Why This Program
Inspire positive changes in grade 7–12 students as a dedicated, compassionate, and effective teacher. The two-year Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Secondary Education degree at Northampton Community College allows you to explore the teaching profession and discern whether to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution or use your skills to work in tutoring and private teaching roles.
Study on the Bethlehem or Pocono campus and take advantage of online options for most courses. In your field experience, you’ll gain a firsthand understanding of classrooms, students, and teaching.
*Please make sure when applying to Northampton Community College that you select the correct program
Program Details
Semesters: 4
Credits: 62-69
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: Bethlehem | Fully OnlineProgram Overview:
Complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in preparation to teach English, a foreign language, history, social studies, or science at the high school level (grades 7–12). Apply your learning in public school classrooms and work alongside students at various levels of cognitive development. The secondary education major empowers you to create effective, compassionate classrooms, and it equips you to complete a teacher certification program in a specific subject for middle and high school education.
Program Information
Earning a hands-on, high-quality secondary education associate’s degree at NCC—with the option to study primarily online—can save you thousands of dollars! By completing your first two years of study at NCC’s low-cost tuition rates, you’ll gain both the academic experience and the financial stability to transfer to a four-year institution to complete your bachelor’s degree and teaching licensure.
Learn more about transferring to education programs at more than 100 nearby schools in Pennsylvania, including:
- East Stroudsburg University
- Kutztown University
- Bloomsburg University
- Moravian College
- DeSales University
- Cedar Crest College
In hands-on public school environments, you’ll apply your learning about child development, observe classroom dynamics, and cultivate strategies for teaching students at various levels of cognitive development. Through your field experiences, gain competence in teaching diverse students, handling issues of equity, and celebrating cultural differences.
Learn more about the required paperwork to participate in field experience.
NOTE: Students must obtain all background clearances and other documentation in order to do the field work component of each education course – the field work in schools is integral to success in these courses.
If you are a Pennsylvania resident, our Education Department can help you navigate the necessary background checks and other paperwork involved in the secondary education major and working toward your teaching certification.
If you live outside of Pennsylvania or intend to complete an internship outside of the state, you should review the requirements on your state’s board website to make sure that NCC’s program qualifies. While you will complete the same background checks and Mandatory Student Paperwork for in-state field experiences, you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in your home state.
Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state’s professional licensing board, could result in loss of licensing eligibility. If you need help or have questions, please contact the Program Director.
