Master of Science in Secondary Education (Project SECOND)

Your Path to Teaching Starts Here!

Earn your teaching certification through BHSU’s Master of Science in Secondary Education. Project SECOND is an online secondary teacher certification program unique to BHSU that can be completed in one or two years. This program embraces the philosophy of theory into practice with active learning experiences supported through two practicums and student teaching.

Eligible students include those with a baccalaureate degree in a teachable content area with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or 27 credit hours in a teachable content area. Upon completing Project SECOND, students will be able to apply for secondary certification in their specific content field(s).

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100% Online

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Flexible 1 or 2-Year Options

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Affordable Tuition

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Why Choose Project SECOND?

Project SECOND offers a flexible, practice-driven pathway to secondary teacher certification designed specifically for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a teachable content area. This fully online program allows you to build on your subject-matter expertise while gaining the pedagogical knowledge and real-world classroom experience needed to teach with confidence.

Whether completed in one or two years, Project SECOND provides a streamlined, supportive route to certification including:

  • Fully Online Coursework, with in-person practica and student teaching.
  • Flexible Program Length: Complete the degree in one to two years.
  • Start Dates: Rolling admission to align with your timeline and goals.
  • Affordable Tuition: Competitive graduate tuition structured to support working educators.
  • Build on content knowledge through in-depth guidance and instruction in accessible online format.
  • No GRE Required

Apply Now

A smiling instructor guides four college-age students playing a card-based learning game around joined tables in a bright classroom with posters and large windows.

 

Curriculum

MS in Secondary Education Coursework

Secondary Coursework

Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Course offered
ED 622 Foundations of Education & Learning Theory 3 SU, SP
ED 728 New & Emerging Technologies for Schools 3 SU, SP, FA
EDFN 575 Human Relations 3 SU, SP, FA
INED 511 South Dakota Indian Studies 3 SU, SP, FA
MLED 580 Middle Level Methods of Teaching 2 FA, SP
SEED 508 Plan, Manage and Assess the Diverse 7–12 Classroom 3 FA only
SEED 550 Teaching Reading in the Content Area 3 SU, SP, FA
SPED 535 Characteristics & Exceptionalities of Adolescents 3 FA only
Total Secondary Coursework Credit Hours 23

Practicums

Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Course offered
EDFN 595 Pre-Admission Practicum 1 FA only
ED 695 Pre-Student Teaching Practicum 1 FA only
Total Practicum Credit Hours 2

Student Teaching

Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Course offered
SEED 688 Student Teaching 7–12 6 SP only
SEED 741 Curriculum & Instruction: Special Content Methods 3 SP only
EDFN 790 Seminar 1 SP only
Total Student Teaching Credit Hours 10
Grand Total Program Credit Hours 35

 

Careers & Outcomes

The M.S. in Secondary Education leads to:

· Certified 5-12 classroom teacher at the Master’s level

This program is ideal for individuals who have earned degrees in teachable subject areas and want to make a meaningful impact through teaching. By combining deep content knowledge with effective instructional practices, candidates learn how to engage students, design meaningful learning experiences, and foster academic success. Graduates leave prepared to teach in their content area while also developing skills that support long-term growth and leadership within the education profession.

 

Accreditation Information

The M.S. in Secondary Education is offered through the BHSU College of Education, whose educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation represents the highest standard for educator preparation and reflects a strong commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. This designation assures candidates and school districts that the program meets rigorous national standards for preparing effective literacy professionals. Earning your degree from a CAEP-accredited institution demonstrates that your preparation is grounded in research-based practices and aligned with the needs of today’s schools.

Military-Friendly Option

Black Hills State University is proud to support our military service members and civilians continuing their education and is a low-cost leader for servicemembers taking face-to-face classes in the region or online.  Active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians working at Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB), and dependents of active duty servicemembers stationed at EAFB can take advantage of special tuition rates of $250/credit hour for undergraduate classes and $300/credit hour for graduate classes.  These rates are applicable whether students are taking classes online, in Spearfish, or in Rapid City.  For more information about military pricing options and services, contact Greg Krajewski at Greg.Krajewski@bhsu.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • Online graduate studies application
  • Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor’s degree in a teachable content area or 27 credit hours in a teachable content area