Middle Level Education
Combine your passion for education with the classroom experience needed to make an impact.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Middle Level Education at York College of Pennsylvania utilizes field experience and immersive instruction to instill the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a middle school education career.
Education is essential to the growth and development of individuals around the world, making educators some of the most influential professionals who constantly shape the minds and lives of the young people they serve.
As a Middle Level Education major at York College, you graduate professionally certified to teach grades 4-8 and have the opportunity to specialize in a core subject: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Science. Relationships with faculty and experience working in real schools establish your confidence in educating and managing your own classroom.
About the BS in Middle Level Education
Middle Level Education Program Requirements
Middle Level Education majors at York College must complete a combination of general topics courses, major-specific classes, and student teaching requirements in order to graduate and be certified to teach middle school. Key courses include:
- PSY 100: General Psychology
- SPE 200: Special Education Processes and Procedure
- SE 210: Educational Technology for Middle and Secondary Education
- EDU 260: Effective Communication in the Field of Education
- MLE 350: Content Pedagogies for the Middle School
The Middle Level Education degree curriculum also requires students to select a concentration area. The concentration areas are:
- English/Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Students interested in selecting multiple concentrations should notify their Academic Advisor to ensure they can meet all requirements.
Earn a BS in Middle Level Education at York College of Pennsylvania
Get to know more about the Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education degree program at York College of Pennsylvania by requesting more information.
Ready to embark on your path to teaching? Visit campus and start your application.
Middle Level Education Careers
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Middle Level Education certifies students for teaching in the classroom as a middle school teacher in grades 4-8. York College graduates are employed in both public and private schools, as well as other sectors of education.
This program also provides a foundation for continuing education, in which students may pursue a graduate or doctoral degree or the needed credentials to take on a different position within the education system.
Potential careers for Middle Level Education majors looking to earn an advanced degree or certification are:
- Librarian
- Special Education Teacher
- English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher
- School Counselor
- Principal
- School Psychologist
- Superintendent
Middle Level Education Degree Salary Outcomes
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for middle school teachers in 2021 was $61,680, with location, experience, and other factors contributing to the potential to earn even higher salaries.
Many factors determine a middle school teacher’s salary, such as the state and county the school is in, special certifications or credentials, work experience, and type(s) of degree earned. Educators in administrative or leadership positions with higher-level degrees or classroom teachers with many years of experience may earn more than entry-level teachers.
Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s in Middle Level Education at York College
Teaching is a rewarding career, and while it has its challenges, many teachers find great fulfillment in their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for middle school teachers is growing, with an expected 47,300 jobs opening each year from now to 2031, increasing the demand for certified teachers.
Many of the benefits of earning a bachelor’s in Middle Level Education are:
- Impacting the lives of young students daily
- Opportunities for advancement to leadership or administrative positions
- Ability to choose which subject area to concentrate on based on your interest
- Increases in pay and other incentives based on longevity or level of education
- Ability to lead after-school activities, such as coaching a sport
- Follow a general school schedule with summer, fall, winter, and spring breaks
York College’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education offers multiple graduate-level education programs for students interested in further specialization or advanced study.
Field Experience and Student Teaching
York College and the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education understand the importance of experiential learning and practicing skills within a real-world setting. Clinical field experiences serve as a major component of the Middle Level Education program curriculum, as it requires students to complete many hours of observation and teaching in an actual classroom with a certified teacher.
Classroom time begins at the start of the Middle Level Education curriculum, ensuring consistent exposure from the very beginning of the program. While doing so, participants can make connections with students, employ management strategies, and build a professional network.
Student Teaching Seminar and Professional Semester
All Middle Level Education majors must complete the Professional Semester — MLE 494: Student Teaching Seminar and MLE 495: Student Teaching — in order to be eligible for certification.
The Professional Semester is designed to give Middle Level Education majors the chance to engage in all aspects of the teaching process, including lesson planning, instructing, evaluating, and assessing, under the supervision of a credentialed teacher. Students get practical experience teaching in their selected core concentration, while observing and learning from their cooperating teacher.
During the seminar, teaching students can reflect on their experiences with their peers and apply feedback to their pedagogy.
Explore other undergraduate experiential learning opportunities at York College.
Learning From Faculty
The Middle Level Education faculty at York College impact the lives of their students by sharing insightful knowledge and personal experiences that middle school education majors can learn from and implement in their professional practice.
During field experiences and student teaching rotations, Middle Level Education majors create close relationships with faculty, establishing a strong connection that increases understanding of concepts and develops references during the post-graduation job search.
Scholarly Organizations and Student Clubs
York College provides all students with many ways to get involved on campus, whether through academic clubs or social activities.
Several scholarly organizations, like Kappa Delta Pi and the Student Education Association, focus on education as a whole and connect like-minded peers to one another. Middle Level Education majors are invited to participate in these organizations and explore other ways to get involved.
Skills for Middle Level Education Careers
York College prepares Middle Level Education majors with the skills necessary to be strong educators through faculty-led instruction and immersive classroom experiences. Knowledge of curriculum, education processes, student needs, and student interactions equip future educators to accomplish their goals in the classroom and make an impact on learners in their communities.
A successful career in middle level education requires constant development of the following skills:
- Public speaking
- Classroom management
- Problem-solving
- Creative thinking
- Differentiation and personalized learning
- Patience
- Collaboration
- Communication
Related York College of Pennsylvania Degrees
Education is a vast field with several areas of study available. Learn more about related programs at York College, including:
- Early Elementary Education (PreK-4)
- Early Elementary/Special Education
- Middle Level Education/Special Education
- Secondary Education (7-12), Biology
- Secondary Education (7-12), English
- Secondary Education (7-12), General Science
- Secondary Education (7-12), Mathematics
- Secondary Education (7-12), Social Studies
Middle Level Education Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | PSY 100 | 3 Credits |
| Special Education Processes and Procedure | SPE 200 | 3 Credits |
| Educational Technology for Middle and Secondary Education | SE 210 | 3 Credits |
| Effective Communication in the Field of Education | EDU 260 | 3 Credits |
| Content Pedagogies for the Middle School | MLE 350 | 3 Credits |
Careers in Middle Level Education
A degree in Middle Level Education provides qualifications for both classroom teaching and opportunities for continuing education. Middle Level Education majors may go on to earn advanced degrees or certifications, and can pursue careers including:
Teacher (Grades 4-8)
Librarian
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
School Counselor
Principal
Superintendent
Frequently Asked Questions
As a Middle Level Education bachelor’s degree holder, you graduate certified to teach grades 4-8.
With a Middle Level Education bachelor’s degree, you can teach any core subject in grades 4-6 in Pennsylvania. Teaching that subject in grades 7-8 requires a special concentration in a specific content area. Concentration areas available for specialization include:
- English/Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
The demand for qualified, degree-holding middle school teachers is high as the profession continues to grow. While growth varies from state to state, the occupation as a whole is experiencing consistent expansion, increasing the need for new teachers.
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Related Programs
Early Elementary Education
The skills students learn in early childhood are critical for success in elementary school — and teachers play an essential role during this time of growth and exploration. York College’s Early Elementary Education program (EEE) gives future teachers like you the tools needed to lead your own classroom.
Early Elementary Special Education
In this dual program at York College, you’ll complete a double major in Early Elementary Education and Special Education. As you learn about educational theory and gain hands-on practice, you’ll develop an appreciation for the differences your future students may bring to the classroom. And you’ll build the skills needed to support each of them, including those with special needs and English language learners.
Middle Level/Special Education
Middle Level/Special Education majors can study one of four concentration areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in both middle level education (grades 4-8) and special education (PreK-grade 8).