Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education
Develop Skills in Historical Analysis and Instructional Strategies
Grand Canyon University acknowledges that middle and high school history teachers do much more than convey facts, dates and events. They help students grasp the ethical lessons, cultural developments and human experiences that have shaped society over time. The Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education is designed for aspiring educators who want to make a difference in the classroom.
As a student in the program, you will complete coursework aligned with the standards set by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), helping you develop the knowledge and competencies necessary to pursue a career as a history educator. You will have the opportunity to strengthen skills in historical analysis, research and interpretation, instructional planning, classroom engagement and assessment, while learning to present complex historical concepts in age‑appropriate ways for secondary students.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Why Choose GCU for Your Secondary Education History Degree?
GCU is committed to supporting students in ways that fit their goals, lifestyle and ambitions. We offer this secondary education history major online and on campus, giving you the flexibility to choose the learning format that best supports your path.
Rooted in a Christian worldview, GCU emphasizes professional ethics, servant leadership and character development, principles that empower you to lead with integrity and purpose. As you explore what sets GCU apart, you’ll discover a mission‑driven learning environment designed to support your academic growth while encouraging you to make a positive impact in your workplace and community.
GCU’s vibrant community offers a welcoming, purpose‑driven environment where students connect, grow and support one another. From campus events to collaborative learning spaces, you’ll find a strong sense of belonging that encourages personal, academic and spiritual development.
Our online learning format offers the flexibility to complete your studies while balancing school, work and life. The intuitive online platform gives you access to digital resources, interactive tools and eBooks, ensuring you have support throughout your journey.
GCU is committed to making higher education accessible by offering competitive tuition rates and financial aid options. With scholarships, grants and transparent pricing, students can pursue their degree with confidence.
Find Community at GCU
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"As I prepare to enter my own classroom and apply for paid student teaching jobs, I am so thankful for the community that I have found in the College of Education and on campus."
"As I prepare to enter my own classroom and apply for paid student teaching jobs, I am so thankful for the community that I have found in the College of Education and on campus."
BA in History: Secondary Education Coursework
Students pursuing this history education degree explore coursework organized around historical themes rather than a strict timeline. This thematic approach helps aspiring secondary educators examine historical movements, cultures and ideas across different periods while building the knowledge and teaching strategies needed for the classroom. Coursework also introduces instructional planning, assessment methods and cross-disciplinary perspectives relevant to teaching career at the secondary level.
Aspiring secondary educators in this program can:
Use cross-disciplinary perspectives
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
Develop ethical decision-making abilities
Create instructional objectives and lesson plans
Explore formal and informal assessment strategies
What Can You Do With a Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education?
A Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education can support a wide range of educational and professional pathways. Students can develop skills in research, critical analysis, writing and interpretation, which are valuable in fields that center on understanding people, cultures and historical context.
Graduates may pursue advanced study, work in cultural or public institutions or apply their knowledge in teaching and other roles that emphasize education, communication and preservation of historical knowledge. History graduates can apply their skills in a variety of settings, particularly those focused on education, public engagement and historical interpretation.
Career paths related to this degree program include:
Middle school teachers
Secondary school teachers
Historian
Museum educator
Tour guide
Median annual wage for middle school teachers in May 2024(See disclaimer 1)
Median annual wage for high school teachers in May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Earn Your History Education Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence. This accreditation underscores GCU’s dedication to providing students with a quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re an aspiring teacher looking to make a positive impact on secondary school students through the study of history, explore these frequently asked questions to learn more about the field and what it takes to earn a history teaching degree.
What is a degree in secondary education?
What’s the difference between a BA in History and a BA in History for Secondary Education?
What skills will I develop in the history education degree program?
Does a BA in History for Secondary Education lead to teacher licensure?
Is a Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education worth it?
How hard is it to get a job as a history teacher?
Can I continue my education after earning this degree?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Required General Education Courses
Core Courses
Inspire the next generation to explore history, think critically and learn from the past to help shape a better future. Earn your degree in history for secondary education at GCU.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Middle School Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as middle school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), High School Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as high school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Teacher.org. (n.d.). History Teacher. Retrieved April 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, retrieved March 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved March 2026.