Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Education with a Concentration in Middle School/High School Education
100% of education majors participate in at least one practicum. It’s your chance to take what you’ve learned at Merrimack and apply it at one of the many schools in the area.
In the middle school/high school education program, you’ll gain practical skills that will help you prepare students for a successful transition from middle school to high school or high school to college. You’ll develop your subject matter expertise through a diverse range of electives across departments.
Middle School/High School Education Concentration at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Middle School/High School Education Concentration
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The Middle School/High School Education Concentration
As an education major concentrating in middle school education (5-8) and high school education (8-12), you’ll gain the expertise, skills and confidence to teach middle school and high school students.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, you’ll study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:
Applied Adolescent Development
Sheltered English Instruction
Psychology of Learning
Postive Learning Environments
Introduction to Human Services
Foundations and Principles of Education
Skills You'll Learn
Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!

Middle School/High School Education Courses You'll Take
Foundations and Principles of Education
EDU 2110
This course introduces the social and philosophical principles which have shaped educational thought and practices through history. We will also explore the community responsibilities of the teacher and the challenges of modern education in our urban, suburban, technological, and mobile culture.
Career Design: Explore, Plan, Develop
ESP 1000
This Career Exploration and Development course will serve as the initial platform for orienting students to the role, value, and techniques of career exploration and development on the foundational knowledge, skills, tools, and dispositions necessary to be successful in exploring a career.
Psychology of Learning and Assessment
HDE 3210
This course will integrate the theories of learning and assessment by demonstrating their use in education and human development fields. We will consider the impact of factors such as culture, language, mental health, and varying physical and cognitive abilities on how professionals support learning.
See All Courses & Options Available for the Middle School and High School Concentration
Education Major Requirements (Concentration in Middle School and High School Education)
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Middle School/ High School Education?
Merrimack’s Bachelor of Arts in Education provides students with a robust curriculum and practical teaching experiences to prepare them to run and manage their own classroom.
STATE APPROVED PROGRAM
Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, our programs provide you with the training required to earn your state teaching license in elementary education.
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM
Majoring in Education with a emphasis on Human Development allows students to gain a deep understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies. Students can enhance their expertise through electives in psychology, diversity, ethics and counseling.
EXTENSIVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
All education majors participate in at least one practicum, providing invaluable classroom as early as your first year. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings within local schools.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Education Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
96% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in the School of Education and Social Policy were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of Education majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.
Jobs with a High School Education Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in the field of education. Positions may include:
- General studies teacher in grades 7-12
- Guidance counselor
- Reading, math, or science tutor
- School administrator
- Middle school principal
- High School principal
Where Merrimack Middle School/ High School Education Graduates Work & Intern
Apponequet Regional High School
English Teacher
Everwood Day Camp
Division Leader
New England Center for Children
Intern
North Andover Public Schools
Teacher
Malden Public Schools
Teacher
Norton Public Schools
Teacher
Lexington High School
Instructional Assistant
John Glenn Middle School
Student Teacher
Beyond the Classroom

Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities

Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly

Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.

Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.

Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Related Education Concentrations
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events

Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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