Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Education (5-9)

Kids at any age are great to work with, but there is something special about those middle school years. At this pivotal time in students’ lives, it’s essential that they are guided by educational role models that can help them succeed in school and in life. Is that you?

Our middle school teaching program will give you an excellent, well-rounded foundation in education, enabling you to direct your course of study toward your specific career goals with specializations in mathematics, science, English/communication, social studies, and special education. With your bachelor’s degree in education, you’ll also have an opportunity for field study during your 12-week practicum at one of several schools within the district. University of the Cumberlands has great junior high partnerships, which can help maximize clinical experiences and provide UC students with relationships for seeking employment.

• What is a Middle School Education Degree?
• What Can You Do with a Middle School Education Degree?
• How to Become a Middle School Teacher
• Curriculum and Degree Requirements
• Tuition
• Admission Requirements
• Accreditation EPSB and CAEP
• Faculty

What is a Middle School Education Degree?

A program in middle school education prepares educators for teaching success during one of the most chaotic periods of transition in the lives of young learners: middle school. The right program will offer insight into the minds and learning needs of middle school-aged students, preparing these aspiring teachers for careers in public and private school settings. Coursework for this teaching degree will cover foundational coursework for every discipline available to middle school students with opportunities to amplify skills in professional education, such as in technology, literacy topics, child and adolescent development, diversity, classroom management, and more.

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What Can You Do with a Middle School Education Degree?

Use your degree in middle school education to pursue jobs and career opportunities as a middle school teacher, where the average 2030 annual salary came in at $61,320. Specific career and job opportunities can include:

• Teaching in middle or junior high schools
• Tutoring at-risk students
• Serving in children’s or youth ministry
• Becoming a textbook representative
• Training employees in large companies
• Teaching on military bases or in international schools

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How to Become a Middle School Teacher

As with any education position for younger learners, those interested in becoming a middle school teacher should begin by checking into their state’s certification requirements. Each state has slightly different requirements for certifications and licensure. That said, there are commonalities. 

Start with a relevant bachelor’s degree, one that offers a fundamental understanding of middle school teaching best practices with opportunities to specialize in areas of study, such as social studies, math, science, English, and even learning and behavior disabilities. There should also be a student-teaching practicum where these aspiring educators can apply what they’ve learned in a middle school or junior high classroom setting. After that, they will need to take and pass a state test, apply for a license, and start looking for available middle school teacher jobs. 

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Curriculum and Degree Requirements

If you feel called to education, you can prepare for a successful career with a teaching degree. At University of the Cumberlands, this middle school education degree (5-9) can prepare you to become a junior high teacher or middle school teacher.

Click here for Middle School Education Course Details

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Tuition

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees.

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Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to this program, click here to view the undergraduate, on-campus admissions information. 

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Accreditation

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

In addition to the overall institutional accreditation statement above, the specialized accrediting bodies related to this degree are listed below. 

KDE/EPSB – State Accreditation
University of the Cumberlands' School of Education is further accredited through Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB), 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. (502) 564-4606. Fax: (502) 564-7080.

CAEP – National Accreditation
The School of Education at University of the Cumberlands (UC) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level.  CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.  UC’s School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
 
CAEP Address: 1140 19th St NW #400, Washington, DC 20036
CAEP Phone Number: (202) 223-0077

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Faculty

Click here to view a list of the education faculty. 

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