Skip to Main Content

Apply Now to the University of Wyoming apply now
student sitting with world flags haniging from ceiling
The World Needs More Cowboys Start your adventure now!

Teaching Secondary Content – Graduate Certificate

What if you could share the skills and expertise you’ve developed in your undergraduate program or professional experience with middle and high school students?

At the University of Wyoming, you can complete UW’s graduate certificate in Teaching Secondary Content in three semesters including student teaching.*

Those who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university can take advantage of the alternative teaching licensure pathway provided through Wyoming's Professional Teaching Standards Board by completing the UW Teaching Secondary Content Graduate certificate.

About Teaching Secondary Content

The UW teaching secondary content certificate prepares you to qualify for a Wyoming teaching certificate and begin your career as a middle or high school teacher. (Your coursework can also be applied—12 credit hours—to a UW master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.)

In this three-semester program offered during consecutive summer, fall and spring terms, you will acquire a foundation in educational theory and teaching methods, while also gaining real-world teaching experience through practicums and student teaching. Even better, you will be learning in small classes from faculty that were former K-12 teachers, who know what it’s like to face a classroom for the first time. In this personalized learning environment, you will discover your own voice as a teacher while also learning the theories and best practices that will make you an inspiring educator.

*You will need to satisfy prerequisite education courses and possible content courses before beginning your graduate certificate studies. A subject area praxis exam is also required before your student teaching residency.

Quick Facts

Degree Type: Graduate Certificate

Endorsement Areas:

  • Agricultural Education
  • English Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Modern Languages Education
    • French, German, Spanish
  • Secondary Science Education
    • Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science: Geology, Earth Science: Environmental Systems Science, Social Studies Education
      • History, Political Science

Resident Tuition: $271/credit hour

Non-resident Tuition: $811/credit hour on campus; $432 online

Admission Requirements | Program Requirements

Additional Certificate Programs in Education

Wyoming ranks #10 in the nation for highest starting teacher salary according to NEA teacher salary data

Teaching Secondary Content Graduate Certificate Program Highlights

As a post-baccalaureate secondary education student, you are taking the bold step to enter a field where you can inspire young people to explore the far reaches of their curiosity and take up the mantle of lifelong learning for the greater good.

Here are some reasons to consider the University of Wyoming for your secondary teaching studies:

Accredited. The UW College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Flexibility. Leverage your undergraduate degree in one of these content-area certifications:

  • Agricultural Education
  • English Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Modern Languages Education
    • French, German, Spanish
  • Secondary Science Education
    • Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science: Geology, Earth Science: Environmental Systems Science, Social Studies Education
      • History, Political Science

Earn credit towards a Master's. Apply your coursework towards a Master of Arts degree in Education with concentrations in curriculum and instruction or literacy education.

Faculty. Study with award-winning faculty who have also served as classroom educators.

Practica. Take part in two practicums (10 hour and 30 hour) before you start your student teaching experience.

Grant support. Consider investigating grant support– for example the SWARMS program that targeted to those with expertise in science and mathematics.

Student teaching abroad. Do your student teaching in the U.S. or complete a portion of your student teaching requirement abroad. UW offers student teaching opportunities in Mexico, Europe, Australia, Asia, Central America and other locales.

University of Wyoming Lab School. Spend time learning and observing in UW’s very own K-9 public school on campus. This student-centered environment provides you with your own learning laboratory for practicums and student teaching.

Teaching simulation. Put your newly minted teaching skills to the test—and receive feedback—through our special virtual reality system, Mursion.

High-tech teaching. Take advantage of the potential to work in UW’s Shell 3-D Visualization Center, where College of Education faculty have been designing immersive educational experiences.

UW conferences. Participate in UW’s annual education-focused conferences, which expose teachers statewide to the latest research and best practices in education law and policy, literacy education, English as a second language and dual language immersion.

Literacy Research Center and Clinic. Acquire hands-on experience in this on-campus clinic, which offers free or low-cost assessment and tutoring to Wyoming school-aged children.

Travel grants. Take advantage of travel grants that cover some of your travel costs associated with attending or presenting at professional conferences. Additional funding may also available from the dean’s office.

Scholarships. Take advantage of UW’s College of Education graduate scholarships that include the following:

  • Elnora Brooks Memorial Scholarship
  • Margaret "Peggy" Cooney Scholarship
  • John K. Corbett Memorial Scholarship
  • Leona S. and Jeanette Heptner Scholarship
  • Dr. Joseph I. Stepans Excellence in Education Scholarship

What Can You Do with a Teaching Secondary Content Graduate Certificate?

The UW graduate certificate in teaching secondary content program provides the coursework and experience for grades 6-12 Wyoming state licensure. It also prepares you for a career in which you will make a profound difference in students’ lives.

Here are some of the careers in which UW secondary education graduates are making a contribution:

Secondary Education Careers
UW School of Teacher Education graduates can hold titles such as:

  • Secondary language arts instructor
  • English teacher
  • Mathematics teacher
  • Science teacher
  • Middle school teacher
  • High school teacher
  • Teacher/coach
  • Lead teacher
  • Department head

Amazing Stories from Teaching Secondary Content Graduates

"Looking back, the camaraderie built between peers in my cohort has been invaluable both as a Post-Bac student and as a current teacher. Between the encouragement from my peers and professors, the cogent lessons in class, and the discussions and support that follow, I felt over-prepared in many ways upon starting my teaching career. It hasn't been easy, but having learned so much before starting teaching has made all the difference."

– Austin Gager ‘16

Examples of Teaching Secondary Content Certificate Program Courses

These are just some of the classes you might take as a secondary education student at the University of Wyoming:

  • Foundations of Education for a Diverse Society
  • The Art and Science of Teaching
  • Introduction to Special Education
  • Methods II
  • Advanced Topics in Pedagogy
  • Seminar in Assessment

View the full graduate certificate in Teaching Secondary Content program curriculum.

The World Needs More Cowboys

Start Your Adventure Now!

1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
UW Operators (307) 766-1121 | Contact Us | Download Adobe Reader

Accreditation | Virtual Tour | Emergency Preparedness | Employment at UW | Privacy Policy | Harassment & Discrimination | Accessibility Accessibility information icon