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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. History

Teaching Social Studies

History instructor with history student

History majors interested in public education at the secondary school level will need to consider many factors, including job trends at the local, state, and national levels as well as the varying certification requirements in different locales. A number of states now require secondary school teachers to have an academic degree in the liberal arts and sciences, with history often the preferred discipline for social studies teachers. In addition, social studies teachers interested in pursuing an M.A. in history should realize that many graduate programs strongly prefer if not require that applicants already possess a B.A. in History.

Teacher Certification Programs in Pennsylvania

There are ninety-three colleges and universities in the state that offer teacher education programs. Some of these schools offer one-year certification programs for students who already hold a B.A. or B.S. degree. Careful use of elective credits while an undergraduate can help meet certification requirements: consult the program requirements of your schools of interest.

Teacher Certification Information Outside of Pennsylvania

A number of states now require public school teachers to hold a degree in a major in the liberal arts and sciences. There is also information on regional employment trends. Consult the following sites for more information.

  • Occupational Information Network
    This site provides projected hiring trends in secondary education in all fifty states.
  • National Council for the Social Studies
    This site provides information about the field of social studies education.
  • States Outside Pennsylvania
    To find information about specific states, go to Google and search "State" Department of Education, then search for "teacher certification requirements."

History

  • Request Information about History
  • Degree Information
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Objectives and Outcomes
  • Courses in History
  • History Handbook
    • History Major Requirements
    • Study Abroad
    • Careers for History Majors
    • Internet Resources
    • Graduate Study
  • History Major Checksheet
  • Teaching Social Studies
  • Senior Theses and Internships
  • Highways to History: High School History Presentations
  • History Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Division of Arts and Humanities
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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    • Penn State Altoona Connect
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Penn State University
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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