English Education/Secondary Education Major, B.A.

General Information:

Bachelor of Arts

The objectives of the English major are that students will:

• develop sophistication in critical thought and inquiry through the reading and discussion of literature and learn to use language effectively and rhetorically in both expository and creative writing (Academic);
• realize the inherent value of literary scholarship and excellence in written and spoken expression, be prepared for graduate work, teaching, and other relevant professions, and connect these skills and pursuits to a sense of personal calling (Vocational);
• recognize and understand the role of both Christian faith and biblical truth as they inform and enrich the study of literature, rhetoric, and the art of composition (Christian);
• appreciate the influence of literature and rhetoric in American history and of the Classics in the formation of American national identity, and develop a capacity for careful thought and expression which manifests as an informed and resolute desire to engage in civic responsibility (Patriotic);
• understand the propensity of language and literature to edify, enlighten, and refine by contextualizing the human experience and communicating cultural values and assumptions (Cultural).
   

Students completing a major in English/Secondary Education and requirements for state certification shall have: 1) a theoretical and practical knowledge of educational principles; 2) a broad knowledge of the English discipline, including practice in methodology and pedagogy; 3) a theoretical and applied knowledge appropriate to teaching in a multicultural, pluralistic society; 4) a thorough understanding of a teacher’s responsibilities within the classroom, school, and community. 

English Education/Secondary Education Requirements: 88 credit hours

General Education Courses Specified by Major:

• PSY 273 - Educational Psychology

Required Content Courses: 30 credit hours

• ENG 203 - Foundations of Literary Studies
• ENG 383 - Adolescent Literature
• ENG 393 - Advanced Grammar
• ENG 413 - Teaching Composition
• ENG 423 - History of English Language
• ENG 3003 - Classical and Christian Epics

Required Professional Courses: 42 credit hours

• EDU 200 - Introduction to Clinical Practice
• EDU 201 - Classroom Observation and Participation
• EDU 203 - Psychological Development of the Child and Adolescent
• EDU 213 - The Call to Teach, An Introduction to Teaching
• EDU 303 - Education of the Exceptional Learner
• EDU 333 - Analysis in Curriculum & Methods of Teaching
• EDU 353 - Instructional Interventions
• EDU 393 - Methods of Teaching Literacy in the Secondary School
• EDU 423 - Educational Assessment & Data Based Decision Making
• EDU 441 - Classroom Leadership
• EDU 453 - Trauma Informed Classroom Management
• EDU 4202 - Implementation of Secondary School Best Practices
• EDU 4233 - Best Practices in Teaching English
• EDU 45V - Student Teaching (11 credit hours)

Additional Required Courses: 7 credit hours

• ENG 401 - Portfolio

Required Collateral Course: 9 credit hours

Note:

All Elementary and Secondary Majors should apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by the end of their fourth semester. Standards for admission include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; 2) Minimum of 18 ACT Composite score or SAT equivalent OR state passing score on the ETS Parapro Exam; 3) 30 semester hours course work completed and at least one (1) consecutive semester at College of the Ozarks.

Students must apply for permission to enroll in student teaching during the semester prior to placement. Authorization requires: (1) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; a minimum 2.5 GPA in content area coursework; and a minimum 3.0 GPA in professional education coursework; (2) completion of all certification requirements in at least one teaching field; (3) a minimum grade of C- in all required content and professional education courses; and (4) a passing score on the required content-specific Praxis exam(s) prior to student teaching.

For teaching certification to be recommended, the College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards in effect at the time of program completion must be met.

College of the Ozarks students who completed the professional educational programs for teacher certification had a 100% pass rate on the prescribed state licensure tests for 2024-2025.