Best institutions to study Secondary Education and Teaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations.
530 U.S. institutions graduated 10,339 Secondary Education and Teaching students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1205, a specialization of Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12), and leads most directly to the Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2031).
About Secondary Education and Teaching programs
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Secondary Education and Teaching program, part of Teacher Education and Professional Development, prepares individuals to teach students in secondary grades, typically from seven to twelve. This program is designed for those who aspire to become educators in various subjects, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster student learning and development.
Students in this program will develop core skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework often covers essential knowledge areas including education and training, psychology, and English language, enabling future teachers to adapt their methods to meet diverse student needs.
Credentials awarded
What Secondary Education and Teaching graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree5,513 graduates / yr · 272 institutions53%
- Bachelor's degree3,388 graduates / yr · 229 institutions33%
- Associate's degree747 graduates / yr · 72 institutions7.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate322 graduates / yr · 41 institutions3.1%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year153 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.5%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years141 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.4%
- Post-master's certificate46 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.4%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship29 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.3%
Graduates over time
Secondary Education and Teaching completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 15,159 |
| 2013 | 12,929 |
| 2014 | 11,871 |
| 2015 | 10,810 |
| 2016 | 10,381 |
| 2017 | 9,746 |
| 2018 | 9,587 |
| 2019 | 9,118 |
| 2020 | 9,005 |
| 2021 | 10,036 |
| 2022 | 10,650 |
| 2023 | 10,434 |
| 2024 | 10,105 |
| 2025 | 10,339 |
Top 50 institutions for Secondary Education and Teaching, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 661 | 43% | $21,535 | $40,682 |
| 2 | University of the People Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 320 | 34% | — | — |
| 3 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsMaster's | 194 | 68% | — | $47,331 |
| 4 | University of West Alabama Livingston, ALPublicMaster's | 183 | 35% | — | — |
| 5 | University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, ARPublicMaster's | 152 | 49% | — | — |
| 6 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 132 | 52% | — | $46,077 |
| 7 | Alder Graduate School of Education Redwood City, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 128 | — | — | — |
| 8 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 121 | 21% | $15,478 | $41,281 |
| 9 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 115 | 58% | — | $34,255 |
| 10 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 113 | 65% | $28,911 | $31,136 |
| 11 | Pennsylvania Western University California, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 104 | 52% | — | $38,237 |
| 12 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 102 | 51% | — | $49,475 |
| 13 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 101 | 43% | — | $41,744 |
| 14 | University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NEPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 100 | 47% | — | $41,326 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 100 | 86% | — | $45,795 |
| 16 | University of Massachusetts Global Aliso Viejo, CAPublicMaster's | 96 | 43% | — | $36,788 |
| 17 | University of Redlands Redlands, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 94 | 67% | $22,706 | — |
| 18 | Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MSPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 94 | 67% | — | $37,945 |
| 19 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 92 | 50% | $11,672 | $35,470 |
| 20 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 89 | 55% | — | $40,641 |
| 21 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster's | 88 | 0% | — | — |
| 22 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 86 | 88% | $29,023 | $46,445 |
| 23 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KSPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 83 | 71% | — | $44,320 |
| 24 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 83 | 87% | — | $41,080 |
| 25 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor's | 82 | 67% | — | $44,011 |
| 26 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 82 | 54% | — | $44,793 |
| 27 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALPublicBachelor'sMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 81 | 73% | — | $44,025 |
| 28 | William Carey University Hattiesburg, MSPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 81 | 60% | $17,205 | $39,520 |
| 29 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 78 | 78% | — | $46,646 |
| 30 | University of North Alabama Florence, ALPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 77 | 55% | — | $42,529 |
| 31 | Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, ALPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 74 | 55% | — | $41,384 |
| 32 | Point Park University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 73 | 59% | $23,704 | $35,540 |
| 33 | Wayne State University Detroit, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 71 | 58% | — | $47,939 |
| 34 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAssociate's | 71 | 30% | — | $19,581 |
| 35 | National Louis University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 69 | 30% | $18,904 | $40,484 |
| 36 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAssociate's | 67 | 27% | — | $16,902 |
| 37 | Portland State University Portland, ORPublicMaster's | 63 | 53% | — | — |
| 38 | Fort Hays State University Hays, KSPublicBachelor's | 61 | 48% | — | $42,112 |
| 39 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NYPublicMaster's | 60 | 59% | — | — |
| 40 | Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GAPublicMaster's | 59 | 64% | — | $47,513 |
| 41 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicBachelor's | 59 | 75% | — | $39,607 |
| 42 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 57 | 68% | — | $43,892 |
| 43 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicBachelor's | 53 | 80% | — | $46,765 |
| 44 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor's | 53 | 75% | — | $37,302 |
| 45 | American College of Education Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 53 | — | — | — |
| 46 | Western Oregon University Monmouth, ORPublicMaster's | 51 | 47% | — | $44,845 |
| 47 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAssociate's | 50 | 19% | — | $19,662 |
| 48 | Pace University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 50 | 60% | $29,994 | — |
| 49 | Troy University Troy, ALPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 48 | 50% | — | $42,788 |
| 50 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OKPublicMaster's | 48 | 40% | — | $41,943 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field (CIP 13.12) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 52 states & territories
Where Secondary Education and Teaching graduates come from. Each state links to all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2031, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Secondary Education and Teaching program typically pursue careers as secondary school teachers, with a median wage of $64,580. The job outlook indicates a slight decline of 1.6%, with approximately 66,200 annual openings, primarily requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1205
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educationprimary SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Secondary Education and Teaching programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
Tools and technology used
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12).
- Elementary Education and TeachingCIP 13.120242,176 graduates / yr1,131 institutions
- Early Childhood Education and TeachingCIP 13.121033,622 graduates / yr910 institutions
- Teacher EducationCIP 13.12069,066 graduates / yr279 institutions
- Teacher Education and Professional DevelopmentCIP 13.12996,107 graduates / yr191 institutions
- Junior High/CIP 13.1203
Intermediate/ Middle School Education and Teaching 2,728 graduates / yr273 institutions - Kindergarten/CIP 13.1209
Preschool Education and Teaching 1,689 graduates / yr113 institutions - Adult and Continuing Education and TeachingCIP 13.1201942 graduates / yr67 institutions
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational MethodsCIP 13.1213398 graduates / yr21 institutions
- Montessori Teacher EducationCIP 13.1207282 graduates / yr16 institutions
- College/CIP 13.1214
Postsecondary/ University Teaching 95 graduates / yr16 institutions - Online Educator/CIP 13.1211
Online Teaching 59 graduates / yr17 institutions - International Teaching and LearningCIP 13.1212limited data34 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Waldorf/
Steiner Teacher Education13.1208
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in learning strategies, critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
What subjects will I be able to teach?+
You may teach various subjects, including English, mathematics, or social studies.
What is the job outlook for secondary education teachers?+
The job outlook shows a slight decline of 1.6%, with around 66,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Secondary Education and Teaching?+
Secondary Education and Teaching is CIP 13.1205 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
How many institutions offer Secondary Education and Teaching programs?+
530 U.S. institutions reported Secondary Education and Teaching graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 52 states & territories, awarding 10,339 credentials in the year. That is 9.6% of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates.
How much do Secondary Education and Teaching graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation, which Secondary Education and Teaching most directly leads to, pays a median of $72,040 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field report median earnings of $41,934 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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