College of EducationSecondary EducationPrograms Overview

Bachelor in Secondary Education

Bachelor’s of Education - Secondary Education

Accepting Applications Starting: Thu May 1, 2025

Typical Length 4 years

Delivery Campus-Based

Nationally Accredited

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Licensure

The Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education (BEd-Secondary) is designed for students who wish to obtain eligibility for license to teach grades 6-12 in a content area. The program offers a cohesive, standards- and field-based experience that encourages teacher candidates to integrate educational theory and practice in cooperating secondary schools. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be recommended to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) for initial teacher licensure.

UH Mānoa Freshman and Sophomore students can declare their major and enter the College of Educationʻs (COE) pre-licensure track by going to: Mākālei.

“Be proactive about your education. Take every opportunity. Be seen, and be hungry. Don’t just sit in the background because this is your journey and your future…”

Daniel Pavao STE Secondary Education Student

Student

Pavao
Common Careers

Graduates of this program become teachers in secondary educational institutions, both public (Hawai‘i Department of Education and Public Charter Schools) and private.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be recommended for licensure to teach 6-12th grade in a subject field in the state of Hawai‘i. The STE Secondary Program offers teaching majors in the following fields:

  • Languages
    • Chinese*
    • French*
    • German*
    • Hawaiian
    • Japanese
    • Latin*
    • Philippine Languages*
    • Russian*
    • Spanish
  • Other Academic Majors
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Music
  • Social Studies
    • American Studies
    • Anthropology
    • Economics
    • Geography
    • Hawaiian Studies
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
  • Sciences
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Earth Science*
    • General Science
    • Physical Science
    • Physics

*These majors are dependent upon the availability of mentor teachers.

Career and Licensure Information

Program graduates teach in public schools 6-12, private schools, and alternate education settings. Program graduates also pursue graduate degrees in education and other fields.

Once completing an initial teacher licensure program, graduates are eligible to apply for a state license through the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board, which will allow the licensee to teach in public and charter schools in the State of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i also participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among states that are members of NASDTEC. UHM recommends you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most current information. See NASDTEC website for more information.

Admission Requirements

2.75 cumulative GPA (2.50 cumulative GPA for Math and Science)

2.75 academic major GPA (2.50 academic major GPA for Math and Science)

Complete 55 credits prior to beginning the program. The credits can be from UHM and/or approved transfer credits from another institution.

Complete UHM General Education Core Requirements prior to the start of program. Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the UHM General Education Core Requirements with possible exceptions (see an academic advisor).

Complete Licensure-Track Prerequisite Courses

Complete all Academic Major Courses

Complete 40 hours of paid or voluntary group leadership field experience with 6-12th grade students. The experience cannot have occurred more than 5 years prior to acceptance into the program.

Interview with the program

Write a personal statement

Provide Three (3) Professional References


How to Apply
Application Deadlines

New cohorts start only in Spring semesters. Application deadlines are as follows:

  • International Students: September 1 (refer to the International Admission Process for detailed information)
  • September 1: General Priority Deadline
  • October 1: General Final Deadline

How to Apply
Coursework

Students are admitted to the BEd-Secondary program after completing the majority of their academic major content courses. Requirements include completion of the General Education Core specified for education majors, a major in a teaching field, foundations and methods courses in secondary education, and student teaching, for a minimum of 120 credits.

  • General breakdown of program of study, Course + (Focus Requirements)
    • Term 1 (Spring)
      • STE 401: Engaging the Adolescent Learner (WI)
      • STE 402(N): Teaching Practicum, Supervised Field Experience, 2 days/week + Seminar
      • STE 440: Curriculum Implications of Multicultural Education (H, WI)
    • Term 2 (Fall)
      • STE 402(Alpha): Teaching Practicum, Field Experience, 2 days/week + Seminar
      • STE 404(Alpha): Teaching in the Subject Field (WI)
      • SPED 445 Educating Exceptional Students in Regular Classrooms, Secondary
    • Term 3 (Spring)
      • STE 405(Alpha): Teaching Residency, Supervised Full-Time Teaching, 5 days/week (O)
      • STE 406: Seminar in Teaching Residency (E, WI)
    • Take anytime prior to Term 3
      • EDEF 310: Education in American Society
      • EDEP 311: Psychological Foundations of Education
Tuition & Funding

This program charges $471 per credit for residents and $1389 per credit for non-residents. See full UH tuition schedule for more information.

See the following sites for funding information:

Contact

Please complete the Request More Info form and we will connect you with someone who will be happy to answer your questions, provide more detailed information, and assist with the application process once admissions open. It is highly recommended that all prospective students meet with a College of Education Academic Advisor in the Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS). Visit their website to schedule an appointment.