Why study Secondary Education?
Teaching offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the world. Secondary education in particular is a field where professionals are able to shape the lives of adolescents and guide them through some of the most transformative years of their development. As a secondary educator, you are granted the unique and rewarding opportunity to help shape the minds of our collective future. Additionally, its a job that grants you creative freedom in how your classroom operates. Working in secondary education allows to to stay up-to-date with advances in technology and practice, which serves as a strong foundation if you choose to migrate into administrative work later in your career. Finally, teachers are always in demand, making it a very secure profession to pursue.
Selecting the right university for your secondary education degree may seem daunting. As an aspiring teacher, the program you select will not only shape your academic experience but also your teaching style, career opportunities, and personal growth. With many excellent programs to choose from nationwide, this article will break down the defining features of some of the top education schools in the U.S. —opening with information on the university, then narrowing in on details such as program reputation, field experience opportunities, financial aid, and alignment with your career goals—so you can make a confident and informed decision about where to begin your future in education.
Vanderbilt University (Peabody College) – Nashville, TN
Vanderbilt is a private university in beautiful Nashville Tennessee. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an acceptance rate of 6%, this selective university grants students the ability to have close connections with professors and thus a deeper connection with their learning.
Known for its commitment to education reform and innovative teaching practices, Peabody College at Vanderbilt equips students with a plethora of hands-on learning opportunities. Vanderbilts secondary education program allows students to begin observing classes at middle and high schools as early as freshman year. Students may direct their studies towards English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or the Social Sciences. Students are also paired with a first-year student advisor, and later transferred to faculty advisors, to aid in their transition to college while fostering strong relationships with faculty.
Interested in learning more? Check out Vanderbilt University's website.
University of Michigan (School of Education) – Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan was founded in 1817 making it the oldest university in the state. Their acceptance rate is 18%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.
University of Michigan’s secondary education programs emphasize experiential learning, research, and a deep understanding of educational theory. Students in this three-term program can pursue certification alongside their bachelor’s degree, starting typically in their junior year. Teaching interns gain hands-on experience, engaging in classroom teaching and educational fieldwork in Michigan schools, while benefiting from a cohort model that supports collaborative learning and professional development.
Interested in learning more? Check out the University of Michigan's website.
University of Wisconsin–Madison (School of Education) – Madison, WI
The University of Wisconsin is a public University located next to the stunning Lake Mendota. This institution emphasizes the necessity of higher education being employed as a tool for creating change outside of the classroom. Their acceptance rate is 43% and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1
Known for strong research and teacher training, the BS-Educational Policy Studies program, part of UW–Madison's top-ranked School of Education, emphasizes content mastery alongside fieldwork to ensure that graduates are well-equipped for classroom settings. The Education Studies Major can be completed on its own, or added as a second major alongside a field of expertise. UW-Madison also offers the Teacher Pledge, which guarantees coverage of tuition and related expenses for those who commit to teaching in Wisconsin public schools post-graduation!
Interested in learning more? Check out University of Wisconsin’s website.
Columbia University (Teachers College) – New York, NY
Columbia University was founded in 1754. As a private university, it has an acceptance rate of 4% and an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1.
As one of the oldest and most respected education schools in the U.S., the Teachers College offers diverse secondary education graduate programs that heavily emphasize urban education and equity. These programs are designed to foster collaboration across disciplines, including curriculum design, educational policy, and inclusive education.
The Teachers College offers over 100 unique programs across four core areas of study: education, health, psychology, and leadership. Programs pertaining particularly to secondary education are English Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, Intellectual Disability/Autism, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and finally Teaching of Social Studies.
Interested in learning more? Check out Columbia University’s website.
University of Washington (College of Education) – Seattle, WA
The University of Washington is located in the beautiful, bustling city of Seattle, Washington, where there is no absence of new places to explore. UW has an acceptance rate of 43% and student to faculty ratio of 20:1.
University of Washington’s College of Education is ranked #4 nationally as the best public school for education. Their undergraduate program, the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) focuses on social justice-centered education and prepares students for work in a myriad of unique environments. This cohort-style program also grants students many opportunities to get involved with classes in the Seattle area, promoting a balance of theory and practice in an urban environment.
Interested in applying? Check out University of Washington’s website.
University of California - Los Angeles (Graduate School of Education & Information Studies) – Los Angeles, CA
Nestled between the heart of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific coastline sits the renowned UCLA. This university has an acceptance rate of 9% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.
The core mission of UCLA’s Education and Social Transformation Major is structured around the belief that education is a powerful tool for social justice. Students explore the intersection of education, law, and social policy to better understand and address educational disparities. With an emphasis on equity and community engagement, this major aims to develop graduates who can advocate for meaningful educational reform and positively impact policy and practice in diverse settings.
This major is particularly designed to build students’ skills in critical analysis, data interpretation, and policy evaluation, empowering them to become proactive leaders in educational and social transformation.
Interested in learning more? Check out University of California’s website
Michigan State University (College of Education) – East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University has an 84% acceptance rate, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. As of this year, 5 of MSU’s educational programs have been awarded #1 national rankings from U.S. News & World Report's Best Education Schools. The awarded programs are Elementary Teacher Education, Secondary Teacher Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, and Higher Education Administration.
The secondary teacher education program underlines the importance of fostering leadership abilities through a justice-oriented lens. Students may choose one of five areas of focus: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or World Languages.
Interested in learning more? Check out Michigan State University's website.
Northwestern University (School of Education and Social Policy) Evanston, Illinois
Just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, you can enjoy a smaller-town feel at Northwestern University while still being comfortably close to bustling Chicago. Their acceptance rate is 7% and student to faculty ratio is 6:1.
Northwestern University's Secondary Teaching program, housed within the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP), prepares students for teaching in Illinois and emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical experiences. The program requires two critical placements: a school practicum and full-time student teaching, typically completed in the senior year. Students may also pursue additional endorsements, such as in English as a Second Language (ESL) or bilingual education, by completing specific courses.
Interested in learning more? Check out Northwestern University’s website.
Selecting the right university for you is a decision that requires careful thought and research regardless of what field you plan on entering. As a future educator, it's important to consider what values and practices you would like to uphold throughout your career and search for a program that reflects that. Whether you prioritize hands-on teaching experiences, a focus on social justice, or opportunities for specialization, the university you choose will shape your journey.
