History and Social Sciences Education Major
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**Available to students entering on or after fall 2021.**
History teachers encourage students to view the world from multiple perspectives, preparing them to be informed and thoughtful citizens of the world, both past and present.
LOW
STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO
TOP 10
HISTORY TEACHERS ARE ONE OF THE TOP 10 CRITICAL SHORTAGE AREAS IN VIRGINIA
100%
GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT RATE
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED, AWARD-WINNING FACULTY
Total Credit Hours: 120
Major Courses (81 hours)
Elective Courses (12 hours)
General Education (27 hours)
Is it possible to double major?
Yes, our students have the opportunity to double major in education and history. Academic advisors are available to help you plan your course of study.
What You'll Study
- 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education, including Virginia Tech’s Pathways
- 36 credit hours of education courses, which includes fieldwork and practicum courses, Educational Psychology for PK-12 Teachers, Educating Exceptional Learners, and Secondary School Teaching Methods
- 45 credit hours of history and social science courses, including African American History, World History, United States History, Digital Planet, History of Capitalism, and Historical Methods or Research Methods in Political Science
- All required coursework and practical experience prepares students for Licensure in History and Social Science Secondary Education (Grades 6 through 12) in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Curious how the degree requirements will fit into your experience at Virginia Tech? See the roadmaps below for a sample schedule of courses each year. Your academic advisor will help you create a personalized version based on your goals and other areas of interest. The individualized plan will also include your AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit.
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What is a Major in History and Social Sciences Education?
History teachers encourage students to view the world from multiple perspectives and become informed citizens through courses like United States and World History, Political Science, Government, Geography, Civics, and Economics. They facilitate learning by providing stimulating discussions, readings, and projects. They contextualize and provide structure to help students comprehend and process the significance of difficult social and political issues.
Why Study History and Social Sciences Education Here?
The program is designed to prepare reflective teachers who are ready, willing, and able to facilitate the type of systematic critical literacy work that is a vital part of preparing 21st-century citizens. Inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogy are important aspects of our teacher preparation. Faculty model techniques in their courses that graduates practice in their PK-12 classrooms. We embrace these values in educator preparation: equity and access, reflective practice, and learner-centeredness.
Beyond the Classroom
Undergraduate Research
We place a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, so there are many opportunities to submit papers to conferences and publish research in peer-reviewed journals. You can design your own research project, work closely with a faculty advisor to plan a course of action, or you can participate in a collaborative project where you help a faculty member with their research.
Opportunities to Study Abroad
EDCI 3954/5954: Informal Learning in Northern England.
Coast to Coast: Cultural Curriculum, Creative Technologies, Common People, Coal and Curries (3 credit hours).
History education majors are given priority for the limited spots available!
- Engage in comparative cultural fieldwork that explores how the cultural curriculum shapes people’s understanding of culture, diversity, representations, and history.
- Build virtual and augmented reality tours of your explorations.
- Visit cities and towns, such as: Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Halifax, York, Hull, London.
- Excursions includes: International Slavery Museum, Radical History Walks, National Coal Mining Museum, National Archives, Football (the people’s game), Brit Rail Adventures, and more!
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Get Experience
Take advantage of in-classroom opportunities that prepare students for employment immediately after graduation. Students' complete student teaching in local classrooms, additional optional field study, and volunteer in the community.
What Our Students Are Saying
"The education program at Virginia Tech always keeps the motto "Ut Prosim" - That I May Serve, in mind while leading students to become teachers. Students access a network of resources to prepare graduates for a life in the education field, including a cohort with whom new teachers can rely on even after the program has ended."
Alix Tobasco, M.A.Ed, History and Social Sciences Education, '15
Careers and Further Study
Bethany Stewart, '21
Through the field study experience, Bethany worked with a US History and Government teacher at a local high school. She engaged with students in small groups, graded assessments, and gained insight into collaboration between co-teachers. Bethany plans to incorporate these classroom experiences into her professional roles.
What do I do with a history and social sciences major?
Our students earn real-world experience that helps them land a job when they graduate and training that is relevant for their professional and personal future growth. Many choose to teach for several years, and then go on to graduate school to expand their career opportunities.
Here are some common jobs titles of our graduates:
- High School Social Sciences (Social Studies) Teacher
- Middle School Social Sciences (Social Studies) Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Private Tutor
- Online Educator
- Academic Advisor
- Museum Educational Outreach
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