Online Master of Education in Secondary Education – Teacher Certification
This secondary education master’s with teacher certification is ideal if you already have a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to further your knowledge in teaching grades 6–12. This program equips you to teach subjects such as math, science, English or history while developing essential skills in classroom management, communication and inclusive teaching practices.
Through coursework, exams and hands-on experiences, you'll be prepared to enter the classroom as a subject-matter expert. Plus, if you commit to teaching in Arizona after graduation, you may qualify for the Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU tuition scholarship.
Two pathways to certification
This program offers two flexible pathways to teacher certification, designed to accommodate your unique situation. Both routes connect theory and practice through high-quality instruction from ASU faculty, along with valuable internship and student teaching experiences. However, the structure of each path varies.
- Traditional certification pathway: Ideal if you’re not yet teaching full time, this route combines online coursework with on-site internships and student teaching. You’ll work with a placement coordinator to secure these experiences, ensuring you gain the practical knowledge needed for certification. The internship typically requires one day a week or two half-days a week, while student teaching is a full-time commitment. It’s important to plan financially, as student teaching demands your full focus with no flexibility in scheduling.
- Alternative certification pathway: If you’re already employed as a full-time teacher under an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states), this route allows you to earn certification while continuing to teach. Unlike the traditional pathway, you’ll need to secure your teaching position before applying to ASU, but this option lets you implement what you learn in real-time as you complete the program. If you’re interested in obtaining your teacher certification without earning your Master of Education, ASU also offers this standalone online teacher certification graduate certificate.
Both pathways ensure you receive the support and experience necessary to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.
Which Master of Education program is right for you?
Each of ASU’s online Master of Education programs is tailored to fit your specific career goals in education, whether you're pursuing a teaching license or looking to advance your career and knowledge.
If you’re looking to teach grades 6–12 and earn certification, this secondary education master’s with teacher certification will be the right choice for you. If you don’t want certification and prefer to focus on expanding your expertise in educational theory, our Master of Education in secondary education program is a better option for you.
Additionally, ASU offers an online Master of Education in elementary education with certification and without certification. These programs’ curriculum prepares you for grades K–8.
Programs with certification are the most popular option because they meet the widespread requirement for state certification, which all public schools mandate for teaching. While some charter, private and international schools don’t require certification, having it generally opens more teaching opportunities. However, earning a Master of Education without certification can also be beneficial, especially if you’re pursuing roles such as a teacher's aide or instructional assistant, or if you're interested in educational theory and research.

Every student deserves access to high-quality, well-prepared teachers. Arizona State University’s Master of Education in secondary education – teacher certification program online offers individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field the opportunity to earn a graduate degree from a top-ranked college of education and become a certified teacher for grades 6–12.
This program combines core coursework that aligns with teacher certification requirements, along with hands-on experiences in middle- and high-school settings. These experiences will prepare you to teach grades 6–12. You’ll also complete a final applied research project, allowing you to identify an educational challenge and design a targeted intervention for your own classroom.
Additionally, you'll choose a subject area and take a corresponding methods course. Approved subjects include American government and political science, biological science, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, economics, English, French, general science, geography, history, mathematics, physical education, physics, Spanish and more.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
International applicants aren't eligible for teacher certification plans. Please consider the Master of Education in elementary education, Master of Education in secondary education or Master of Education in special education.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Provisional admission may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99, provided the application is otherwise strong.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- This program has its own English proficiency requirements in addition to the university's minimum standards.
- The following are accepted to meet this requirement of the master’s and Arizona certification programs:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): score of at least 90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “fair” - “Good” range (22-30). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. Only electronic copies of scores are accepted.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions needing to be at least 6.5 (6 = Competent User, 7 = Good User). No institutional code is needed.
- The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities, and who can attest to your aptitude in this field and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
- Applicants must provide a personal statement on the following:
- Describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for the MEd in secondary education.
- Explain what has led you to this career path and how you will excel as a secondary education teacher in the classroom.
- The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
- Applicants are required to answer the following additional questions as part of the application:
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Are you now or have you ever been subject to any investigation regarding child abuse or neglect?
- Have you ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any criminal offense involving a child?
- Have you ever previously enrolled in any program or courses that lead to teacher certification?
- Have you ever been subject to sanction, discipline or dismissal by any academic institution?
- Have you ever been employed by and/or terminated from an Arizona K-12 school or school district?
- Have you already submitted an application to DPS for your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
- Do you understand this program requires daytime internship and/or student teaching commitments?
Note: Although not required for admission, students must provide a copy of their valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance card (or equivalent in their state if outside Arizona) prior to enrolling in the first term professional experience. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be unable to start the program in the desired term/session.
Professional licensure and certification:
- Graduates are eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education.
- Graduates can directly apply for licensure through the Arizona Department of Education and via licensure-to-licensure review in another state. To be eligible for an educator credential in Arizona, candidates must meet all requirements specified by the Arizona Department of Education. To apply via licensure-to-licensure review, candidates must hold a comparable, standard and valid out-of-state educator license before applying for licensure.
- Note: The out-of-state license must have no pending/active deficiencies or disciplinary actions.
- Arizona Revised Statutes require many professions to have an active fingerprint clearance card before or as a condition of licensure, certification or employment. We highly recommend that students apply for an Identify Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card before degree completion to facilitate teacher certification.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions about licensure or certification.

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”