History Teaching Degree Programs

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School Program Admissions

King University

Online BS in History
Online history degree program will provide you with a diverse foundation in a fascinating subject such as: The Civil War, Europe in WWI and WWII, The Middle Ages, History of Science, Public history, and more.
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History teachers are responsible for educating students on a wide variety of events of the past from around the world. These lessons are used to examine and analyze current events and understand how social systems function and how past events affect present ones.

History teachers help students understand cultural, economic and social systems that may be different than the one they live within. The learning of history helps students understand important cultural and political events in their own time.

Teachers who love primary sources, and government documents, and studying wars might want to share that love and passion with students by becoming a History teacher. History teachers are needed in grades 7-12 across the country. School districts in all fifty states have a need for History teachers, especially on the high school level.

Whether studying the Russian Revolution or the Civil War, most History teachers have a passion for sharing their love of History. Writing essays, studying the past and reading about other generations are vital skills that most students need to be successful in college.

Introduction to Being a History Teacher

If you love war literature, reading to students about presidents, and writing research papers, then becoming a History teacher might be for you. Middle Schools and High Schools alike are both seeking qualified History teachers to share their passion with students.

There are a couple of paths you can take when becoming a licensed History teacher. TeachingDegrees.com has information that you need to pursue the next steps toward becoming a History teacher. All of the information on this page is provided by the Council on Accreditation of the Educator Preparation site.

Consider a sponsored online teaching program currently accepting applicants for 2024.

School Program Admissions

University of West Alabama

Online Bachelor's, Masters, Doctorate, Education Specialist and Alternative Class A Programs
Choose from more than 40 certification and non-certification education programs that can enhance your career as an educator inside or outside the classroom.
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Maryville University

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership online from Maryville University in as few as 32 months. Prepare to impact higher education on a sweeping scale.
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The University of Texas Permian Basin

MA in Special Education
CAEP-accredited, Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
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Purdue University

Online MS in Education
Specialized degrees in Special Education, Curriculum Instruction, Learning Design and Technology.
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Education Requirements

History teachers can major in History as an undergraduate and then minor in Education. This program options enables students to successfully pass the exams they need to apply for a state teaching license.

The History courses that students study for while pursuing this major in college prepares them to take the History content exams necessary in order to apply for a license in the state in which they plan to teach. The Education courses also prepare students to successfully pass the education exams needed for a teaching license.

Other options are available. Students have the choice at some colleges to major in Secondary Education and minor in History. Either course offers students enough classes in each subject to pass their state regulated exams for a teaching license.

Most teachers pursue a master's degree, and some states now require a master's degree from teachers before they are hired. A master's degree in History would enhance any teacher's knowledge base in the field of History. Some teachers complete a master's degree before applying for their state license.

A master's degree in History would ensure success on the state regulated tests that are required before applying for license. Some teachers start their careers as History teachers and then later pursue a master's degree.

Although not as many colleges offer a master's degree in History online as they do a master's in Education, there are still several out there. Completing a master's degree in History online gives teachers the flexibility of working full time while pursuing a higher degree for teaching.

Online Master's Degrees

Whether pursuing a master's degree in Education or History, students have various options of online degree programs. Earning a degree online is convenient and flexible for people who are already working a full-time job.

A master's of Arts in History typically takes about 2 years to complete while going to school part-time. An average program requires around 36 graduate hours. Some programs offer a comprehensive exam in place of a thesis project.

A variety of colleges and universities across the nation offer online Master degrees in History. With a Master degree in History, teachers can teach grades 7-12, or at an adult high school, or on a college level.

Teachers in the field of Education who are teaching English might choose to earn a master's degree in Education instead of History. Likewise, a master's degree in Education takes around 2 years to complete while attending college part-time.

A master's degree earned in any subject can open advanced opportunities for teachers as well as an increase in their salary. A master's degree is required by some states before applying for a teaching license.

Why a Master’s Degree in History Education Matters

Geared toward current history and social studies teachers, a master’s degree in history education combines professional training in secondary teaching with an in-depth exploration of theory and practice. With this added education and experience, you’ll emerge from your degree program as a stronger educator, better prepared to serve students. Teachers with a master’s degree in history may also earn a higher salary in certain school districts, and become qualified for opportunities in school leadership.

Curriculum for Master’s in History Education Programs

Throughout your degree program, you’ll have the chance to learn new approaches to teaching history, form ties to academic historians, and experiment with curriculum development. Many programs include a mandatory internship or thesis; some will even help you acquire a secondary school teaching certification. Consult with the program coordinator if you have questions about what a particular program entails. Specific courses in master’s in history education programs typically include:

  • Curriculum Development
  • History Courses (American History, World History, European History, Western Civilization)
  • Research Seminar in History
  • Teaching Social Sciences

Where You Can Earn an Online Master’s Degree in History Education

The availability of online master’s in history education degrees has grown in recent years, with a number of schools opening up new programs to serve history educators. Online degree choices include:

  • The University of West Alabama’s online master of arts in teaching serves both certified and non-certified candidates. Those seeking to focus on history are required to complete coursework in both U.S. history and world history.
  • The three-year online master of arts in history from West Kentucky University is designed to prepare candidates to teach history on the junior and senior college level. To increase one-to-one interaction, students are asked to nominate a faculty member to mentor them in their chosen concentration.

Social networks and professional contacts may be of use when considering which program to pursue. See if your colleagues or supervisors have any recommendations.

Common Questions About an Online Masters Degree in History

Can this degree lead to leadership positions in education?

Students entering into history-focused education programs can be a great resource for schools and colleges interested in providing great quality programs to students. In most cases, leadership positions in schools may require professionals to have an advanced education degree as well as some experience in the field. If you have experience as a teacher and are pursuing an advanced education degree, you could be considered for higher-tier positions in your school.

Does this degree program provide generalized information on different levels of history or should I pursue a specialty?

Most Master in Education – History programs can provide students with a well-rounded portfolio of history topics. While there are specialized programs available to students interested in focusing on particular aspect of history, most programs seek to cover all generalized areas of history for educational purposes. The courses you can take during your program can help to introduce you to each of these areas throughout your experience.

Do I need teaching experience to enroll in this program?

Depending on the program you choose, you may or may not be required to be a seasoned educator. Some schools provide all-inclusive programs suitable for people from all undergraduate programs. Others may be built around a history of educational experience. Therefore, there may be schools available for students with or without teaching experience.

What grade level can I teach with this degree?

The majority of online Masters in Education – History programs available throughout the U.S. may cater to the needs of grades 6-12 students. However, having a masters in this discipline can also align you with what is required of university history instructors as well. Depending on what type of student you wish to work with, there are likely availability for graduates with this degree in both areas.

Steps to Licensure

A career in the public school system is positively challenging, yet provides a fulfilling career. In order to become a certified teacher, one must apply for licensure in their practicing state. TeachingDegrees.com has all of the information that you need in order to apply for licensure.

In order to apply for a license, you must at least hold a Bachelor’s degree. Various licenses are available and depend on your degree and amount of experience. Passing state mandated exams is necessary in most cases before the license application process takes place.

When applying to become a History teacher, applicants will have a to take a series of History content exams as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams. Each state requires its own minimum score.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree, teachers are required to have successfully passed a series of mandated state tests that are regulated through the Department of Education in each state. A History content exam will be given in order to add a History endorsement to a teaching license.

Once an applicant as met the minimum score requirements, they can apply online through the state licensing board of education. In order to be able to teach, applicants must pass exams related to the field of education that focus on the theories and methods in the field.

The State Department of Education requires a copy of your college degree, transcripts and your exam scores. Once all of those items have been sent in to the considering state, applicants fill out required paperwork or go online for processing.

Once prospective teachers have obtained a license and are certified, they are eligible to begin teaching in that state. In rare occasions, a school district can hire a teacher who has not completed the licensing process, yet.

If you are hired for a History teaching job and do not have a license, you typically have to complete any courses you are lacking and pass your exams within a three year period or less.

The local school district can assist the process as well once you’ve been offered a job. Some states have the applications online. A license must be earned within 1-3 years after being hired without one or the school system will not be able to renew your contract.

If teachers want to add a certification to teach a new subject or different grade level, then an examination is required. Specific state scores have been set with minimum requirements in order to add the certification to a current, active teaching license.

TeachingDegrees.com offers information from each state on the certification and licensing process. All information provided on TeachingDegrees.com comes from the Council for the Accreditation on Educator Preparation.

Types of History Teaching Degrees

If you are interested in a career as an History teacher, there are numerous degrees that you can earn.

Some teachers want to work with Middle School students. There are options to earn a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on grades 4-8. In this case, you could minor in History, so that you complete college with enough hours to teach that subject to middle school students.

Other teachers like working with older adolescents in high school in grades 9-12. If this interests you, you can major in History and minor in Secondary Education. This ensures that you can apply for a teaching license in both the subject of History and to teach grades 9-12 on a high school level.

Some people interested in History might want to earn a master’s degree in History and teach on a community college level. Several colleges offer online master’s degrees in History. Or if a teacher has a master’s degree in Education with at least 18 hours of graduate History courses, they are qualified to teach on a community college level.

Earning an History degree and properly passing state exams to receive licensure typically qualifies educators to teach History grades 7-12.

Types of Teaching Careers

If you have a passion for discussing wars, and time periods, and writing research papers, then becoming a History teacher might be your dream job. If you are interested in a career as a History teacher, there are numerous paths that you can follow.

There is a great need for teachers who want to work with Middle School students, typically grades 6-8, but sometimes as low as 4-8. There are options to earn a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on grades 4-8.

If considering this route, you could minor in History, so that you complete college with enough hours to teach that subject to middle school students. And major in Education to learn classroom skills and behavior management techniques.

A lot of new and passionate teachers want to work with older adolescents in high school in grades 9-12. If this interests you, you can major in History and minor in Secondary Education. This helps mandate the regulations you need to apply for a teaching license in both the subject of History and to teach grades 9-12 on a high school level.

Other teaching options for History majors or adult high schools. A lot of older students are going back to night school and completing their high school education.

Some people interested in History might want to earn a master’s degree in History and teach on a community college level. Several colleges offer online master’s degrees in History. Or if a teacher has a master’s degree in Education with at least 18 hours of graduate History courses, they are qualified to teach on a community college level.

Teaching History on any level is both exciting and rewarding. School systems all over the county are currently seeking qualified applicants.

History teachers may teach at the secondary or college level. Secondary history teachers generally acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education or in a specific history field. State certification is generally required regardless of degree. Professors teaching at the college or university level generally obtain a Masters Degree in an aspect of American or World History. History teachers are required to be well versed in a complex array of subjects, including: Economics and Financial Systems, World Religions, Sociology and Cultural Studies, Political Science, Civics, and Geography.

History teachers must be able to engage students with material and demonstrate the applicability of studies to current events. Individuals with a passion for teaching who have an interest in history or world events are good prospects for becoming a history teacher.

This position often offers summers off, which history teachers may use to travel and broaden their knowledge of the past. Cultural travels are common during the summer for history teachers, though some teachers may choose to teach summer school to assist struggling students. History teachers generally work set hours, with weekends off, though some teachers may choose to coach or participate in extra curricular activities during this time.

History teachers must demonstrate personal drive and skilled organization, with these skills and a passion for history, interest in the past can be continued to the next generation.