Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education
Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education
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Aspiring secondary history teachers will explore coursework arranged thematically, rather than chronologically. The thematic approach of this history education degree allows for an exploration of historical contexts that is both in-depth and broad in scope. Aspiring secondary educators in this program can:
GCU’s history secondary education degree, offered in online and on-campus classes, examines:
Teacher candidates are required to complete a supervised practicum. Candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in applying pedagogical theories in a classroom.
GCU offers this secondary education history major online and on campus. If you’re a busy professional, online learning can provide you with flexibility and convenience to make earning your degree more practical for you. Online degrees also come with online learning resources and support to help you as you pursue your degree.
Grand Canyon University recognizes that middle and high school history teachers do more than teach facts, events and dates — they impart ethical standards and wisdom developed over centuries of human history. The Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education degree, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, can be an ideal choice for aspiring history teachers who are looking to make an impact by teaching at the middle and high school level.
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, and this secondary education history degree is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. You will have the opportunity to take coursework that aligns with the requirements established by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.
Graduates of the history education degree have the opportunity to develop and gain important skills related to teaching for secondary education. These include:
If you decide to pursue a history teacher degree to become a licensed teacher, you could possibly inspire young minds to enjoy the process of historical inquiry and contextual analysis. You may help students learn from the mistakes of the past so that they are empowered to work toward a better and brighter future.
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)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
Middle and high school history and social science teachers can guide the development of young minds as they seek to overcome ethical dilemmas and strive for personal growth. Graduates who hold a history education degree and have obtained the necessary certifications may choose to pursue a career in public or private education. Additional career paths that are directly related to this degree program may include:
If you’re an aspiring teacher who hopes to positively impact secondary school students by providing them with historical education, read through some frequently asked questions to learn more about a career in this field and earning a history teacher degree.
There is not one specific degree needed in order to become a history teacher. While a degree in education may be a recommended route, becoming a teacher means being able to master a certain subject while also following the teaching requirements of the state in which you wish to teach. It also depends on the grade level you wish to teach. This particular history education degree focuses on secondary education which is for middle to high school grade levels.
A degree in secondary education can prepare you to teach at the middle school and high school grade levels. These types of degrees usually have a specific focus attached to it, much like this history secondary education degree. Since secondary education covers higher grade levels, these degrees have a structure to teach more advanced education for students in your classroom.
There are other requirements outside of holding a degree needed to become a teacher, like receiving a teaching license, but yes, you can become a teacher with a general history degree. A Bachelor of Arts in History degree teaches history from a variety of perspectives, so you can work in a multitude of careers.
Secondary teacher salary will range depending on several factors, such as location and the grade you are teaching. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, middle school teachers had a median annual salary of $61,320,3 and high school teachers had a median annual salary of $61,820 in May 2021.4
There is a need for secondary school teachers of all disciplines over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for middle school teachers to increase by about 4%,5 and high school teachers to increase by about 5% from 2021 to 2031,6 both as fast as the average for all occupations.
The BA in History for Secondary Education degree program at GCU leads to initial teacher licensure. To become a fully qualified and licensed teacher, candidates must obtain all necessary certifications as determined by the state in which they teach. Successful graduates may decide to enhance their knowledge and classroom skills by pursuing a master’s degree in history education.
According to The Nation’s Report Card, an initiative of the National Center for Education Statistics, just 15% of grade 8 students in 2018 performed at a “proficient” or higher level in U.S. history, a 3% decrease from 2014.1 The deficits in history education continue into post-secondary education and adulthood. Only 19% of those surveyed under the age of 45 nationally could demonstrate a basic level of knowledge about American history (according to a survey by the former Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship).2
