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Do you want to help students pursue their passion for theatre or build their speech communications skills? Consider a career as a teacher and lead students in developing the vital communication skills they’ll need for success in the classroom. At the University of Central Missouri, we offer a bachelor’s in Secondary Education specific to Speech Communication and Theatre. Get hands-on training to lead in the classroom, produce and direct productions and coordinate and coach speech and debate.

Earn a recognized speech and theatre teacher degree

At UCM, not only will you benefit from our multidisciplinary approach to preparing teachers in speech communications and theatre, you’ll also receive a high-quality education from a respected institution. This is demonstrated by our accreditations, our award-winning theatrical productions and the national recognition our speech and debate team has earned — all evidence of our commitment to excellence in your education.

We’re excited to welcome you to our Warrensburg campus for classes. Some courses are also available online for your convenience. Wherever you are, you’ll enjoy the real-world experiences offered at UCM as you study to become a theatre and speech teacher in secondary education.

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

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.

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.