History Education Secondary Education
Program Requirements
History Education Secondary Education, BS Program Checksheet
- Major Courses, General Education Courses, and Minor Courses
- Admission and Transfer Requirements
- Graduation Requirements
Why Choose History Education?
History is more than the study of the past, it also involves the study of change and continuity over time. According to historian and educator Peter Stearns, "Only through studying history can we grasp how things change; only through history can we begin to comprehend the factors that cause change; and only through history can we understand what elements of an institution or a society persist despite change." History education is an ideal choice for any student who finds they are always asking "why?" and then, once learning the answer, wants to share that knowledge and insight with others. In today's society, history education is especially relevant. Trained history educators will play an important role in helping future generations understand the world around them - whether in terms of understanding the root causes of social or political conflict or better appreciating diverse cultural values or valuing democratic institutions and ideals.
Career Opportunities
Current employment opportunities in the field of history education are based on two key factors. Both on a national and state level there is a common theme of the extreme need for teachers and adequately prepared history teachers. Concerns at the beginning of the decade focused primarily on the issue of the retirement for a significant number of educators, in the Michigan Education Report of 2001. Teacher shortages in Michigan are predicted to be most severe at the secondary education level. The issue of teacher shortage due to retirement has been compounded by the impact of the federal law No Child Left Behind (2003). NCLB seeks to redress a major issue - teachers who teach in content areas where they have little or or no formal training. This issue is especially relevant to the field of history.
Teacher Certification Requirements
As required by the State of Michigan to receive teacher certification, all teacher candidates must: (1) meet the MDE (CAEP) cohort requirements, (2) pass the pedagogy tests in their subject area majors and minors, and (3) have a 2.75 minimum GPA to receive teacher certification in Michigan. These state requirements are in addition to the FSU graduation requirements of your individual program.
More Information
School of Education
Bishop Hall Room 421
Ferris State University
1349 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2737
Telephone: (231) 591-5361
Directed Electives
Core Required Courses
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