English Major — Secondary Teacher Education Track (6-12)

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Benefit from our unique approach: We combine teacher preparation courses and student-teaching experience with courses in writing, literature, and literary theory.
  • Develop expertise in English and writing and prepare to be an engaging and resourceful English teacher.
  • Gain more student-teaching experience than any other Maine-based teacher preparation program.
  • Excel with academic advising and professional development — from course selection to the student teaching internship.
  • Research and write about the study of literature, as well as non-literary works such as film, television, fashion, and ritual.
  • Immerse yourself in impactful events including our faculty lecture series, the Stonecoast Creative Writing Conference, the annual O’Brien Poetry Event, and Celebrate Writers.
Student teacher leans over table with 5 seated elementary school students.

Extensive classroom experience

We provide practice with grades 6-12 early and often — you’ll start working with students in your first year. During your final year-long student teaching internship, you’ll gain experience in two grade levels.

A student writing on a whiteboard.

Flexible career options

Upon graduation, you’ll qualify for teacher certification in public school grades 6-12 through the Maine Department of Education. Nationally accredited, our Maine certification qualifications are transferable to many other states.

A teacher writes on a whiteboard with their students.

Program requirements

Share your enthusiasm for writing, literature, and education — prepare to teach middle or high school. We provide a rigorous, authentic learning experience, ensuring you graduate with a solid knowledge base in the English classes you’ll teach.

Logo for CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation)

National accreditation & state approval

Our Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and state-approved by the Maine Department of Education.

An aerial view of the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Diverse, expert faculty

You’ll study with faculty in both Education and English. This unique approach ensures a superior background in educator preparation and mastery of writing, literature, and literary theory.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

A student teacher smiles at a group of K-12 students in the classroom.

Teacher education program options

Interested in another content area or grade level? We offer 9 different tracks for teaching STEM and liberal arts to middle and high school. You can also major in general education for grades K-6, or prepare to teach world languages, visual or performing arts for PreK-12.

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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