Secondary Education (Teacher Certification), MEd
Program description
The MEd in secondary education (teacher certification) is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach grades 6 through 12. The program builds on connections between educational design and decision-making and is designed to foster strong professional growth and leadership development.
All courses are offered remotely, and students select one of two modalities:
-
For our graduate degree programs leading to teacher certification, MLFTC offers students in Arizona the option to take classes in real time, remotely via ASU Sync. Regularly scheduled evening classes take place via Zoom, usually two nights per week. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion with top-tier faculty members and peers throughout Arizona.
Teaching residencies and internships will be completed at a school near you. Our Office of Professional Experiences will work with you to identify a placement at a school in your local area where a certified teacher will mentor you.
If you are currently working as a paraprofessional or classroom aide, you may be able to complete your professional experience at your school — pending access to a class and program alignment.
All placements must be approved by MLFTC’s Office of Professional Experience.
- ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Students completing their program through ASU Online must apply and be admitted to the Online campus.
This program can be taken in three continuous semesters allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students can also enroll part-time over additional semesters.
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty actively engage in the educational research community, bringing new and relevant knowledge into the program. Students engage in their own research through applied project coursework, deepening their knowledge and improving their practice through research, critical evaluation and application of education concepts.
A series of professional experiences assist students in developing a thorough understanding of teaching and learning as they apply knowledge from their coursework in varied school settings. Individualized guidance through the clinical framework provides students with the support they need to become effective educators.
This program offers two routes leading to Arizona teacher certification:
- In the traditional certification route, students conduct one internship or teaching residency per semester, for at least three semesters. Students begin by completing an internship in a local school and then progress to a full-time teaching residency.
- The alternative certification route provides an alternative pathway to teacher certification for individuals who are currently employed full-time by a school as a teacher of record. To qualify, individuals must secure a full-time teaching position in an approved content and grade level.
The coursework is the same in both certification routes and culminates in an applied action research project in which students apply what they’ve learned to address a challenge in their classroom.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in Secondary Education, 6–12. To be eligible for secondary certification in Arizona, students must:
- Pass the appropriate Arizona educator subject knowledge exam, as well as the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
OR - Have a conferred bachelor's or master’s degree with the content area listed in the degree title, and receive a passing score on the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more about professional licensure: https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure
At a glance: locations and start dates
*Students completing their program through ASU Sync must still apply and be admitted to the ASU Tempe campus.
Next steps to attend ASU
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in Secondary Education, 6–12.
To be eligible for secondary certification in Arizona, students must:
- Pass the appropriate Arizona educator subject knowledge exam, as well as the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
OR
- Have a conferred bachelor's or master’s degree with the content area listed in the degree title, and receive a passing score on the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more about professional licensure
International students: If your intention is to obtain certification in your country, please consult with your certification or licensing agency prior to enrolling at MLFTC.
Career outlook
Graduates of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College are highly sought teachers in public, charter and private education institutions. Students gain skills in teaching, conducting research, utilizing technology and collaborating in teams — all of which prepare them to succeed in educational careers working with learners in grades 6-12.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Cost and aid
Admission requirements
You must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
You must also have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor's program). If you don't meet the GPA requirement, you may be eligible for provisional admittance or a non-degree pathway.
International students (students who reside outside of the U.S.):
- Are eligible for master's degree programs that do not lead to teacher certification.
- Are not eligible for master's degree programs that lead to teacher certification.