How to Choose a Major

Do you want to go into teaching but not sure where to start? Look no further!

Take a look at these 5 teaching majors offered here at the Mckay School, why they're awesome, and how to get started in these different programs.

Elementary Education Major

The Elementary Education Major (EL ED) certifies you to teach in K-6th grade classrooms. The major focuses on teaching children the major core subjects like math, literacy, science, and social studies.

There are 2 prerequisites for the EL ED Major:

EL ED 200 (Intro to Elementary Education)

SFL 210 (Human Development)

Early Childhood Education Major

The Early Childhood Education Major (ECE) certifies you to teach in K-3rd grade classrooms. The major focuses on the development of young children and how to best cultivate their learning.

There are 2 prerequisites for the ECE Major:

ECE 200 (Foundations of Child Development

SFL 200 (Human Development)

Special Education Major

The Special Education Major (SPED) certifies you to teach in K-12th grade classrooms as well as some schools for students who have already graduated. The major has two emphases: Mild/Moderate disabilities and Severe/Profound disabilities.

There are 5 prerequisites for the SPED Major:

CPSE 203 (Intro to Special Education)

CPSE 410 (Applied Behavioral Analysis in Education)

CPSE 480 (Educational and Multicultural Issues in Special Education)

MTHED 305 (Basic Concepts of Mathematics)

MTHED 306 (Concepts of Mathematics)

Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Major

The Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Major (PETE) certifies you to teach in grades K-12th and coach. The major focuses on having a healthy lifestyle and how to teach children to do the same. There is also a PETE Minor.

There are 3 prerequisites for the PETE Major:

PETE 227 (Fitness for Life)

SFL 200 (Human Development)

NDFS 100 (Essentials of Human Nutrition)

If you are interested in teaching Secondary Education, those majors are scattered around campus! See a list of the Secondary Education Majors offered at BYU who to contact to learn more here.

Have more questions? Reach out to a student ambassador here!