Secondary Education, BSE - Speech Communication and Theatre

What you will study

Enjoy a well-rounded curriculum when you learn how to become a theatre and speech teacher at UCM. You’ll dive deep into each discipline, receiving training in your content areas, as well as that specific to teaching high school students:

• Professional education: Courses such as Methods for Teaching Speech and Theatre, as well as Secondary Teaching and Behavioral Management, set the stage for effective classroom leadership.
• Theatre: From Acting to Design Fundamentals to Directing, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of all the aspects of the theatre to become an indispensable member of the theatrical, academic and public communities — not only at UCM but also throughout the region.
• Speech communications: Classes such as Public Speaking, Media Literacy and Teaching High School Speech and Debate will help you guide your students in all areas of communication. You’ll also compete in speech and debate tournaments — while earning course credit — as a member of our award-winning Talking Mules team.

Be confident as you prepare for your future as a speech or theatre teacher

UCM faculty are highly educated and trained in their respective areas. Every step of the program, they’re dedicated to your success and focused on preparing you for student teaching in your last semester. Starting your junior year, we’ll begin work on your placement — with the goal of getting you into your desired school.

Most students complete their BSE degree — learning how to become a theatre teacher as well as a speech teacher and being ready to lead a classroom on day one — in four years.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in speech communications and theatre education

At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll grow into a capable  speech and theatre teacher by participating in hands-on learning opportunities:

• Speech and debate: Learn multiple facets of speech and debate tournaments — from competing to planning and managing events —  with the potential to travel overseas.
• UCM mainstage productions: Join your classmates on stage while you learn how to become a theatre teacher. You’ll contribute to UCM’s five-show mainstage production season, including two musicals, in our 440-seat Highlander Theatre. In the spirit of inclusivity, your participation will be based on your skills rather than your major, year in school or other factors.  
• Richard Herman Black Box Theatre program: You’ll participate in original or published plays or musicals in UCM’s 100-seat Black Box Theatre. This "by students, for students" program is led entirely by students who produce 10 - 15 productions per semester. Join the leadership team, produce your own work or direct your favorite show for hands-on experience while you learn how to become a theatre teacher. 
• Studio one-acts: You’ll serve as designer and technical director for a one-act play, and then direct your own, for your capstone.
• UCM student associations: Meet other Secondary Education majors when you join the Dr. Ed See Student Teachers’ Association and make professional connections for the future. You may also join UCM’s United States Institute of Theatre Technology chapter or the UCM Shenanigans improv troupe, as examples, for experience that’ll benefit you as you learn how to become a theatre teacher.
• Conferences and events: Take part in on-campus guest artist workshops and make the annual trip with UCM’s Theatre and Dance department to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. You’ll also attend the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Fall Conference to network and learn. Like other UCM students earning a Theatre and Speech Communications degree in Secondary Education, you can even present your own workshops to enhance your resume.

 

What can you do with a Theatre and Speech Communications degree in Education from UCM?

With your UCM Theatre and Speech Communications degree specific to Secondary Education, you’ll qualify to take the Missouri State Board of Education assessments. After you pass, you’ll be ready to serve as a speech and theatre teacher in Missouri high schools.

Where UCM graduates go to work as theatre and speech teachers 

Employers often tell us that UCM Education graduates begin their careers well-rounded in their content areas and prepared to teach, lead, direct and coach. We’ve been able to maintain a 100% job placement rate for our students, who go on to work in the Kansas City area and surrounding towns. Some even accept positions in other states after transferring their teaching license.

Plan your career as a speech and theatre teacher using the interactive tool below to view the opportunities that await you.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Theatre and Speech Communications degree in Secondary Education

As you research how to become a theatre teacher or speech teacher, know that UCM offers ways to help finance your education. Explore your options for loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.

What scholarships are available to me?

UCM and our alumni and supporters make available tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships every year for Secondary Education majors in Speech Communications and Theatre. These are just some of the possibilities:

• James L. Highlander Theatre Scholarship
• McKean Family Scholarship
• Harold and Sherralyn Craven Scholarship
• Speech & Debate Service Awards

Other scholarships, including those specific to theatre and speech and debate, are also available. Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for opportunities.

 

Accreditations