English Secondary Education

About the Major

English education majors develop both analytical and creative thinking skills and gain many transferable skills, including attention to detail, interpreting media, and understanding how people communicate through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, film, and speaking. You will be able to apply what you learn through methods of teaching and learning with children from 5th through 12th grades. You will be in the field early during your studies and will be able to start learning in actual community classrooms. This major fully equips you to teach your own class of diverse students in any urban, suburban, or rural school.

Skills and abilities this major develops include: writing, critical thinking, communication, meeting deadlines, developing cultural competency, teaching, lesson planning, and inclusivity (IUPUI School of Education, 2019).

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student Organizations

Students interested in education tend to be a passionate bunch. We are home to a number of organizations dedicated to different facets of teaching and education.

Service Learning

You can add to your built-in student teaching experience through community engagement. From service projects to conferences, you get a head start on lifelong learning.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is much more than a trip—it’s an intellectual and cultural adventure that will change the way you see the world, other people, and yourself.

Opportunities After Graduation

Most graduates with an English education major teach in public or private middle or high schools. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2017), the outlook for secondary education teachers is projected to grow 6% from 2014 to 2024, which is an average pace. IUPUI School of Education graduates have many opportunities to work in the area after graduation, especially in the Indianapolis Public Schools district. There is a high demand specifically for English teachers.

The average starting salary for IUPUI School of Education graduates was $40,411, and the median salary was $41,000 for the May 2019 graduating cohort. The median salary of a high school teacher in Indiana was $53,130 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2019).

(This section is intended for information purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

English education majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: administration, English language, law, reading, special education, business, school counseling, psychology, educational administration, and higher education.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

English courses
Windows on education
Examining self as teacher
Using computers in education
Diversity and learning
Teaching students with special needs
Field experience
Teaching and learning in high school

Possible Careers

Adult literacy teacher
Academic advisor
Education administrator*
Guidance counselor*
Instructional coordinator
Nonprofit management
Social worker*

*These career options require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Carmel Clay Schools
Community and social services
Community Health Network
Human resources
Indianapolis Public Schools
Nonprofits

Complementing Interests

SSocial

CConventional

AArtistic

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

IUPUI School of Education

National Education Association

American Federation of Teachers

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

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