History Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of History Licensure (5-12)

Three history students sitting at a table, smiling, surrounded by bookshelves filled with books.

Transforming Passion for History into a Teaching Career

ºÚÁÏÍø offers a comprehensive and accredited pathway for students seeking licensure to teach History at the middle or high school level. Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), the History teacher licensure program ensures that future educators are well-prepared to meet state standards. 

Students in this program benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that blends a solid academic foundation in historical content with interdisciplinary coursework in geography, political science, and economics. The required History major provides depth and breadth across U.S., European, and world history, while the professional sequence focuses on instructional strategies, adolescent development, multicultural education, and special education. Students also gain valuable classroom experience through field-based courses and a student teaching practicum, ensuring they are confident and capable when they enter their own classrooms.

Program Highlights

  • Combines the History major with coursework in education
  • Offers hands-on courses and a semester practicum in a middle or high school setting
  • Ongoing advising and mentorship from experienced faculty
  • Prepares you for MTEL and Massachusetts licensure

Inspire Curiosity. Lead With Knowledge.

Start your history teaching career at ºÚÁÏÍø.

Where Passion for History Meets the Art of Teaching

  • History students discussing an undergraduate research poster presentation.

    A Balanced Foundation in History and Education

    At ºÚÁÏÍø, students pursuing a career in history education gain a deep understanding of both the subject matter and effective teaching techniques. In addition to their History major, students engage in specialized education courses that focus on the development of teaching skills for middle and high school classrooms. These courses explore key areas such as adolescent psychology, instructional methods for diverse learners, and strategies for fostering an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.

  • Student engaging in a classroom activity with guidance from a faculty member.

    Hands-On Teaching and Mentorship

    The program emphasizes real-world teaching. From introductory classroom observations to a full-semester student teaching practicum, students receive hands-on experience supported by faculty mentors and professional educators, helping them grow in confidence and competence before entering the profession.

  • Students working on a project in a history class with a map displayed behind them.

    A Path to Licensure and Beyond

    ºÚÁÏÍø’s program prepares students for success in meeting all licensure requirements set by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. With preparation for MTEL exams, academic advising, and a clearly structured professional sequence, students graduate ready to lead their own classrooms and make a lasting impact as educators.

I love the one-on-one atmosphere because it gives me opportunities to build bonds with my professors. I’m very close to them, and when I need something, they help me. 

Paige Freeman, '24

What Can You Do with a History Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of History Licensure (5–12)?

A History (B.A.) with Teacher of History Licensure (5–12) opens up a range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Middle or High School History Teacher (Grades 5–12)
  • Curriculum Developer or Instructional Coordinator
  • Museum or Historical Site Educator
  • Public Historian or Archivist
  • Teaching Assistant
Paige Freeman, a senior at the University. She is outside, near the Ely building. She has long, brown hair and a gray sweatshirt which says "ºÚÁÏÍø" in blue lettering. Blurred out trees, grass, and the sidewalk are in the background.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

ºÚÁÏÍø's educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The ºÚÁÏÍø program for licensure for teachers of History has been recognized by the National Council for the Social Studies.

Teacher of History (5-12) Requirements
Students wishing to be licensed to teach History at the Middle or High School level must complete the following:

  • All courses for the History major (45 credits);

  • The following core courses which may be selected from the Common Core requirements (a minimum grade of B- is required);

  • Two courses in Geography

  • One course in Political Science

  • One course in Economics or  

  • The Professional Sequence for Middle and Secondary (36 credits);

  •  Credits: 3

Student progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see the section on .

In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL; i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests).

Requirements for the History Major - 45 Credits

Required Major Core - 27 Credits

Students must earn at least 21 of their history credits from ºÚÁÏÍø.

  • or HIST 0332 - Methods of Teaching History: Middle and Secondary (for students seeking Licensure for Teacher of History)

History Distribution Electives - 18 Credits

Student must select six history electives totaling at least 18 credits. Students may not select more than four courses from any one area of history (United States, European, or World) in fulfilling this requirement. 

Note:

Students must complete at least two electives at the 0300-level. A three-credit internship may be used to fulfill one 200-level elective course. Students may not take more than two independent study courses. Students who are considering graduate school strongly are encouraged to take a foreign language.

 may count as a Eurpoean history elective when the topic is the Holocaust.

Students interested in teacher licensure MUST meet with the program director, to ensure that they enroll in courses which meet the requirements of that program.

Professional Sequence: Middle and Secondary (Grades 5-12)

The Professional Sequence for Middle and Secondary must be completed by students intending to teach an academic subject area in the Middle or Secondary School. Students must complete an academic major in the subject area in which the licensure is sought.

Professional Sequence Core:

  • or EDUC 0220 - Schools in US Society Credits: 3 (*FB)

Professional Sequence Courses Middle and Secondary:

  •  Appropriate academic Methods course, such as the following:
  •  Note: *FB indicates Field Based course.

Practicum

Appropriate academic Practicum and Seminar, such as the following:

  • *Must take EDUC 0300 - Practicum Seminar (2 credits) as a co-requisite.
  • **Middle and Secondary education students in English must take ENGL 0322.
Pedagogical Coursework

An overall 2.8 GPA plus a 3.0 GPA in the pedagogical sequence specific to your licensure program prior to practicum is required. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the  and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in  or .

Get Big-School Features with Small-School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You’ll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 92%+

    of faculty hold doctorates

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries 

Accessible Faculty and Personalized Attention

As a history major at ºÚÁÏÍø, you’ll benefit from the expertise of both our history and philosophy faculty. Every history class has 30 students (or fewer) and the advisor-to-advisee ratio is 1:12. You’ll receive one-on-one, specialized attention to help you succeed and meet your academic and professional preparation goals. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work and study alongside your professors, giving you a unique first-hand learning experience. 

Eleven History Department faculty members smiling in group photo. Six are standing and five are sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ºÚÁÏÍø accredited?

ºÚÁÏÍø is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The ºÚÁÏÍø program for licensure for teachers of history has been recognized by the National Council for the Social Studies. Our educator preparation programs are also approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

ºÚÁÏÍø does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).   

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the established by the in order to qualify for admission to a state university. 

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does ºÚÁÏÍø cost?

ºÚÁÏÍø offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost — with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

Trending

Related Programs

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

History Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of History Licensure (5-12)