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Programs Requiring a Second Major

Students planning to major in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education are required to have a second, non-education major. Through this non-education major, students are expected to develop in-depth knowledge in an academic subject. The following list of non-education majors has been identified as particularly appropriate for students whose primary major is secondary, elementary, or early childhood education. However, the non-education major may be any major offered through the College of Arts and Science.

Early Childhood Education Program Teaching License with PreK - Grade 3 Endorsement
Any second major is required.

Elementary Education Program—Teaching License with K-6 Endorsement
Second majors that are particularly appropriate include:

Interdisciplinary Majors:

  • Language and Literacy Studies
  • Natural Science Studies
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics/Science Studies
  • Second Language Studies

Single Discipline (from Peabody College):

  • Child Development
  • Child Studies 
  • Cognitive Studies
  • Human and Organizational Development
  • Special Education 

Any major in the College of Arts and Science 

Secondary Education Programs Teaching License with a Subject Area Endorsement for Grades 7-12
The following non-education majors are particularly appropriate for secondary education majors because they may lead to teaching endorsement areas for grades 7-12.

  • Biological Sciences
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Economics *
  • Political Science *
  • Psychology (9-12) *
  • History
  • Sociology (9-12) *
  • English
  • Mathematics

Note: History and English majors should consider qualifying for a second endorsement to increase employment opportunities.   Additionally, areas with an * are required to include an endorsement in history.