History and Social Sciences Education Major
Why Study History and Social Sciences Education at Virginia Tech?
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.
Low
Student-Faculty Ratio
Top 10
Critical Shortage Areas in Virginia
100%
Graduate Employment Rate
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.
Careers and Further Study
What can you do with a major in History and Social Sciences Education?
Jobs Held by 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
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Virginia Tech discloses whether its educational programs leading to careers that require licensure meet educational requirements for professional licensure in each state, view the determinations for each state here.
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
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.
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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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.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
History and Social Sciences Education Major Requirements
- African American History
- World History
- United States History
- Digital Planet
- History of Capitalism
- Historical Methods or Research Methods in Political Science
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Education
27 hrs
General Education
81 hrs
Major Requirements
27 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.