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Accredited Online Secondary Education (6-12) Degrees

Online Degrees Secondary Education (6-12)

Tony Huffman
April 23, 2026
Teaching adolescents requires a unique blend of subject expertise, communication skills, and adaptability. Middle and high school students are developing both academically and personally, and effective classroom teachers play a key role in supporting their student learning and overall development during this critical stage.

An online secondary education degree program prepares aspiring teachers to instruct students in grades 6 through 12, often focusing on a specific subject such as math, science, or English language arts. This degree allows you to combine your passion for a subject area with a rewarding career in the teaching profession.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 345 secondary education degree listings below.

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What Is Secondary Education?

Secondary education focuses on teaching students in middle and high school, typically grades 6 through 12.

Educator preparation for this level involves:

  • Teaching subject-specific courses such as math, science, or English language arts
  • Helping students build on foundational knowledge from earlier grades
  • Preparing students for college, careers, and productive professional lives
  • Supporting students through social, emotional, and adolescent development
  • Using specialized teaching strategies tailored to diverse learners

Unlike elementary education, which covers multiple subjects, secondary education emphasizes content expertise and subject-focused instruction.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

What You Can Do With a Secondary Education Degree

This degree prepares education students primarily for classroom teaching roles at the middle and high school levels.

Common career paths include:

  • Middle school teacher
  • High school teacher
  • Subject-area specialist (e.g., math, science, English language arts)
  • Career and technical education instructor
  • Education support roles such as tutoring or instructional coaching

Graduates may work in public schools, private schools, or alternative education settings.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

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Career Paths in Secondary Education

Secondary educators typically specialize in a particular subject area to develop lesson plans and instructional strategies that engage students.

Examples include:

  • Subject-Specific Teachers
    Teach disciplines such as math, science, social studies, or English language arts
  • Career and Technical Education Teachers
    Prepare students for specific careers like healthcare, skilled trades, or technology
  • Specialized Educators
    Focus on areas like English as a second language (ESL), special education, or physical education within secondary schools

These roles involve working with multiple groups of students throughout the day rather than one classroom.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Secondary education offers stable career opportunities with consistent demand.

  • Median annual wage for high school teachers was $64,580 in May 2024
  • Job growth is expected to be steady, influenced by student enrollment and education funding
  • Demand for skilled teachers who can support diverse learners and inclusive education remains strong

While opportunities vary by location, teaching remains a reliable and rewarding career path.

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Why Choose Secondary Education

This field is ideal for individuals who are passionate about a specific subject and enjoy working with adolescents.

Key benefits include:

  • Opportunity to teach subjects you are passionate about and develop critical thinking skills in students
  • Meaningful impact on students’ academic and personal development
  • Stable career with structured schedules and opportunities for professional growth
  • Pathways for specialization and advancement, including teacher certification and endorsements

What You’ll Learn in a Secondary Education Program

Programs combine subject expertise with teaching licensure preparation and instructional strategies.

Common coursework includes:

  • Educational psychology and adolescent development
  • Teaching methods for specific subject areas, including lesson plans and project-based learning
  • Classroom management and creating positive learning environments
  • Educational technology integration to enhance student engagement
  • Assessment and evaluation techniques, including summative assessments and evidence-based practices

Most programs also include hands-on student teaching experience in real classrooms to develop practical skills.

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Is Secondary Education Right for You?

This field is best suited for individuals who enjoy working with teenagers and teaching specific subjects.

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Have strong knowledge in a subject area and enjoy mentoring adolescents
  • Are patient, adaptable, and able to communicate complex ideas clearly
  • Are committed to fostering inclusive education and supporting diverse learners

Teaching at this level requires both subject expertise and strong interpersonal skills to promote student success.

Education Path and Degree Options

Most secondary education careers require formal education and teaching licensure.

Many programs allow you to specialize in a specific subject or grade range to meet licensure requirements.

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Certifications and Career Advancement

Teacher licensure is required for public school teaching roles.

Common requirements include:

  • Completion of an accredited program aligned with higher education accreditation standards (e.g., CAEP)
  • Passing state certification exams that assess professional knowledge and teaching skills
  • Supervised student teaching experience to demonstrate practical teaching abilities

Additional endorsements (e.g., ESL, special education) can improve job prospects and expand teaching licensure options.

GetEducated has many resources available to teachers, or those wanting to enter the profession.  Articles include:

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How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting a secondary education program, consider:

  • Whether it prepares you for teacher licensure in your state
  • Subject-area specialization options aligned with your career goals
  • Opportunities for student teaching and practical field experiences
  • Accreditation and program reputation to ensure quality educator preparation

Programs aligned with state certification requirements are essential for a successful teaching career.

GetEducated has many ranking reports for secondary education degrees:

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Cost of Secondary Education Degrees

Costs vary depending on the program and degree level.

  • Bachelor’s degrees typically require about 120 credit hours and take approximately four years to complete
  • Master’s degrees in secondary education average just under $19,000 but vary widely
  • Affordable online programs may cost under $15,000 in tuition

Additional costs may include licensure exams, certification fees, and materials for student teaching.

Compare Accredited Online Secondary Education Programs

Resources like GetEducated help you find programs aligned with your goals.

You can:

  • Compare accredited online secondary education degrees
  • Review tuition rates, program features, and transfer credit policies
  • Explore subject-area specializations and flexible online coursework options
  • Find programs designed for working professionals and aspiring teachers

Browse programs below to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a secondary education degree?

A secondary education degree prepares students to teach grades 6 through 12, focusing on specific subjects such as math, science, or English language arts.

What is the difference between secondary and elementary education?

Elementary education covers multiple subjects for younger students, while secondary education focuses on specific subjects for middle and high school students.

Do you need a degree to become a secondary school teacher?

Yes. At minimum, you need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and state licensure.

What jobs can you get with a secondary education degree?

You can work as a middle or high school teacher, subject specialist, or career and technical education instructor.

How much do secondary education teachers make?

Secondary teachers typically earn a median annual wage of around $64,000, with variation based on experience and location.

Is secondary education a good career?

Yes. It offers job stability, meaningful work, and the opportunity to teach subjects you are passionate about.

Is teaching high school difficult?

Teaching adolescents can be challenging due to developmental and classroom dynamics but is rewarding for those who enjoy mentoring young people.

Can you specialize in secondary education?

Yes. Most teachers specialize in subjects like math, science, English language arts, or social studies, with options for additional endorsements.

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