B.S. Secondary Education | Indiana Wesleyan University

Bachelor's in Secondary Education

If you want to teach in public or private schools at the secondary level, the BS in Secondary Education at Indiana Wesleyan University was designed for you. This program is designed to help students qualify for teacher licensure in middle- and high schools in Indiana. Upon completion, students can gain the knowledge to teach the major disciplines to diverse classrooms of learners. At our Christian university, you can discover how to integrate biblical principles with the teaching methods you learn in this secondary education degree program.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Secondary Education at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your BS in Secondary Education at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by faculty with experience as teachers and administrators in secondary schools. We also provide comprehensive student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this secondary education degree program. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.

What Will I Learn in this BS in Secondary Education Program?

The courses in this secondary education degree are designed to help students meet the qualifications for licensure in Indiana. The student experience combines traditional coursework with collaborative projects and theological studies for a holistic, Christian-rooted education. Course topics cover psychology, teaching methods, writing, sociology, and more.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Secondary Education faculty bring extensive experience in online teaching, curriculum development, and diverse learner support. Dr. Anastasia Kenrick specializes in online education, pedagogy, and learning disabilities, with over a decade of experience in higher education and curriculum development. Abby Dutcher, an IWU Ed.D. graduate, serves as an associate professor and contributes to innovative program development. Additional faculty, including Carlisle Haskovec, bring practical classroom experience and a commitment to preparing effective educators. Faculty are dedicated to supporting students both academically and professionally.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office for Online and Seminary students by phone at 765-677-2516 or by email at iwufinaid@indwes.edu. Most inquiries receive a response within 24–48 hours.

This online secondary education program emphasizes practical, research-based instruction that can be immediately applied in the classroom. Courses are intentionally designed to prepare candidates for real-world teaching, with a strong focus on instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement.

The program prepares students for licensure as secondary education teachers in grades 6–12 or P–12 subject areas. Graduates may pursue careers as classroom teachers in public, private, or charter schools. Additional career pathways include instructional coaching, reading intervention, special education support roles, and educational leadership positions.

Courses are intentionally sequenced to build teaching expertise, culminating in the student teaching experience. Student teaching provides the most comprehensive preparation, allowing candidates to apply their knowledge in a real classroom setting.

Recent alumni examples are currently being gathered. One notable graduate, Abby Dutcher, completed her doctorate and now serves as an associate professor, contributing to the field of education.

Graduates often move into licensed teaching roles, frequently transitioning from paraprofessional or support positions into full-time classroom teaching. Due to the national demand for teachers, graduates have strong employment opportunities.

Students complete clinical field experiences throughout the program, culminating in a 14-week student teaching placement. These experiences are designed to provide meaningful, hands-on practice in real classroom environments.

Coursework is delivered fully online. However, clinical observations, field experiences, and student teaching must be completed in person at approved school sites.

Most courses are completed in approximately 6-week terms.

Students typically take one to two courses at a time, depending on their schedule and capacity.

Students progress independently rather than in a formal cohort model.

Yes. Students engage with peers through discussion boards, class forums, and faculty-led interactions that foster a sense of community.

Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous format, allowing flexibility for working adults. Instructors often offer optional live office hours for additional support.

Students should expect to spend approximately 12–18 hours per week on coursework, depending on the course and assignments.

Students follow a structured course sequence but may take courses out of sequence after completing initial requirements. Flexibility is built into the program to support working adults.

Most Transition to Teaching (TTT) students complete the program in approximately 18–24 months, depending on prior coursework and scheduling.

Yes. Programs typically offer three main start periods each year (Winter, Summer, and Fall), with multiple start options within each term.

Students connect with an academic advisor to develop a degree completion plan. They also receive access to onboarding resources, orientation materials, and optional Q&A sessions to support a smooth start.

Students have access to academic advising, faculty support, tutoring resources, technical support, and pastoral care through IWU’s iCare services.

Yes. Students receive mentorship from faculty and cooperating teachers during field experiences and student teaching.

Yes. Clinical field experiences and student teaching function as hands-on internships within real classroom settings.

Transfer credit is typically not accepted for Transition to Teaching programs due to licensure requirements.

While professional experience does not typically translate into credit, many students bring relevant experience from working in educational settings.

Yes. Practicum experiences are embedded throughout the program, and student teaching serves as the culminating capstone experience.

This program combines practical, classroom-ready training with a Christ-centered approach to education. Students are prepared not only to meet licensure requirements but also to teach with purpose, compassion, and excellence.

Students who are passionate about teaching, committed to lifelong learning, and motivated to serve others thrive in this program. Strong time management and a willingness to engage actively in coursework are key to success.

IWU is deeply committed to student success. Faculty and staff work closely with students to support their academic journey while recognizing the demands of balancing work, family, and education.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program through biblical integration in coursework, discussion boards, prayer opportunities, and faculty support.

This online P–12 teacher licensure program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become licensed teachers in specialized content areas. Eligible fields include Visual Arts, Music (instrumental and vocal), Physical Education, Theater Arts, and Computer Education.

No prior teaching license is required. This program is intended for individuals seeking initial teacher licensure in a P–12 content area.

Students complete field-based experiences throughout the program, followed by a full-time, 14-week student teaching placement. These experiences are completed in approved school settings and provide hands-on teaching practice under the supervision of experienced educators.

This program is aligned with Indiana state licensure requirements. Upon successful completion of coursework, field experiences, and required content-area exams, candidates are recommended for a P–12 teaching license in their chosen subject area.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Indiana Wesleyan University students are assessed multiple times as they progress through the Teacher Education Program and acquire the knowledge, skills and dispositions required of successful educators.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a 3.0 in each teaching major, including teacher education courses. All professional education courses completed with a grade of C- or less must be repeated.
- Formal application.
- Teacher Education Program Assessments: interview; reading and writing on demand assessments.
Admission to student teaching. Students apply for admission to student teaching a year prior to the academic year in which the student teaching semester occurs.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major.
- Design a lesson plan that is assessed by a School of Teacher Education faculty member using an assessment rubric that is expressly designed for that purpose.
Students apply for admission to student teaching a year prior to the academic year in which the student teaching semester occurs.

Graduation Requirements

The student teaching semester culminates with the following assessments:

Students develop a standards-based portfolio during the student teaching semester, assembling artifacts in five different domains that provide evidence that they have met the standards and expectations required of them. The portfolio is assessed with a rubric designed expressly for that purpose.
Student teachers develop a Teacher Work Sample that is designed to determine the degree to which their teaching has been effective in producing the learning expected of their students.
As the concluding activity of the student teaching semester, a defense committee, consisting of the student's supervising teacher, School of Teacher Education faculty, other University faculty and practicing P-12 teachers, conducts an interview with each student teacher. The student teacher is assessed on his or her professional impression and also the degree to which he or she answers questions successfully.

Accreditation

The student teaching semester culminates with the following assessments:

Students develop a standards-based portfolio during the student teaching semester, assembling artifacts in five different domains that provide evidence that they have met the standards and expectations required of them. The portfolio is assessed with a rubric designed expressly for that purpose.
Student teachers develop a Teacher Work Sample that is designed to determine the degree to which their teaching has been effective in producing the learning expected of their students.
As the concluding activity of the student teaching semester, a defense committee, consisting of the student's supervising teacher, School of Teacher Education faculty, other University faculty and practicing P-12 teachers, conducts an interview with each student teacher. The student teacher is assessed on his or her professional impression and also the degree to which he or she answers questions successfully.

B.S. Secondary Education Degree

Bachelor's in Secondary Education

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Secondary Education at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this BS in Secondary Education Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Fees

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

Take the Next Step

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