5 Great Secondary Education Specializations

5 Specializations for Secondary Teachers

Business
Vocational Education
Computer Science
Foreign Language
Science

Choosing the right secondary education specialization can be invaluable to students. It can help prepare them for college or simply teach them a useful skill for future employment. Having a specialization can also allow them to pursue a topic they enjoy. These five specializations students can pursue during their secondary education are all excellent choices with significant benefits.

1. Business

Beginning a business education in high school can give students a serious advantage both in the workplace and if they wish to continue their business schooling. Even if a student wishes to pursue another degree in college, knowledge of basic business topics is important in the workforce, no matter what field you wish to pursue. It is especially useful if you want to be an entrepreneur and perhaps open your own business one day. Other fields where a business education will be very beneficial include finance, management, human resources, marketing and more.

2. Vocational Education

Various vocational skills are excellent choices for secondary education specializations, especially if a student wishes to learn a trade skill for their career of choice. Vocational classes often taught in high schools include woodworking, agriculture, automobile mechanics and more. These secondary education specializations can make it easier for students who are not college-bound to get jobs after high school as well as provide excellent connections in the field. People are always going to need these vocational occupations as well as skilled tradesmen to perform them.

3. Computer Science

The importance of an education in computer science in today’s world should go without saying. Most high schools offer elective classes in various subjects relating to technology and computer science. Students who wish to pursue a computer science degree or simply want to have a very marketable skill in the workplace should consider taking these courses. Learning to code is also very helpful, no matter what industry you wish to enter. Outside of IT, coding and computer science are in heavy demand in the finance, manufacturing and health care industries, according to FastCompany.

4. Foreign Language

Foreign languages can be a great secondary education specialty. No matter what career path a student wishes to pursue, learning a foreign language can be beneficial. If you want to go into business, for example, the ability to speak another language can allow you to communicate with customers more easily and open doors of international expansion. Learning a language also helps you learn about another culture, and thus become more tolerant and understand the values of diversity in the process. Learning another language improves your understanding of English and can boost your cognitive functions and ability to multitask.

5. Science

While some science classes are not electives, some are, and a high school student can easily tailor their curriculum to have a specialization in the sciences. Common science classes offered in high schools include biology, chemistry, physics, environmental studies and more. Elective science courses or activities can include nutrition, health or nursing, which can be very beneficial to students looking to go into medicine. Math and statistics classes can also serve as helpful additions to this specialization.

Do not discount the potential impact extracurricular activities can have on your secondary education as well. Participating in them can help get you into college and teach you additional skills. By choosing a secondary education specialization, students can better prepare themselves for college and the workforce.