English Secondary Education BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
- English Language and Literature
- Special Education
4 Years
Program Overview
Turn your love of reading and writing into a powerful teaching career. You’ll get real classroom experience, complete licensure requirements for grades 6-12 and graduate ready to lead a classroom of your own.
What you’ll do in the English Secondary Education BA program:
- Study literature, writing, language, and pedagogy
- Take courses in grammar, linguistics, rhetoric and literary theory
- Learn to teach writing and literature in grades 6-12
- Observe teachers in the field and complete hands-on classroom experiences
- Choose from three concentrations based on your teaching goals
To earn your English Secondary Education BA at UNC, you’ll complete 46-55 credits of English major coursework plus 33 credits of Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) requirements, depending on your chosen concentration. Total degree: 121-124 credits.
- English Language and Literature Concentration: 55 credits of English coursework with advanced literary theory, plus teacher licensure for grades 6-12
Degree requirements – English Language and Literature Concentration
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education Concentration: 46 credits of English coursework plus 21-credit CLD endorsement for working with multilingual learners
Degree requirements – CLD Education Concentration
- Special Education Concentration: 52 credits of English coursework plus 18-credit Special Education minor to support exceptional learners
- English Minor
Study literature, language and ideas across time and cultures. This 18-credit minor strengthens your ability to think critically, write clearly and understand the human experience.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
- English Language and Literature Concentration – Licensure: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Four-Year Plan – English Language and Literature Concentration
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration – Licensure: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Four-Year Plan – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration
- Special Education Concentration – Licensure: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
Concentrations
Customize your English Secondary Education BA with a concentration that fits your teaching goals.
- English Secondary Education BA – English Language and Literature Concentration
Ready to inspire the next generation of readers and writers? This concentration provides the deepest dive into English content, preparing you to teach everything from Shakespeare to contemporary young adult literature.
Study classic and contemporary literature, advanced literary theory and criticism, grammar and linguistics and writing. Complete 55 credits of English coursework alongside your teaching preparation, gaining expertise in both content and pedagogy through classroom observations and student teaching.
You’ll learn to:
- Analyze literature through multiple lenses and approaches
- Teach writing from foundational grammar to advanced composition
- Design curriculum that connects classic texts to modern student experiences
- Create inclusive classrooms that celebrate diverse voices and perspectives
Perfect for students who love literature and want to share that passion while making texts accessible and relevant to all learners.
Teaching License: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)
- English Secondary Education BA – CLD Education Concentration
Want to ensure every student succeeds, regardless of their language background? This concentration combines English teaching with specialized training in multilingual education and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Complete 46 credits of English coursework plus a 21-credit CLD endorsement including linguistics, ESL methods and multilingual education philosophy. Gain hands-on experience through a specialized CLD practicum alongside your student teaching, learning to support English learners while teaching grade-level content.
You’ll learn to:
- Adapt literature and writing instruction for multilingual learners
- Understand language acquisition and how it impacts learning
- Design culturally sustaining curriculum that values all students’ backgrounds
- Use ESL strategies to make complex texts accessible to diverse learners
Teaching License: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12) with CLD Endorsement
- English Secondary Education BA – Special Education Concentration
Committed to seeing every student access the power of literature and writing? This concentration prepares you to teach English to students with diverse learning needs, from dyslexia to autism to emotional disabilities.
Complete 52 credits of English coursework plus an 18-credit Special Education minor. Learn to adapt curriculum, modify assessments, and use assistive technologies while maintaining high expectations. Your coursework includes behavioral support strategies and specialized instruction methods alongside traditional English pedagogy.
You’ll learn to:
- Modify literature discussions and writing assignments for diverse learners
- Use assistive technology to support reading and writing development
- Implement IEP accommodations in English Language Arts settings
- Create inclusive classrooms where all students can engage with assigned texts
Teaching License: English Language Arts (Grades 6-12) with Special Education preparation
Why English Secondary Education at UNC?
16 Weeks of Student Teaching
You'll gain hands-on classroom experience throughout the program, culminating in a full-time 16-week student teaching placement.
~100% Job Placement
Almost 100% of our English secondary education graduates secure teaching positions after graduation
50% of Colorado’s Teachers
More than half of Colorado’s educators earned their degree from UNC, including 18 Colorado Teacher of the Year awardees.
Your Career Path in Education
From your first year to your final semester, you’ll be actively engaged in real classrooms, starting with guided observation and culminating in a full 16-week student teaching placement. You’ll be placed in classrooms across Colorado, learning alongside experienced mentor teachers.
After graduation, you’ll be prepared to apply for your Colorado teaching license in English Language Arts for grades 6–12 and ready to lead a classroom with confidence.
Get Involved Beyond the Classroom
Future Teacher Club
Join a student-run community that offers resources, professional development and networking for future educators. The club hosts workshops, creates opportunities to connect with peers and supports an inclusive group of students passionate about teaching.
To get involved, please reach out to us on Instagram @unco_futureteacherclub or email our Director of Communication, kope4409@bears.unco.edu.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Teacher Education
First initiated as a teacher’s college in 1889, UNC has education in its DNA. As a student in teacher education, you’re following in the footsteps of the best teachers in Colorado, and you’ll be well-prepared to blaze your own trails nationally.
- teacher.education@unco.edu
- 970-351-2908
- McKee Hall 216