Inspire lives and transform futures.

The Adolescent/Young Adult Education (AYA) major at John Carroll University prepares you to teach, inspire, and advocate for students in grades 7-12. Develop deep subject matter expertise, gain real-world teaching experience, and leave ready to make a difference in the lives of your students — and in your school and community.

Learn By Doing

Spend your final year immersed in a school setting. In the fall, you’ll observe a classroom and ease into teaching. In the spring, you’ll plan and lead lessons under the guidance of your mentor-teacher.

Prepare for Licensure

Our program meets the standards for Ohio teacher licensure. All JCU education majors are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

Program Overview & Outcomes

One of the biggest draws to teaching at the middle and high school levels is that you can specialize in a subject area that you’re passionate about. Maybe you’ll be that person who makes math click for a student who previously struggled. Perhaps you’ll spark someone’s love of science, civic engagement, or reading.

As a secondary education student at JCU, you’ll choose a primary major that aligns with your content area, such as:

  • English (literature)
  • History
  • Mathematics

You can also pursue a licensure in Integrated Science. This option doesn’t require a second major, but rather you’ll complete coursework in a range of STEM fields.

Your Path Forward Starts Here

Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.

4 years

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Teach and inspire students in grades 7-12. Gain subject matter expertise and prepare for secondary teacher licensure in Ohio at John Carroll University.

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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Combine your JCU bachelor's degree with a master's in business administration in just one additional year.

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Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.

 
JCU's Distinct Promise

Pathways are just the beginning.
Onward makes them happen.

From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.

Watch the Story

Quincy's Story

Starting in his first semester at John Carroll, Quincy Unger '26 found a team who helped him shape his ideas, find the right opportunities, and launch his own business.

Discover Onward

Where Our Alumni Go

Our graduates teach and lead in public and private schools in Ohio and around the country. Many advance into school and district leadership, and others use their teaching and curriculum development experience to serve community organizations.

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Make It Happen Here

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