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 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.
- Adult Educator
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Corporate Trainer
- English as a Second Language Teacher
- Human Resources Professional
- Post-Secondary Advisor
- Secondary School Teacher
- Teacher
- Tutor
- Volunteer Coordinator
"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.
Admissions Requirements for 2025 - 2026
This information is for students applying directly from high school. Transfer students: see the Calendar
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Mathematics 30-2 may be used for admission to the Faculty of Education although Mathematics 30-1 is 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 on the 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.
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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.
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University of Alberta
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