English, B.A., Secondary Education Concentration

Department Contact:

Chair, English: Dr. Robin L. Cadwallader, rcadwallader@francis.edu, 814-472-3342
Chair, Education: Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu, 814-472-2844

Program Description:

The English major cultivates students’ abilities to express ideas in clear, persuasive language through the study of literature, composition, and digital media. Through their exploration of American, British, and World literatures, students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly sought after by employers and graduate schools. In addition, the English program’s concentration in Secondary Education provides a broad survey of the theories and practices underpinning effective writing, reading, and language arts instruction at the secondary level. Students preparing for careers in education will acquire both pedagogical and procedural knowledge for creating instructional materials and units of study, working with learners with varying learning styles and skillsets, and evaluating learners’ work fairly and efficiently.

Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) - Students receive subject-specific B.S. or B.A. degrees with a concentration in Secondary education. 

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Student Learning Outcomes:

All students who complete this program will achieve the following outcomes related to English studies:

• Students will demonstrate through written work and oral responses that they can identify literary elements and terms.
• Students will demonstrate through written work that they can cite sources.
• Students will demonstrate through written work and oral responses that they can identify major literary periods and movements.
• Students will demonstrate through written work that they can perform research and assess the results for formal presentation.
• Students will demonstrate through written work and oral responses that they can identify major theoretical perspectives.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking in oral responses and written work.
• Students will demonstrate through written work and oral responses that they recognize the reflection of the human condition presented in literary works.

Progress and/or Retention Criteria:

A student must complete an application for admission and be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program prior to registering for 300/400 level Education courses.

To be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program, the candidate must have the following:

• Completed no less than 48 credits as required by the PDE;             
• Achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA;                                                                          
• Achieved no grade lower than C in major and collateral courses;                                          
• Demonstrate proficiency in Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (SAT exemption, ACT exemption, PAPA, and/or CORE, EDUC 421);                      
• Completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level English;
• Complete at least 6 semester hour credits in college level Math;
• Completed EDUC 150;                     
• Met with advisor in the Education Department;
• A brief essay (“Why I Want to Pursue Teaching as a Career”);                                            
• Letter of recommendation (Candidate must have a letter endorsed by a faculty member outside the Education Department).

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum

See requirements for Education .