Elementary teacher giving a high five to one of her school age students sitting in the desk in the teaching classroom.

Teaching: K - 12 and Secondary Programs

The K-12 and Secondary Programs (KSP) offer undergraduate and graduate pathways to initial licensure for teaching in K-12 and 5-12 classrooms. We provide advanced programs for current educators seeking a graduate degree and for new students aiming to obtain their initial teaching degree.

Careers in K-12 and Secondary

Enhance your career with specialized coursework designed to strengthen and broaden your skills and knowledge as an educator.

  • Teacher
  • Museum Curator and Archivist
  • Computer Instructor
  • Direct Services Provider
  • Technology Integrationist*
  • Instructional Designer*

Median Salary

$64,580

The median annual wage for Teachers and Instructors in May 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. *Requires a graduate degree.

K - 12 and Secondary STEM Teaching Programs - Undergraduate

Chemistry Teaching, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Teaching provides students with dynamic classroom and lab experiences while preparing them to translate their learning into a school setting. This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories. This degree is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (asbmb.org) and the American Chemical Society (acs.org).

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Earth Science Teaching 5-12, Bachelor of Science 

Earth Science Teaching 5-12 provides students with the background knowledge and training to acquire teaching licensure in the state of Minnesota in Earth and Space Science.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Earth Science Teaching 5-12 program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Life Science Teaching 5-12, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Life Science Teaching allows students to utilize their passion for the natural world in the classroom. This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories. The State of Minnesota grants science teacher licensure for grades 9-12 Life Science and grades 5-8 General Science.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Life Science Teaching 5-12 program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Physics Teaching, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Physics Teaching provides a strong foundational knowledge of physics laws and principles, while pairing with an educational curriculum to prepare students for working in a school setting. This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories. The Physics Teaching Bachelor of Science prepares students to teach physics in middle and high school settings.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Physics Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Mathematics Teaching, Bachelor of Science

The primary focus of the Mathematics Teaching program is to prepare students to teach mathematics at the middle and secondary levels as well as prepare students for advanced study in mathematics and teaching.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

K - 12 and Secondary Language and Humanities Teaching Programs - Undergraduate

Communication Arts and Literature Education, Bachelor of Science 

Students are prepared to teach English and Speech/Communication in grades 5-12. Students complete courses from English, Communication Studies, and Education on lesson, course and program preparation. 

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts and Literature Education program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Minor

The minor prepares undergraduate students to teach English learners in a variety of U.S. and international contexts, including K-12 and higher education.

French Teaching, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in French Teaching along with appropriate teaching licensure courses prepares students to teach French in a K-12 setting. Students learn high proficiency in French language and cultural studies, along with real-world communication skills. This student-centered program is an immersion-based learning environment that encourages the open exchange of ideas, instills awareness of cultural differences, and encourages a deeper understanding of events, institutions, and traditions. 

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in French Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

German Teaching, Bachelor of Science

Accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the German Teaching program prepares student to teach in the K-12 environment. This degree requires additional instruction offered by the College of Education as well as courses in professional language teaching methods for use in the K-12 classroom.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in German Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Spanish Teaching, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Spanish Teaching is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and prepares you for a career in teaching K-12 Spanish with a focus on Spanish language and culture.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Spanish Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

K - 12 and Secondary Arts, Health and Applied Studies Teaching Programs - Undergraduate

Art Teaching, Bachelor of Science

Art Education is dedicated to preparing passionate artists for careers as K-12 educators while fostering the development of conceptual understanding, attitudes and skills in the visual arts within a liberal arts-focused university curriculum.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Art Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Music Education Instrumental General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science

This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. The program prepares future educators to confidently lead instruction in brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments—combining musical expertise with hands-on teaching experience.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Instumental / General Music Education K-12 program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Music Education Vocal General Music K-12, Bachelor of Science

This degree is a pathway to teacher licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students build the skills to teach music in a variety of settings, from public to private K–12 schools. Students gain confidence leading large and small vocal ensembles, choral ensembles, solo vocal repertoire and teaching general music classes—developing the skills to inspire and engage learners through every facet of vocal music education.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Vocal/General Music Education K-12 program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Health and Physical Education, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education major prepares future educators for teaching students in Health (grades 5-12) and Physical Education (grades K-12) about how to live a physically active and health enhancing lifestyle.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Physical Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE), Bachelor of Science

The Physical Education-DAPE major prepares teacher candidates to effectively teach PK-12 students, with and without disabilities, about physical literacy to ensure these students have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.

Family Consumer Science Education, Bachelor of Science

The Family and Consumer Science (FCS) education program prepares students to teach FCS in grades 5–12. As part of the Career and Technical Education field, this program emphasizes practical, real‑world skills that support healthy living and empowers individuals and families to thrive and manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society.

Core content areas include:  

  • Relationships and Human Development
  • Nutrition, Wellness and Culinary Skills
  • Apparel, Interior Design and Family Housing
  • Financial Literacy and Resource Management

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Science Education program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

K - 12 and Secondary Social Studies Teaching Programs - Undergraduate

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Anthropology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in anthropology.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Economics

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in economics.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Geography

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in geography.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–History

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in history.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Political Science

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in political science.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in psychology.

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Sociology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in sociology. 

 

Licensure:
The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching program prepares students for professional licensure/certification. Licensure requirements vary by state. Minnesota State University, Mankato complies with U.S. Department of Education licensure disclosure requirements (MSU Policy webpage). Review the Licensure and Certification Disclosure page for state-specific licensure information. 

K - 12 and Secondary Programs - Graduate

Education, Master of Arts in Teaching

Unlock your future as a transformative educator with our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Designed to equip you with the skills and credentials needed for initial licensure, our program prepares you to inspire and lead in 5-12 and K-12 classrooms.

Teaching and Learning, Master of Science (online)

Elevate your teaching career with the Teaching and Learning M.S. degree, designed to enhance your skills in teaching, technology, and leadership. This program is perfect for teachers who aspire to broaden their knowledge, boost classroom performance, and better serve every learner. Join us and take your expertise to the next level.

Curriculum and Technology, Graduate Certificate

Enhance your teaching with the Curriculum and Technology Graduate Certificate! Designed for educators, this program equips you with research-based strategies to integrate curriculum and technology for diverse learners. Gain the skills to create equitable, student-centered learning experiences while advancing your career and classroom impact. Take the next step in innovative education—enroll today!

Additional Resources

Education Minnesota: Aspiring Educators

Education Minnesota Aspiring Educators is a pre-professional organization that connects you with resources, networks, and leadership opportunities to support your journey from student to teacher.

Exploring Teaching Careers Learning Community

Passionate about education? Join our learning community where future secondary, elementary, and special education teachers build their teaching skills and professionalism. Develop a strong sense of community, commitment, and a deeper understanding of the teaching profession.

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Teaching and Learning Faculty and Staff

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Empowering learners, fostering collaboration, promoting reflective practice, and respecting diversity are values that the College of Education carries in serving our students.

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