History (B.A.) with Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification

Program Overview

History majors wishing to be certified for social studies teaching on the secondary level (grades 7–12) may do so by admission into the Teacher Education Program. In addition to the history major, students use their elective credits for supporting courses in economics, politics, psychology, geography, and education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s History program can:

1. Explain past political, social, cultural, economic, and religious practices and structures of United States, Western, and World History.
2. Explain principal theories, concepts, practices and ethical issues of the discipline of history.
3. Conduct analysis of primary and secondary sources and effectively communicate analysis.
4. Identify, select, and interpret texts and other cultural resources to produce synthetic interpretations of the past.
5. Articulate how historical study creates opportunities for employment, graduate studies, service, and public outreach.
6. Develop skills that prepare for work, service, and citizenship beyond graduation.
7. Articulate the ways that Christian faith intersects with historical thinking from a variety of traditions.

Students who complete the Messiah University Teacher Education Program will demonstrate:

1. Christian faith and values in personal and professional life.
2. Professional attitudes that reflect an understanding of schools and a commitment to teaching.
3. Subject matter depth and an understanding of the relationships between and among curricular areas.
4. Theoretical knowledge of learning and related instructional practices that support learning.
5. Empirical inquiry skills such as observation, hypothesis-testing, data collection, and data analysis.
6. Acquisition, analysis, evaluation, and integration of new knowledge throughout professional practice.
7. Appropriate professional responses to the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations (e.g., teachers, students, families, school districts, communities) associated with educational environments.
8. Professional communication (speaking, writing, listening) and technology skills.
9. Reflective decision-making and problem-solving skills.
10. Instructional planning and assessment skills that facilitate equitable participation, an accepting and supportive learning environment, and maximum development for all learners.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits of pre-1865 American History:

Three credits of post-1865 American History:

Three credits of General Education Intercultural Perspectives - Global:

Three additional credits from the following 200-level courses:

Six credits from the following 300-level European History seminars:

Six credits from the following 300-level World History seminars:

Three credits from the following 300-level American History seminars:

Teaching Certification Requirements

Three credits from the following: (3)

Professional Semester:

General Education Requirements