Because the middle level education major is a dual major (students are also enrolled in either the elementary education program or in a secondary education program), the undergraduate major in middle level education is ideal for those students interested in graduating with a variety of teaching options. The middle level education program offers students a unique advantage when seeking employment in middle level schools. When making employment decisions, middle level administrators tend to favor teachers who have been specifically trained to teach at the middle level. By completing this major, students learn about effective teaching strategies, organizational patterns, programs and practices, and the characteristics of young adolescents in middle level schools.

This major is designed to prepare students to teach young adolescents at the middle level of education (grades 5-8). This is a dual major and must be combined with either an elementary or secondary education teaching major. This major leads to State of Iowa Middle School Endorsement. Students will complete Liberal Arts Core requirements, the Professional Education Requirements, major requirements for middle level education, major requirements for elementary or secondary education, and endorsement requirements for the Iowa Middle School endorsement for a minimum total of 129 hours.

The holder of this endorsement is authorized to teach in grades five through eight in two to four concentration areas in which the specific requirements have been completed. The holder is not authorized to teach art, industrial arts, music, reading, physical education and special education, but may teach in other areas allowed by the State of Iowa.