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English Secondary Education

Part of: Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department, Education Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

Related Areas of Study: History Secondary Education, English, English with Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Part of: Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department, Education Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

Related Areas of Study: History Secondary Education, English, English with Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Prepare to teach English with confidence and purpose.

Western Colorado University’s English Secondary Licensure program is built for students who are passionate about literature, writing, and language—and want to share that passion in a high school or middle school classroom. The program combines in-depth English coursework with hands-on teacher preparation, helping you develop both subject-area expertise and the skills to lead engaging, inclusive learning environments. You’ll study everything from literary analysis and creative writing to linguistics and pedagogy, all while preparing for a yearlong student teaching residency during your senior year.

While Western provides the academic foundation and classroom experience necessary for teaching, the Colorado Department of Education is responsible for awarding official teaching licenses. Our Secondary Licensure program is carefully aligned with state standards, ensuring that you’re ready to meet licensure requirements and confidently step into your role as an English teacher.

English Secondary Licensure Requirements

Emphasis
Licensure

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

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Top Skills

Critical Thinking
Creativity
Editing
Empathy
Communication
Writing

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Career Pathways

Author
Editor
Library Technician
Teacher
Technical Writer
Writer

Faculty & Staff

Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall 216
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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