Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education Initial Program - Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

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Principals across the dynamic landscape of schools today are searching for educators who possess a strong blend of content knowledge, teaching skill and critical reasoning.

GCU's Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education opens the doors for a scholar to become a middle school or high school social studies or history teacher. The program meets the competitive demands of a teacher who thrives in a classroom setting. It provides a solid foundation in historical content and the classroom skills for a successful career in teaching.

The contemporary history programs at GCU explore the discipline thematically, as an alternative to the more common chronological approach. This program engages scholars in historical contexts that are relevant to their interests and contemporary society.

Alignment to National Teaching Standards

This 120 credit history for secondary education program consists of 54 elective credits from GCU's College of Education, and a semester long student teaching placement. The coursework aligns with the requirements set by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and meets the academic standards of certification in Arizona.

The NCSS sets national standards for an institutions curriculum, to ensure future social studies and history teachers are equipped with frameworks for teaching, learning and assessment. Learners will have the education to teach in any state curriculum. However, requirements for certification do vary from state-to-state and candidates must be aware of the guidelines set by the respective states they intend to pursue certification in.

Graduates of this program are also offered the undergraduate preparation to pursue a teaching assignment at the community college or university level. This program could serve as a platform to obtain the necessary credentials, such as a masters or doctoral level degree.

Program Highlights
  • Earn this history degree online or on campus
  • 120 Credit Program; 54 elective credits from the College of Education
  • One-semester (14-week) teaching assignment, with placement assistance from GCU‛s Office of Field Experience
  • Preparation for Arizona teaching certification
  • Coursework aligns with the standards set by the National Council for Social Studies, to successfully teach in any state‛s curriculum
  • Learners are exposed to the latest technologies available in the classroom

Program SOC

Occupations
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Historians
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

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