Why study this program?
Do you dream of becoming a language teacher? We offer instruction in several popular languages that can be taken as a major and/or minor as part of a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree. For each language major, emphasis is placed not only on basic speaking and writing skills but also on an understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of that language.
Available language majors are Cree, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Ukrainian, or Other.*
*It may be possible to arrange a program for a language other than those listed. You must submit a complete application before the Faculty of Education can determine if your language of choice can be facilitated. Apply for admission, indicating 'Second Language: Other' as your program choice, then contact edadmiss@ualberta.ca to declare the language you wish to study.
Why take the Secondary Education After-Degree program?
This program is designed for students who already hold a university degree. The length of the after-degree will vary depending on how much of your previous university coursework is transferable.
The after-degree can be taken at the University of Alberta or at one of our partner universities as part of our Collaborative Off-Campus Program.
Why study at the University of Alberta?
Teaching is a calling, and we are dedicated to helping you become the homeroom teacher that your students will remember for a lifetime. Our Secondary Education program in the Faculty of Education prepares you to pass on your love of learning and discovery in almost any subject to students in grades 7-12. You’ll choose two areas of specialization — a major and minor — allowing you to pursue your passion and customize your experience.
The Secondary Education program includes a five-week Introductory Professional Term (IPT) and a nine-week Advanced Professional Term (APT). You will typically teach in your Major subject in both your IPT and APT.
This degree is normally taken as a four-year program but can also be taken as an after-degree. Upon completion of this program, you will be recommended for teacher certification in Alberta.
- Spanish Teacher (K-12)
- Corporate Trainer
- Post-Secondary Advisor
- Secondary School Teacher
- Teacher
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Translator
- Spanish Language Content Creator
- Travel Consultant
- International School Teacher
"I was experimenting in my first couple of years, and Education was always on my mind. In my second year, I took a Spanish class, and I haven’t looked back since."– Adam is a third-year Secondary Education student (Second Languages major), and a captain of the Golden Bears football team.
Non-Direct Entry
This program does not allow admission directly from high school. See requirements below for more details.
After-Degree Applicants - General Requirement:
All Applicants must present the following:
- A three- or four-year degree from an accredited postsecondary institution
- An Admission GPA (AGPA) of at least 2.0, or equivalent, based on the most recent graded and transferable ★24. The length of the program will depend on the courses that a student presents at the time of admission. The Secondary After Degree program length will depend on the courses presented at the time of admission.
- Mathematics 30-1 and Mathematics 30-2 are not necessary for admission to the Faculty of Education After Degree although Mathematics 30-1 may be a prerequisites for some required courses.
- Submission of the Casper test is required to be evaluated for Admission to the program. More information on the Casper test requirement, dates and deadlines can be found at Faculty of Education Casper Test Website.
Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.
At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.
Deadline
For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.
View costs for:
The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
You've got questions, and we've got advisors with answers. Or you can also check our FAQ page for common questions and instructions for self serve options.
BOOK AN ADVISING SESSIONStudent Service Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate Admissions and Programs
University of Alberta
Administration Building
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2M7
Keep Exploring
Digital Viewbook
Find out what makes our student experience so rich, meaningful and life-changing
Explore our Digital ViewbookTour Campus
Get an insider’s look at our vibrant campus community! Our UAlberta Ambassadors will take you on a tour of North Campus and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about the student experience. Sign up for an in-person or virtual tour today.
About Campus ToursPresentations and Events
We host presentations and events for students year-round on a variety of topics like undergraduate experience, how to submit an application and applying for awards.
View all presentations & eventsStay Informed
Students, teachers, or parents looking to stay informed and keep up to date on events, and key dates and deadlines can join our contact list.
Join Contact List