Make a difference when it counts.
Middle school education majors explore the unique challenges and rewards of teaching students aged 10-14. UMSL’s middle school degree program is highly regarded in the surrounding educational community and, due to the limited number of students choosing this major, employment prospects are good.
Program type:
Major, BSEd
Format:
On-Campus
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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education -
Middle School Education Emphasis
The BS in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Middle School Education, is a small, personalized program that combines the child-centered philosophy of elementary certification with a content specialization more typical of secondary certification. Middle school majors earn certification in one or more content areas for grades 5-9: math; science; communication arts or social studies.
Students gain skills and insights that can be applied as innovative educators, managers and directors, program planners and curriculum developers. You’ll have the opportunity to earn specific credentials, as needed, and to pursue academic minors related to your individual career goals.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to improve and enhance student learning; integrate technology to create meaningful student learning within the context of a global digital society; apply content and pedagogical knowledge to create authentic and deep learning experiences; use learning science principles to design, implement and evaluate curriculum based on learning standards; design and establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social and personal development of all students; and use equitable frameworks and inclusive practices to create a variety of instructional and assessment opportunities adapted to diverse learners to encourage all students’ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.
Employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow up to 4% to 2029, with a median annual salary of $61,320, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Career Opportunities
- Classroom Teacher, Middle School
- Classroom Teacher, Junior High School
Plan of study
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Download 4-Year Academic Map
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an education major:
- EduCATE: Collegiate Association of Teachers and Educators
- Kappa Delta Pi, Mu Iota Chapter
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Internship opportunities
The College of Education hosts many centers and initiatives that enhance student experiences in our programs and work with more than 36 different public, private and charter schools throughout the region. We also sponsor eight charter schools.
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
