Secondary Education A.A. and A.S. Degree Programs

Become a high school teacher

High school teachers are trained in the fundamentals of education while majoring in another discipline that is taught at a secondary level.

At Harper College, you will earn either an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, depending on what your desired major is. For instance, if you want to teach high school mathematics, you should pursue an AS degree, while a student who wants to teach English would pursue an AA degree. See your academic advisor for details.

This program will prepare you to obtain your High School Teaching License. Once you transfer to complete your bachelor's degree, you will continue with education as a minor while majoring in a subject available as a high school discipline.

Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.

The Associate (A.A. or A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. Speak with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals. It is suggested that first semester students who want to pursue secondary education take EDU 201 to learn about the profession and to complete their Academic Plan.

Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.

Become a licensed STEM teacher for grades 5-12

Expand diversity in the field of STEM education through the Noyce Teacher PRIDE Scholars Program that awards Harper graduates $15,000 annually for two years to complete a STEM degree at Elmhurst University. Applications from a wide range of diverse communities are encouraged. Learn more and apply today.

Explore Secondary Education Careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Secondary Education degree programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Secondary Education Careers page.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education career profile for most current data.

$80,358
Median Salary

1.9%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

1,460
Job Postings

Description:

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Core tasks:

Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.

Quick facts:

Resources

For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.