Minor in Secondary Education

Secondary Education Minor | Undergraduate

Overview & Purpose: Preparing World-Class Teachers for an Interdependent World

The Secondary Education Minors degree program is a four-year bachelor's degree with a minor in education offered in the Howard University School of Education (HUSOE). Education minors are offered in: English Education, Math Education, Music Education, Social Studies, World Language Education (Spanish), and Theater.

Housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), the Secondary Education program is aligned with professional standards and the department's mission to prepare teachers and other professionals for leadership roles in a variety of national and global educational settings. The Department specifically champions the needs of black and other underrepresented students in urban communities. Asset-focused teaching methodologies and interdisciplinary coursework prepare candidates to (a) think and reflect critically; (b) analyze and solve problems; (c) make ethical decisions; (d) translate theory and research into effective practice; and (e) understand self, history, and community. The ultimate aims of the programs in the Department are to: (1) develop graduates who engage in optimal teaching and facilitate optimal learning for all students and (2) influence educational policies, practices, and outcomes. Programmatically, the Secondary Education Minor features a dynamic urban education model that is grounded in cutting edge empirical research and best practices for addressing the educational needs of underserved children and youth, especially African American and other children of color in urban and other diverse settings. The theoretical framework that undergirds the model is a dynamic blend of developmental perspectives that focus on critical issues such as cultural competency, identity development, contextual learning, asset-based instruction, motivation, self-advocacy, and other key factors associated with high-achieving youth. The theoretical framework reflects common research and practice perspectives, including engaging parents, families, and other key community stakeholders, with a vigorous intent to eradicate vestiges of racism and other debilitating factors.

The secondary Education Minors program leads to teacher certification in the minor area, for grades 7-12. Candidates enrolled in the following majors are eligible to complete the certification sequence: English, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Spanish, and Theatre Arts. Music Education students also complete this sequence.

 

• Degree Classification: Undergraduate
• Related Degrees: B.S.
• Program Type: Minor
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

In order to be granted admission into the Secondary Education Minors program, candidates must:

• Pass Praxis I* or Praxis Core Scores in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (or equivalents) as required by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) in the District of Columbia
• Declare Secondary Education as an intended minor (after passing Praxis tests) in their Department (not required for Music Education)
• Attach a current unofficial transcript to this application
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their major
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in education courses (minimum of 3 credits)
• Have at least a "C" or above in all education courses, and
• Submit a completed application (including Personal Statement and Test Scores) to the Office of Teacher Education by June 15 for Fall admission and November 15 for Spring admission.

Before being admitted to the Secondary Education Program, candidates must acknowledge that:

• An interview is required for admission (usually completed during the first day of the Reading Period)
• A second interview is required before completing the internship (usually completed during the first day of the Reading Period)
• An unpaid full-time teaching internship is required (typically completed during the final semester), and
• OSSE testing requirements for your major, such as Praxis II (Content) and Principles of Learning and Teaching are required for graduation clearance.

Degree Requirements

Please refer to Plan of Study for Secondary Education Minors for details about Degree Requirements.

Caution to Prospective Students

The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification."