66,200 annual openings, -1.6% growth (2024-2034)
- Employment: 1,072,540 secondary school teachers nationally (BLS, May 2025)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Adolescent Development | Cognitive, social, and emotional changes during the secondary school years |
| Subject-Specific Methods | Teaching strategies tailored to your content area (math, science, English, etc.) |
| Secondary Classroom Management | Strategies for managing larger classes and diverse adolescent learners |
| Content-Area Literacy | Integrating reading and writing skills across subject areas |
| Assessment and Grading | Designing tests, rubrics, and formative assessments for secondary students |
| Student Teaching (Secondary) | Supervised classroom experience in a middle or high school setting |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Secondary education is typically offered as a bachelor’s concentration. Educators deciding on a grade band often compare it with the elementary education concentration, while those focused on subject design may prefer curriculum and instruction.
Next Steps
- See how this specialization is delivered in our online education format guide.
- Browse online colleges offering education programs.
- Considering a related field? Explore the social work program.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.